In a town dominated by chain food, out of the box ideas really have to stand out and one of our favorite stops in Green Bay, WI is Kavarna Coffeehouse adjoined by Parisi’s Delicatessen.
There are so many things I love about these two restaurants, starting first with the owners, Alex and Linda Galt. They are two of the most exquisite folks you’ll ever meet. They are focused and care very much about their trade and what they have to offer the general public. You sense this attitude of food knowledge and warmth when you enter their two adjoining restaurants, Kavarna and Parisi’s Deli.
We have a long history of frequenting this venue and have watched it go through many changes. All for the better! Although, if they hadn’t changed they still would have been exactly what we craved. Besides the immediate feeling of welcome by the staff and owners, the decor is creative and clever recycling. Eye candy everywhere. From the sand blasted brick walls and exposed ceiling, especially delightful for Craig as he is a builder and love to see the under work, to the windows on the front of the building. And if earth tones aren’t your thing you cross over to the Parisi’s side and experience the calming creams and and light pastels. The clean lines and softness of these colors makes me feel like I’m sitting beachside in the French Riviera in the 1930’s, so I tend to sit on this side even when I order from the Kavarna side.
Kavarna: The food is delightful! It was the Black Bean Burger that one me over on my first visit some 10 years ago. I think Andy Gordon made my first one and to this day if he’s in the kitchen I’m confident that all will be well with my dining experience. Since then I’ve enjoyed the Cheesy Artichoke, the Black Bean Quesodilla. And, the Sweet Potato Fries are out of this world.
Parisi’s: I’ve lived in Wisconsin for nearly half of my life so cheese has become a mainstay in my diet. I tend to shy away from the highly processed cheese curds and orange cheddar’s but a sharp white or a soft goat cheese or brie and I’m in cheese heaven. So, When Alex and Linda decided to bring in Parisi’s Delicatessen I couldn’t have been more excited. It is a full service delicatessen specializing in artisanal meats and cheeses, particularly from Wisconsin. My favorite so far is the “New Deal” incorporating the most beautiful spreadable cheese from Belgioioso, Prosciutto di Parma and argula on a baguette. Pure yumminess!
Whether you choose the Kavarna side or Parisi’s side or a little of both, they will run you about the same price. For a sandwich (side of chips or grapes) and Rosewater Lemonade, my beverage of choice, the bill usually ends up about $12-15. So, this tends to be a place that I meet friends out at or a lunch date with Craig. On the rare occasion that the whole family goes we usually share a couple of sandwiches and soup for a final bill of $40 or we can spend half of that if we stop in for dessert and coffee, both of which are top notch.
Another side note, sometimes Alex hosts music and over the past 5 years we have played a handful of times. He also hosts “talks” and they are actively involved in the Broadway Farmers Market. I love their sense of community and openness to bring real food to Green Bay. There would be a huge void without them. That is the truth.
Tillers & Travelers 