Academy Cafe

Aw, what can I say about the Culinary Academy to help you really understand how amazing it is?
You know what? You need to just… GO there. Go there now. Don’t stop to put on a coat or to turn of the television. Look at yourself, you’re withering away, you’re starving! Look at your bones! What would your meemaw say?
HURRY! Drive at the posted speed if you must, park and then run in. Ask one of the delightfully cheerful students to seat you near the window and then order. NO you do NOT need to see the menu! I’ll tell you what you want! If you’re there for breakfast you want one of two things: The Quevos Rancheros which are spicy, indulgent and waaay affordable. Or you want the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with those two sweet sauces (raspberry sauce and lemon curd! uh… yum!!)
If you’re there for lunch you want the Frisco Burger and fries (ask for the homemade ranch dressing, it is to die for… seriously…I tried to steal the recipe and was nearly beheaded). If you’re not in the mood for a burger (why?) then take your pick of whatever the special is for that day. I have never ordered a bad special here. Ever. Their soups are delicious, and I cannot believe students make them because they are always seasoned perfectly. I went last spring and they had a carnitas torta, best one I’ve ever had and I am Mexican. It had a creamy spicy sauce, succulent braised pork and a crunchy fresh slaw. I am waiting (very impatiently) for this sandwich to return next spring. Also, whatever you DO decided to order for lunch, ADD fries. Even if it’s to the chicken crepes (which are off the charts creamy), add fries. You WANT fries. You mostly want THESE fries. Why? Because they are hand cut and fried fresh everyday, oh and they sprinkle crack on them… I am pretty sure. Best fries in N. County… dare I say? I do… I do dare. Here’s the thing (besides the amazingly affordable prices, great location, service and delish food) what you’re buying helps keep this place open. I hear high school kids get to ditch out on like 2 classes to come here and cook for me (or you). I mean… who doesn’t want to support high school kids getting to ditch out on, let’s say, a history class (ew) or algebra (gross, seriously). The fact is that this is a real hidden gem of N.County. I realize it’s across the street from a pretty legit burger place and believe me, few people like burgers as much as this girl, but I frequently have to park in front of THAT burger joint to WALK to the Academy Café because the parking lot there is FULL. #impressedyet?