Java City Cafe delights

John Volo

I planned to lunch with my friend Alison on Friday. What I had not

planned on, however, was the arctic chill that swept through

Huntington Beach mid-week. With the early morning frosts still fresh

in my mind, I knew we needed an eatery that exuded warmth: someplace

with steaming soups, hot tea and fresh baked goods.

The Java City cafe, in Five Points Plaza, fit the bill perfectly.

We elected to sit outside because, on this afternoon, the sun was

radiant (not to mention there are much larger tables outside). After

Alison and I decided what we wanted, I went inside to place the

order. For a first-timer, this is easier said than done. Alma, the

accommodating girl behind the counter, quickly sensed my confusion (I

attempted to order food in the drink line and vice-versa) and

personally guided me through the process. I successfully navigated my

way to our table with food and drink intact.

Alison opted for the Thai chicken salad ($5.40), which is served

pre-made in a plastic container. Do not be fooled; this salad oozes

freshness and is a real standout. Fresh, crisp lettuce is topped with

moist grilled chicken, plump and juicy mandarin orange slices, and

full--on sprigs of cilantro (no microscopic green choppings here).

Served on the side, to be used to your liking, are chow mein noodles

you’d swear were baked in the back room (they’re not) and a tangy

peanut dressing. One of Java City’s freshly baked rolls would have

made a nice sidekick.

Java City serves award-winning Bewley’s tea. Alison warmed herself

with a Chai tea latte hinting of sweetness, but still maintaining its

customary spice.

I elected to go with the soup and half sandwich combo ($5.75). I

was planning on ordering the Rosemary chicken sandwich, which I heard

is delicious. Instead, I found the turkey and apple sandwich

intriguing. Prompted by Alison, I bravely ordered this unique

concoction of roasted turkey breast topped with sliced Granny Smith

apple and cheddar cheese, all on a French baguette with honey

mustard. The baguette, baked on premises, was awesome: crispy

outside, light and fluffy inside. The honey mustard offset the

slightly tart apples, making for a great sandwich.

The second half of my lunch combo was beef vegetable soup (clam

chowder was my other option). This cup of soup is a beef broth loaded

with potato squares and flat noodles. There was also some corn, a

little onion, and one (yes, one) mushroom sliver. Aside from

achieving its desired task of warming me up, this soup was tasty.

My drink of choice was a huge, I mean huge (28oz.), iced mocha for

$3.15. This chocolaty delight gets thumbs up for both taste and

value. My buddy, Big Jim, later told me the white chocolate mocha was

his all-time favorite coffee drink.

Now that the tea, the soup, and the sun had sufficiently thawed

Alison and me, we headed inside for dessert. As if it wasn’t hard

enough to choose from all the visually appealing cookies, muffins,

cakes and croissants, there was the tantalizing aroma of freshly

baked goodies wafting through the air. It took much willpower to

limit us to just two deserts. Alison thoroughly enjoyed her

saucer-sized, chocolate-covered shortbread cookie ($1.95), as I

indulged in a chocolate--filled croissant dusted with powdered sugar

($1.85). We washed down our goodies with a small carton of milk

($1.10), much like we did back in grade school.

While the menu has several innovative sandwiches (think turkey

with cranberry, vegetarian with sun-dried tomato), one can customize

their own sandwich for $5.25. You start by choosing freshly baked

bread--sourdough, honey wheat, baguette, multi grain or French loaf.

Next you select your meat (or tuna/chicken salad) and cheese,

followed by veggie toppings and condiments. Add a side (chips, fruit,

baby carrots or a cookie) and fountain drink.

Whether you’re seeking solace from the winter weather, or a

respite from your Christmas shopping, the Java City cafe heeds your

needs.

* JOHN VOLO is the Independent restaurant critic. If you have

comments or suggestions, e-mail hbindy@latimes.com