You just never know where or which Columbus Chow-ers will discover a neat restaurant. Today was such a day! The old 'Southsider' was invited to spend the day on board a 38 foot Island Packet sailboat, named Class Act, skippered by local barrister Scott Shaw. Jersey Boy stayed in bed. So at 0-dark-thirty I headed north; to the north coast of America. If you are un-familiar with the harbors and islands of the Ohio, especially around Sandusky Bay then prepare to be impressed; Put-In-Bay, Kelly Island, Lakeside, Sandusky and of course, the iconic Cedar Point Amusement Park. But the real economic engine is Lake Erie fishing. And those early risers need grub and the go-to joint in Port Clinton is ALa Carte Café. My skipper took me to this 23 year institution to enjoy what everybody in this part of the world knows.
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| When you are THE CAPTAIN you can relax while your SAILORS do the work! |
Opening at 4:30 am everyday of the week during fishing season and following the sun the rest of the year this little place serves a powerhouse breakfast. We sauntered in (sailors saunter don't you know) at 8:30 and grabbed the last two seats. This place was packed! Housed in a cinderblock storefront with cabinets and countertops from Home Depot, freshly painted and spotlessly clean the 'Front of the House or FOH' is tightly laided out and everybody sits close together. What a wonderful feeling when you walk in the door to a new place and find every seat taken. The national chains would kill for this business.
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| Lisa Black and Ellie Carte...two very nice, and happy, restaurateurs |
23 years ago Denny and his bride, Ellie Carte opened for hungry fishermen and last January passed the spatula to Lisa and Bill Black. Lisa, their niece, had spend the last twenty years teaching food service in the Ottawa School System, so she was ready.
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| Capt. Scott is at a loss for words as our feast is served by Diane. |
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| Was the food good? Let the plates decide. |
To the menu You Shout! It's traditional American Grub. Eggs, Bacon, Ham, Sausage...great portions and all at a very moderate price. I had two eggs, corned beef hash and a homemade biscuit...Captain Scot and I split a Quarter Order of Hashbrowns and still had some leftovers. The traditional breakfast that we try to have at all of our stops is Two eggs, meat, and toast. At Ala Carte it was $5.95. Very moderate pricing. For lunch they've got fresh lake perch and other nice entrees. Close at 2pm.
Lisa runs a very competent and skilled staff. While her first love (after Bill) is the griddle she handles the FOH with the skill of a traffic cop. Tight spaces call for tight coordination with FOH and the Back of the House (BOH.) In all my foodservice experience I've never seen a restaurant with two griddles located on opposite walls....I can't begin to tell you how difficult it is coordinate having all the items you need to be ready at the same time....it's hard enough when the grills are located next to each other; it's impossible to do it when you can't see the grill. Lisa and her crew make it look easy...
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| The North Grill and ten feet away.... |
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| The South Grill |
ALA Carte Café
225 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH
419/734-9939
4 Bellies!
Voted Best Breakfast in Ottawa County for 2014
