Restaurant Review

Milly Jones

The Crystal Café and Bake Shop, 314 Main Street, Grand Junction. Phone 970/242-8843.

Serving Hours: Mon-Fri- Breakfast 7:00 am-10:15 am, Continental Breakfast 10:15 am-11:00 am, Lunch 11:00 am-1:45 pm; Sat- Breakfast only 8:00 am-12:00 noon; Mon-Fri-shop open at least until 3:00 pm; Sat- open till 1:00 pm.

If you are ever passing through Grand Junction, or if you are lucky enough to live there, be sure to stop at this restaurant. It is cozy and inviting, with excellent food. Owners Harley and Caryl Rudofsky have created a retreat from the hustle-bustle world—a place you’ll want to go back to again and again. When I first sat down, I was greeted by a friendly waitperson and pretty woven tablemats and napkins in the same colors that cover Western Colorado’s beautiful landscape—green, blue, beige, orange, and yellow. Fresh flowers and a small pumpkin graced the table. A carafe of water and a basket of delicious, hot, wheat bread were already on the table.

The tantalizing aromas in the air made me wish I had made it in time for breakfast. From the separate breakfast menu, I could have ordered the "Vegetarian Scramble" ($6.75), one of the delicacies "From the Griddle" (price varying depending on size of order), the "Bagel Breakfast Sandwich" ($6.50), or "Fruit & Cereal" ($3.25-$7.25). There are many "Side orders" like Hash Browns, toast and muffins, and Fresh Poached Apples.

I had, in fact, arrived at lunchtime, yet was not to be disappointed. Looking at the extensive lunch menu, it was hard to pass up the "Grilled Eggplant Sandwich" ($6.50) for the "Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich with basil mayo & pesto tomato"( $7.75). Other choices that sounded good were "Grilled Veggies with feta mayo in a fresh pita" ($6.50), "Taco Salad with vegetarian black beans" ($5.00), and homemade soup (cup $4.25, bowl $4.75). The menu states "No substitutions, please."

While I was waiting for my meal, I had a chance to enjoy the interesting and original art on the walls. The skylight above let in the bright sunlight and gave me a feeling all was well with the world. My sandwich came quickly and was delectable—very juicy, flavorful and cooked in olive oil and served with a delicious homemade mayonnaise sauce. This sandwich wins over all the other P.M. sandwiches I’ve ever eaten! I was weary from driving a long distance from Salt Lake City, and homemade Hot Cocoa with whipped cream really hit the spot. Both food and drink were really hot and yummy, fortifying me for the remainder of my drive to Denver.

Before I left, owner Harley Rudofsky came over to chat with me. Harley told me his wife, Caryl, orchestrates the cooking and oversees the chef. Caryl has cooked and baked with some of the best cooks around the world. She and husband Harley delighted patrons at the Crystal Lodge in Lake City, Colorado for 17 years, where Harley says they got their "doctorate degree"! They have been in Grand Junction for 7 years, winning the Best of West award for breakfast for the year 2000, as featured in the Daily Sentinel. As I was leaving, Harley generously slipped me a bag of surprises from the bakery—the best pastries I’ve ever tasted. Congratulations, Caryl and Harley, on your wonderful contribution to the world of restaurants! I’m already planning my next trip to Grand Junction!

Happy New Year - Milly Jones