New Village Bread Cafe makes going to the Landing a pleasure

[fsu813]

Any of you who have read my food reviews with any regularity know that I haven't shown much love for The Jacksonville Landing in the past. But friends, with the arrival of the Village Bread Cafe, all that is in the past.

Three of us went there for lunch last week and were boggled by the amount of food, the quality and options available in this recently opened spot. It is located on the "front" side of the Landing, facing downtown instead of the river, but the owners have smartened up the space with comfortable seating on one side and a very promising bar on the other.

I had The Village Duo ($7.95), an option comprised of half a sandwich and a "small" bowl of soup. First off, I love that your half sandwich can be any sandwich on the menu, not just a select few. I ordered the Village Club ($8.25 on its own) and was frankly astonished when it arrived at the table. The freshly baked white country bread was thickly sliced and toasted and held together at least 2 inches of roasted turkey, sliced ham, applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, Cheddar and mixed greens.

The "small" bowl of Rustic Potato Bacon Soup ($3.95) was enough to feed me for two days. The soup was cheesy, with chunks of tender potatoes and crispy bacon. Best of all were the thinly sliced scallions on top. It was a baked potato in a bowl.

Another winner was my companion's Curried Chicken Salad ($7.95). Chunky bites of chicken breast were mixed with golden raisins, toasted pecans and dressed with a fragrant yellow curry sauce. Again, this was a two-handed affair served atop slices of multi-grain bread.

Compliments again went out for the paninis, this time for a lovely Smoked Ham, Swiss & Bacon ($8.45). The panini was crisp and warmed all the way through with a spicy honey mustard added a nice kick. However, a bowl of tomato soup served on the side was disappointingly thick and sweet.

We couldn't go back to the office without some treats, and you may find yourself unable to resist either. The brownies got a big "thumbs up" from co-workers, while the various cupcakes - red velvet, chocolate and lemon - disappeared so fast I can only assume they were good. I think I will have to take a trip back to the Village Bread Cafe again so I can find out for myself.

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/dining_out/2010-02-11/story/restaurant_review_new_village_bread_cafe_makes_going_to_th

[RockStar]

Really glad to hear that!! Love the soup/sammy combo...esp during the weather we've been having! Will hit it tom.

~j

[bainsworth]

So glad you love Village Bread - I'll be sure to share your positive feedback with them!! It definitely is a treat to Downtown. Their blueberry bagels with cream cheese are DELICIOUS!! As well as the Spinach and Feta Omelet .. MMMMMM!!

[Bostech]

Their bakery sure does smell good.
Do they have website ?

[subro]

I don't know if they have a website but you can download their menu off of the Landing's website:

http://www.jacksonvillelanding.com/dining-nightlife/village-bread-cafe-opening-october-2009/

[RockStar]

Ate there today...very pleased.

Staff were very nice.

They brought out bread and herbed olive oil to munch on while I was waiting for my soup/sammy...who does that at fast casual?

Cali BLT was excellent...would prefer sliced romas to beefsteak toms, but my opinion. Mixed field greens on salad instead of iceberg was the right touch. Avocado spread, awesome.

Brought me the wrong soup, but I didn't care once I tasted it.

I like it.