JENNIFER JOHNSON: AFFAIRS CAFE & BAKERY >>>

Walking in the door and immediately being confronted by glass cooler display cases overflowing with decadent desserts of all shapes, types and sizes was enough to make me wish I had a metabolism that would let me get away with having a slice of cake with a side of pie for lunch. Reluctantly dragging my eyes away, my companion and I were seated at a small, yet comfortable table along a brick wall. Our position gave us prime people-watching time throughout lunch and allowed us to enjoy the sunlight without needing to keep our sunglasses on during the meal, as a woman at a nearby table did.

Service was quick, polite and on the mark. A $8.25 lunch special consisting of half of a sandwich and a cup of soup sounded good. But it turned out to be uninspired baked turkey and cranberry cream cheese on white bread and was borderline dry. The smoked salmon Caesar salad ($9.50) offered a perfect balance of tart dressing with crisp romaine and moist flavorful fish. Freshly baked focaccia bread was a nice change from typical toasted French rolls.

They are open for breakfast and lunch Monday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

[Affairs Cafe & Bakery, 2811 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.565.8604]

LINK: Download affairs_breakfast_menu.pdf
LINK: Download affairs_lunch_menu.pdf