Getting the opportunity to write a review of Cafe Alma also provided me with my first chance to visit Pleasant Ridge. Although it sits comfortably within the city, this neighborhood has a casual warmth and easy charm that I found quite appealing. It left me wanting to explore more in the near future.
So before returning to Cafe Alma, I revisited Pleasant Ridge to get a fuller sense of the area — and in no time I got an unexpected surprise.
While trying out a neighborhood brewpub, another patron sat down nearby and apologized to the server for not ordering lunch… because he had just eaten at Cafe Alma.
I couldn’t resist asking, “What did you have?”
The gentleman’s face lit up as he told me just how great his salmon sandwich had been. I didn’t mention my ulterior motives for asking, so his unsolicited compliments continued unabated. Needless to say, hearing his delicious description had me mentally changing my breakfast plans for the next morning.
Sure enough, the next day found me back in Pleasant Ridge, happily seated at a table at Cafe Alma and ready for a healthy, delicious breakfast.
As most folks would agree, one of the most decadent — and best-known — breakfast dishes is Eggs Benedict. This classic remains a perennial standout, so I was all in for trying Cafe Alma’s kosher interpretation, called the NJB(enedict).
NJB(enedict)
The dish begins with a Montreal-style sesame bagel layered with cream cheese and lox. That rich base is then topped with perfectly soft poached eggs and an excellent hollandaise sauce.
I have to pause here to discuss hollandaise. While I am not a classically trained French chef, thanks to Julia Child I do know how authentic hollandaise is meant to be made. These days you see the words “hollandaise sauce” everywhere on menus, but what arrives at the table often has little in common with the real thing.
Cafe Alma, however, does not have this problem. Like so much of their menu, the kitchen produces quality cuisine prepared with skill, experience and — above all — care.
Back to the NJB(enedict): what a wonderful dish. The bagels made at Cafe Alma are superb, and the combination of flavors throughout the plate is striking. From the smoky lox to the delicate poached eggs garnished with dill, the NJB(enedict) proved to be a great way to start the day — light, satisfying and full of flavor. I highly recommend this morning repast for anyone looking for a somewhat exotic yet fully kosher breakfast option.
Max’s Challah French Toast
It’s also worth noting the wide variety of breakfast offerings available at Cafe Alma. Although the restaurant specializes in fresh, health-focused cuisine, it doesn’t cut corners on classic sweet breakfasts that any child would love. A perfect example is Max’s Challah French Toast. One glance at a photo of this decadent dish tells the story: thick slices of challah topped with colorful fruit, maple syrup and coconut whipped cream — more than enough to keep even the most determined sweet tooth happy.
All in all, Cafe Alma offers one of the healthiest and most delicious breakfast options in the city.
So if you find yourself near Pleasant Ridge and in the mood for a lovely morning meal, I urge you to experience Cafe Alma — a place where the last bite lingers long after it’s gone.
