THURSTON COUNTY BOUNTY >>>
We in the South Sound are fortunate. Restaurants are still opening in our area, despite the nasty economy. For Pete's sake, Thurston County restaurants Smitty's Pizza, Cancun Plaza and El Sarape (West Olympia) have closed.
But, we're happy to report that The Cornerstone café will open next weekend in the space formerly occupied by Little Roni's Sandwich Shop on Fourth Avenue in Olympia. If you love Le Voyeur, this salad-sandwich-breakfast joint should be right up your alley. The Widespread Panic army will find comfort in its tripping atmosphere and wooden crate seats. Push open the red screen door and toss back fresh and blended juices, plus five smoothies including the GranolaBar with bananas, oats, sunflower seeds, cocoa powder and almonds (($7.50).
The cornerstone of The Cornerstone is community. Their creative vegan and vegetarian and gluten free offerings will be all organic from local farms and producers. When you sit on a crate and chow down on the Golden Dome - a scramble tofu, steamed vegetables and sweet potatoes covered in vegan gravy ($7.50) - you'll know the ingredients came from your neighbors. It's comforting to know the Vita Salad ($4.50) - kale, parsley, celery, chard, carrots and apples - might have been harvested the same day.
Can you dig?
Opening Saturday, Oct. 1
301 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia
360.250. 8364