Fresh Strawberry Crepe
Landmark Café Crêperie

Landmark Café Crêperie

62 S Seminary St, Galesburg, United States Of America, 61401

Cafe • Pizza • Bistro • Coffee


"Crepes—aren’t they just thin pancakes? Or maybe pancakes are just a type of crepe? My friend Laura told me about this place and suggested we take a day trip to Galesburg. She had been there before and couldn’t stop raving about it, insisting I needed to check it out. Without any hesitation, I agreed. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect and even now, I feel like I haven’t fully processed the interior of the restaurant. It had a somewhat upscale vibe, but there was also a terrace with outdoor seating that had a tropical feel to it—a bit of a contrast. Once we settled in, we started looking over the menu. I expected it to be more of a casual cafe menu, focusing on breakfast items, so I was surprised to find something more akin to a full restaurant. Initially, I planned to order breakfast, but after seeing the diverse menu, I was torn. Eventually, I opted for a grilled sandwich, either the White BBQ Chicken or Turkey Melt, paired with a side of chips. When my sandwich arrived, it looked quite simple. Meanwhile, I noticed what my friends had ordered and felt an immediate pang of “food envy.” But I reminded myself that it’s not about how food looks, but how it tastes in the end. I decided to try the chips first, which are a local favorite. They tasted incredibly homemade—very fresh. This made me eager to dig into my sandwich. What I initially thought was a basic plate presentation turned out to be misleading. The flavor blew me away. I remember thinking that this is what premium food tastes like—fresh ingredients without skimping on quality. I devoured my sandwich quickly; I finished mine before Matt or Laura were even halfway through their meals. I have to admit, I’m quite fast when it comes to food, especially when it’s delicious. The pricing is a bit on the higher side, around $12 per person, but the quality of the food made it worth every penny. If you can splurge a little for a great meal, I say go for it. We originally planned to indulge in crepes, but I ended up with a sandwich instead. My friends raved about the crepes, and I hope to try them someday. For now, I’ll savor the memory of that fantastic sandwich."

Cafe Lumar

Cafe Lumar

136 E Colorado Blvd, 91016, Monrovia, United States

Cafe • Cafés • Bistro • American


"A quick Google search for LuMar won't give you much information about this charming eatery located in Old Town Monrovia. To understand the story behind its name, you'll need to speak with the owner, Dragica Grabovac, who named the restaurant after her two children, Lucia and Mario. They were teenagers when Cafe LuMar opened its doors in early 2012, and now, as the restaurant embarks on its ninth year, it embodies the spirit of a beloved neighborhood spot. While you might think that most of the menu isn't Croatian, that would overlook the rich influences that shape Croatian cuisine, which borrows flavors from various parts of Europe. One dish that proudly represents Croatian traditions is sarma, a delicious stuffed cabbage dish that's popular throughout the Balkans. At Cafe LuMar, the cabbage leaves are expertly prepared and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, and rice, all smothered in a delightful sauce. Another Balkan favorite you won't want to miss is ćevapi. These skinless sausages are always juicy and are given just the right amount of char from the grill to enhance their robust flavor. For a complete experience, tear off a piece of warm pita, wrap it around a sausage, and dip it in the rich red pepper ajvar. During our visit, our friendly server playfully noted, "You are not Croatian!" when they noticed that most of the raw onions remained on my plate. Apparently, this was a clear indication, as any self-respecting Croatian would have been asking for more."