Think of Cuzi Fresh Cafe in Alpharetta as something akin to Atlanta Bread Co. (or Panera Bread Co.) and you probably won’t be disappointed. Breakfast served all day, soups, salads, sandwiches and a wide variety of baked goods, desserts and espresso drinks are all on the menu at this family owned bakery/cafe on Old Milton Parkway.
Brookside Station
Cuzi occupies a sprawling former Atlanta Bread Co. space in Brookside Station, a retail complex that’s also home to a number of fast casual chain restaurants, such as Jersey Mike’s.
Up against those big guys, owner Janis Cusimano aims to offer a friendly neighborhood vibe. Throughout the day, you’ll find regulars hanging out with a latte and a laptop, taking advantage of the Wi-Fi. And there’s no scarcity of places to land, with small and large tables, booths and even a few sofas scattered in every direction.
Cuzi favorites
Cuzi proudly advertises using Boar’s Head brand deli meats. That might have been the thing to do in the not so distant past. But nowadays — with the availability of products from local purveyors like Patak Meat in Austell and the reality of more restaurants curing and smoking their own meats — it seems like something of an anachronism.
Still, “Cuzi Fave Sandwiches” come with a pickle spear and a choice of chips or an apple and most are priced at $6.59. That’s a good deal. And for 99 cents more, you can substitute a deli salad or mac-and-cheese.
Popular combos include the Cuban Panini Press, with roasted pork, ham, Swiss, mustard, mayo and pickles, and the Ham and Brie, with apple slices, honey mustard and field greens on a baguette. The Euro Panini ($5.89) is a spicy mix of prosciutto, salami, spinach, fresh basil and Dijon mustard.
Family secrets
The two most intriguing things on the menu are listed under “Secret Family Recipes.” Though they both reflect the Cusimano family’s Italian roots, each dish has something unexpected.
As you might expect, Julie’s Eggplant Melt ($7.39) is a variation on an eggplant sandwich, with breaded and fried eggplant, melted mozzarella, thick red sauce and a bit of basil. But it’s served open-faced on soft sourdough bread that quickly becomes soggy under all that stuff. Maybe that’s the secret?
Pop’s Siciliano Pasta ($6.99) is made with what the menu calls “Sicilian fritters.” Essentially flat meatless meatballs made with bread crumbs and spices, they’re served over penne pasta with red sauce and Parmesan. Vegetarians may appreciate the creation simply because it’s not one of those fake meat things. Omnivores may long for more meaty meatballs.
The newest thing at Cuzi is dinner, served until 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, when French crepes are the featured special.
Dining out
Cuzi Fresh Cafe
Address, phone: 4075 Old Milton Parkway, 678-867-9854
Signature dish: Sandwiches
Entree prices: $5.39 to $7.39
Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 7 a.m. -9 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays for the summer.
Credit cards: Yes
Online: www.cuzifreshcafe.com
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