Bertha’s Cafe is a cozy little shop in the corner of a strip mall that sits on the northwest corner of 32nd street and Indian School. It would have to be classified as a destination location seeing as how you would never know it’s there unless someone told you about it or you visited one of the businesses right next door. I have no doubt that this piece of commercial real estate is on the affordable side. The location wouldn’t be my first, second, or fifteenth choice for that matter. But let me tell you, after visiting Bertha’s, the location is not an issue for this pseudo critic. Why? The food is great!
The atmosphere in Bertha’s was very relaxed. The music was subtle and had a “coffee house” sound to it. The colors inside the restaurant were predominately chocolate brown and a yellowish green. There wasn’t anything on the walls during my visit except for pieces of paper stating “New local artist coming soon.” Obviously, Bertha is in between artists. I’ll have to check back later to see how she combines local food with local art.
I enjoyed the overall relaxed feeling I had while in Bertha’s Cafe. It felt like a combination of deli, coffee shop, and sandwich shop. Beth, the owner/operator, was right out there taking orders and making drinks. I always like to see that. That’s probably why I like the mom & pop’s so much. With that being said, her sidekick was less than friendly. Trust me, I know how the restaurant biz can be and I know what a long day or a bad day can do to a person; however, a smile and some common courtesy just isn’t that much to ask for. I was especially surprised to receive this lackluster attitude when the owner was working shoulder to shoulder with this gentleman. Either way, the food was fantastic.
I ordered, of course, the Salami, Pesto and Goat Cheese Sandwich that was included in Phoenix Magazine’s “21 Best Sandwiches.” With the sandwich ordered, I couldn’t dare walk out of there without ordering their soup of the day, Meatball Pesto Soup. I’m a sucker for a good meatball! The sandwich was a tasteful combination of Italian dry salami (that they didn’t skimp on), creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and mixed greens. I’m guessing the bread was either done in house or by a proven, local baker. The bread was full of flavor, slightly chewy (think french bread) and perfect for this particular sandwich. Even the novice would notice that Bertha’s uses quality, fresh ingredients. I was particularly impressed with the mixed greens on the sandwich. This wasn’t your drab iceberg, romaine mix. All the ingredients were wonderful and worked well together to provide a sandwich worthy of a “best of” list.
The soup, which was a pleasant surprise, had a rich tomato flavor with small pieces of ditalini pasta and a few homemade meatballs sprinkled in. It was topped with a dollop of homemade pesto and a little bit of cheese. It was like turning a great spaghetti and meatballs dinner into a soup. After devouring the sandwich I had planned on having only a few bites of the soup and giving the rest to my girlfriend in an act of generosity. I know, I know, what a gentleman. Well, generosity went out the window and I slammed the soup like there was a fire in my stomach and meatball soup was the extinguisher. Um, umm!
Oh, and let me not forget Bertha’s greatest gift the chocolate-marshmallow cookie. It’s like they knew I was coming in and they wanted to make sure I danced out the door with joy. If there is one thing I absolutely can not resist it’s something chocolatey with marshmallows in it. It was soft, warm and as tasty as you could only imagine.
Beth, Bertha, Dude with no smile, whoever I should be talking to...thank you for a wonderful meal!
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I give the Salami Pesto and Goat Cheese:
4 out of 5 “M’s” for a M-m-m-m
I give the Meatball Pesto Soup and Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie:
5 out of 5 “M’s” for a M-m-m-m-m!
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Much Love - Munch Love,
Alex
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