Mystic Cafe, Lewiston
One of the most anticipated restaurant openings in 2014 was Lewiston’s Mystic Cafe.
People wondered what the newest sibling in the successful Happy Day Corp. restaurant chain would offer. Word was fresh food with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. In a region where meat, bread and iceberg lettuce reign, this was said with a bit of wonder.
A visit to the busy Mystic proves that people were hungry for fresh, by which I mean food that tastes alive because it recently came from the Earth and hasn’t been processed or fried into submission. The boutique cafe is a cozy space of a wood, brick, glass and jewel-toned decor. Weekend nights there’s live music under an antler chandelier.
Orders are placed at the counter where a glass case displays side salads made daily for lunch. In the rotation are Quinoa Caprese, Sesame Kale, Sweet Beet and Arugula, Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh, and Pesto Chicken Orzo (one for 4.95 to three for $10.95).
Sandwich combos come with a side salad or soup. Among the choices are Lamb Sliders — seasoned lamb patties, minty goat cheese spread and red onion confit with greens ($11.95). Avo-Whipped Tuna is albacore mixed with avocado instead of mayo served on open-faced ciabatta bread ($9.95). The Smokin’ Turkey ‘n Cheese sandwich ($10.95) uses meat from 4 Frendz Meat Market in Clarkston and Cougar Gold cheese from Pullman. For an additional $1, a sandwich can be ordered on gluten-free bread made at Bridge Bakery in Lewiston. A new kid’s menu includes sandwiches; Pick Up Sticks — grilled chicken sticks and veggies with a yogurt ranch dressing; and homemade Mac n’ Cheese ($4.95 each).
Mystic also serves breakfast and dinner and has a wine and beer bar. The morning frittata ($4.50) changes daily based on local item availability. A Breakfast Quesadilla ($6.50) includes chorizo, eggs, olives and more. There’s also granola, yogurt and pastries made from scratch and espresso drinks made with Doma coffee based in Post Falls.
Dinner features small plates or entrees. On the small side are Garlic Polenta Fries served with Sriracha aioli; the Dip Trio, with house-made hummus, tzatziki, and adzuki; and Chicken Wings, which change flavor weekly ($7.95 each). Entrees include steak, pork and chicken dishes but also Roasted Beet Salad with candied walnuts and goat cheese over kale and arugula ($13.95); Kobe Angus Burger ($14.95); Creamy Gnocchi ($17.96) and Deconstructed Seafood Pot Pie, an edamame succotash topped with lump crab, scallops, bay shrimp and creamy bechamel ($19.95).
The selection changes often. Two sandwiches I had, the Porta-Mystic and the Vegetarian Reuben, were not on the menu when I returned, which is to be expected as the dishes evolve and change at Mystic like the seasons.
Mystic Cafe is at 1303 Main St., Lewiston, (208) 743-1811.
Periodically, 360 features an area restaurant’s specialty. Restaurants can nominate their unique dishes at jkbauer@inland360.com.
