By Pamela Brownstein
The qualities that make the original City Java & News on Carteret Street a success — good coffee, homemade
ingredients, a sleek decor, talented staff and a friendly atmosphere — are replicated at the new City Java location on Ribaut Road, at the former home of Carolina Dog & Deli across from Beaufort Memorial Hospital.
We started by sharing bowls of the Curry Coconut Chicken Soup of the Day. I am not usually a big soup lover, but the flavors in this bowl were so fabulous and enticing, I had to remind myself I was sharing with Nikki otherwise I would have spooned up the whole thing. Especially with this colder weather, I can’t think of a better item to order to warm your belly and please your taste buds.
The lunch menu offers yummy soups, salads, sandwiches and sides, and it’s hard to choose because — as The Lunch Bunch learned — they are all delicious.
Kim called dibbs on the Grilled Bacon and Goat Cheese sandwich with housemade date relish on whole grain bread. The melted goat cheese and salty bacon combo was rich and heavenly.
I ordered the Smoked Salmon and Beet Salad — mixed greens, lentils, goat cheese, hot smoked salmon and roasted beets with homemade sherry vinaigrette dressing. The warm chunks of smoked salmon made every bite sing; this salad was so amazing. I truly think I could eat it every day and be happy.
Elizabeth also loved her Roasted Seasonal Root Vegetable Salad topped with pumpkin seeds, housemade ricotta cheese and carrot vinaigrette dressing. It looked so colorful and delicious on the plate, and she said it was great.
Nikki tried the Roasted Turkey Breast sandwich made with Gouda, mango chutney, lettuce, tomato and onion. She really liked it, and she also really liked her side of chips (she ate them all).
Irene’s Korean Braised Pork sandwich was recommended by our friendly server. It comes hot-pressed with housemade kimchi on Portuguese bread.
Owner Matt McAlhaney said plans are in the works for a pickup window.
The new City Java is located at 968 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC, 29902. It is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; lunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Sunday brunch will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call 843-470-JAVA.
