How Provincial was my Palate

Having challenged myself to dine somewhere new each month, I asked a wellness guru for her recommendation. "Caffe Niche (pronounced Neesh)," she said, without hesitation, "everything on the menu is good." Conveniently located on the NW corner of 800 E & 300 S, this downtown Salt Lake City neighborhood restaurant is just two blocks from the 900 E. Trax Station. Indoor dining as well as patio seating are available and there's a hitching post for bicycles. The noise level was a little loud because of an event going on that night. The menu lists sixteen different beverages, in addition to adult livations. I had a diet virgin Cuba Libre in a tall glass with a lime wedge.



The atmosphere is relaxed, their decor is simple yet elegant. I was seated promptly. My server made sure my water glass was always full. I began the meal with a house salad consisting of organic mixed greens tossed in zesty lemon vinaigrette, Niche candied walnuts and dried currants. Then ordered an entree, organic half chicken roasted in a marinade of herbs, garlic and lemon with a side of warm red quinoa and arugula. Eating quinoa was a new experience for me. Here's a description from Dietriffic.com "The taste and texture of quinoa is a bit like brown rice crossed with oatmeal. It's fluffy, creamy, crunchy and somewhat nutty, all rolled into one."

The women's single occupancy restroom was clean and neat with fragrance sticks from Golden Braid Books. After washing, I used a cloth like linen wipe and my hands were in heaven. I had to ask where they order them - Hoffmaster. Having made room for dessert I ordered chocolate verrine. That's what you call chocolate mouse, salted caramel, white chocolate pearls and whipped creme fraicne layered artfully in a small thick glass. Texture is important to me. For instance when enjoying a soft chewy cookie I don't want to bite into a hard candy shell. Though aesthetically pleasing and tasty, balls that go "crunch" don't belong in this mouth, when it's full of rich creamy pudding.