Business Review: Monument Cafe

The Monument Cafe in located in a beautiful building in Georgetown, Texas. Surrounded by raised beds and gardens, the sleek mid-Century modern building reminds me of a happier version of Hopper’s Nighthawks. When we are there, I expect to see men in fedoras to stroll in and sit at the counter. The simple decor makes the inside feel very restful and calm.

The food is equally pleasurable. We’ve been there several times over the last few months and have enjoyed everything we have ordered. The restaurant serves “locally-grown and organic vegetables, meat, and dairy to the greatest extent possible.” In addition to the food grown around the restaurant, the ingredients come from a network of local farmers developed over the restaurant’s seven year history. And the chefs are always experimenting with new ways to expand the local, organic options. Just recently, homemade ice cream was added to the menu!

The owner, Rusty Winkstern, is also working to expand the options for local food network for others. Beginning next month, he and his business partner Clark Lyda plan to open a market for fresh seasonal foods grown within a 250-mile radius. The Monument Market will be located at 1953 South Austin Avenue (the original cafe location for locals) and will be open to the public seven days a week.

The experience is rounded out by the friendly wait staff. The first time we thought we got lucky but, without exception, we have had helpful and pleasant servers. On our last visit, our eldest daughter placed her order herself (something she had been practicing with us beforehand since it made her a little nervous). When she ordered with a ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ our waitress said, “What nice manners!” and gave her a huge smile. Our daughter was thrilled! (As were Richard and I. I could have hugged our waitress for her kindness!) Richard and I have been talking with the girls about how important good manners are and how many people notice and appreciate them and here was proof. Having our kids hear that very message – independent from us – was so powerful!

So, in our quest to support local businesses, we found a gem that supports our local food network, satisfies our desire to eat healthy, organic food, and provides our whole family a truly enjoyable experience every time we visit. That is a win by any standard.

If you live in Central Texas, or are passing through, I highly recommend a visit to the Monument Cafe. If you don’t check the recipe section of the cafe’s website to get a little taste.

Photo by rutlo at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rutlo/ / CC BY 2.0

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