"This cute and cozy café in the heart of Alden just opened last summer during the pandemic. A vegan friend of mine knows the owner, and shared on their Instagram that vegan options were offered. I had watched the café grow on Instagram throughout the months, and I finally stopped by last week. The outside is deceiving; this is a pretty large café. There is ample seating and I liked the corner in the back. We will have to investigate more next time. They have a gelato area to your left when you walk in, and I am interested in seeing how that will work in the warmer months. Outdoor eaters can enjoy the picnic tables and small patio area. They have a cooler case in the middle with refrigerated baked goods (cake rolls, cupcakes, things with buttercream , to go chili/sauces/etc., and bottled drinks. The ordering area is lined with a long bakery case, full of all sorts of goodies. I was surprised by all the vegan alternatives and options; Vegan Outskirt sandwich, vegan breakfast sandwiches with Beyond Italian sweet sausage, vegan cheese, vegan mayo, vegan baked goods, vegan blueberry waffles, black bean burger, rolls are vegan, nondairy milks for coffee drinks. They are always adding new options if you stay tuned to their FB or Instagram. Even though we ate in, our food was served in to go boxes. I hope they change this because I like to avoid waste. Nevertheless, we were satisfied with all our choices. They veganized their Italian sausage hoagie special for my mom, and she also enjoyed their coffee and a pastry heart. Dad got a s 'mores cookie, diet Pepsi, and a tuna melt with turkey chili upgrade instead of chips on the side. I had the vegan outskirt sandwich, though the waffles for dinner were tempting. Breakfast is served all day too, which is always a bonus. The baked goods got rave reviews from my parents, and I look forward to trying their vegan treats. Our total was just over $30, which beats out chain café attempts, and the quality was exceptional. That focaccia bread alone will have me enjoying that sandwich over and over again. Service was typical for a café, and everyone was nice. I appreciate anyone who is patient with my dad he is very particular when it comes to onions being in things, and just a bit overbearing in general ; To be honest, we did not expect too much out of this café. Everything blew us away and it was such a nice evening here. Alden is winning with this gem, and I am thankful they are looking out for us vegans too."
