Downtown coffee shop gets a new name, keeps atmosphere
By Harry Poletes hpoletes@aol.com
Published: in Sioux Falls Argus Leader Nov 23, 2006
Michelle's is relaxed, cozy with gourmet surprises
The 300
block on Phillips
Avenue has long been
home to the hospitality business. Bars, restaurants and the city's finest movie
theater were popular drawing cards during the '30s, '40s and '50s. The State
Theater dated back to the '20s, along with the Palace of Sweets (now Minerva's).
Today, it still boasts five eateries including Michelle's, a recent entrant into
the Phillips feeding frenzy that operates in the space formerly occupied by
Coffee 'N Clay.
Michelle's is a laid-back, cozy coffee spot with a small menu of salads,
sandwiches, soups and wraps. Mismatched tables and chairs offer comfortable
seating, along with some sofas and stuffed chairs to sink into.
During a
lunch visit, two soups sounded promising. A featured white chicken chili ($2 a
cup) was full of white meat chunks, beans and vegetables in a spicy broth. The
black bean soup ($2 a cup) was thick and flavorful, packed with beans and tomato
chunks, and fragrant of cumin.
My guest's "house special" sandwich ($5.95) was a generous portion of thinly
sliced roast beef layered with provolone, mixed greens, seasonings and red wine
vinaigrette on a baguette. size without excess bread or vegetables spilling out.
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I usually
avoid wraps of any kind, but I gave in to the "Asian" ($5.95) wrap. Marinated
chicken chunks were combined with myriad cold, crunchy vegetables including
cabbage, bean sprouts, red pepper and scallions. Sesame seeds and almonds added
more crunch, and the sesame-ginger dressing pulled it all together.
On another visit, the place was busy with carry-out orders and several people at
the counter. Again, the service was personal and attentive as we ordered and
when the drinks and food were brought to the table.
My companion opted for a spinach salad ($6.95) which was cold and fresh with
lots of greens, strawberries, red onion, walnuts, crumbled chèvre cheese and a
zesty raspberry-walnut vinaigrette on the side. It's one of the best versions of
this salad I've tasted.
The
featured soup was tomato Florentine and my cupful ($2) was brimming with
spinach, macaroni, tomato chunks and vegetables in a rich tomato broth.
I ventured into the breakfast menu for a "Barbie's Heart Attack Special" ($3)
which is a luscious mix of peanut butter, bacon and cheddar cheese on crisp
whole wheat toast. It was great.
We had huge
cups of dark roast Kenyan coffee ($1.35) which they called "small." I also had a
double espresso ($1.50). This is probably the best value in town for excellent
coffee. The use of freshly roasted beans is certainly evident here.
Wine and beer, thoughtfully selected, make this a great after work spot. Late
evening hours and a relaxed atmosphere will, I am certain, provide a safe haven
for coffee or tea drinkers and bar patrons alike.
MICHELLE'S
Address:
324 S. Phillips Ave., Sioux Falls
Phone: 367-1100
Stars: Three
Health Score: 97 percent on Aug. 14
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.;
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
Credit Cards: Yes
Alcohol: Wine and beer
Wheelchair Access: Yes
Smoking section: No
