Urban Mom checks out the Urban Farmhouse Market and Cafe

Tonight I went to a friends, family, and fans party for the new Urban Farmhouse Market and Cafe in Shockoe Slip (1217 E. Cary Street). I was one of the first 20 "fans" on facebook to respond to their invitation. The building they are in is gorgeous! Right on the corner across Cary from La Grotta. They have done a great job with making the space bright, inviting and cozy with couches and chairs plus tables to sit at. The concept behind this cafe is local, sustainable, and healthy food that tastes great. My friend Barb and I shared a couple of menu items: a Winter Beet Salad with Oranges, Fennel and Mint and a Farmer's Grilled Cheese with Black Winter Truffle Oil. The salad was really tasty with goat cheese sprinkled on it and a dusting of fresh mint. The beets and fennel paired very nicely with the oranges. I would go back for that. The sandwich was good - the bread was homemade and it had the distinct flavor of truffle. I would have liked a bit more cheese on the bread, but I love cheese and there is never enough for me! The menu I grabbed didn't have prices on it yet, and the food was free for the party, so I can't tell you costs, though I believe they are in your normal sandwich/salad/soup cafe ball park. They haven't gotten their liquor license yet, but they plan on serving organic wine and beer. Since a glass of wine was not an option, I got a smoothie (ambrosia berry) that was quite tasty and Barb got a mocha that she deemed much better than Starbucks. The owner came by to talk to us and was very friendly and interested in promoting the produce/goods and the stories of the local farmers/purveyors who provide it. They also have some food items for sale such as organic honey, chips, coffee, and other healthy options. They also serve breakfast and are open M-F at 6:30 and at 7:30 am on weekends. They are open till 10:00 pm Sun-Thu and 11:00 pm on Fri-Sat.

I like the concept of this place and I hope it does well. Their website is: http://theurbanfarmhouse.net/ if you want to check out their full menu and see pictures of the rehab of the building.