Review: Sunday Press impresses with fresh, healthy choices

Let me tell you up front. I was aware that Sunday Press wasn’t going to be my usual meat-and-potatoes kind of place. I’m a guy who would normally choose a chicken fried steak and sweet tea over Strawberry & Crème Fraiche and Butterfly Pea Tea Latte.

And yes, those are on the menu here.

Upon entering Sunday Press, 3315 Ella Blvd., you’ll notice it is spotlessly clean and orderly with a bright and pleasant feel. It’s a younger crowd, thus smart phones and laptops abound. Even so, there was plenty of conversation going on and you get the sense this is a place you can relax amid the overhanging plants and cheery natural light.

There is a large menu on the wall next to the glass counter containing a cornucopia of sweet treats, including many varieties of flashy macarons. You order at the counter and take your food back to the table. The young staff was enthusiastic and helpful. If desired, they will heat your order up and bring it to you. Most everything you see is made in-house.

I will eat a salad … when coerced. Don’t tell my buddies, but on this day I decided to try Cassie’s Signature Salad, hoping to counteract some recent poor nutritional choices.

It turns out, against all biased odds on my part, that this salad was the star of the show. If $10.75 sounds like a lot for a salad in a plastic to-go container, I would normally agree. But this bountiful, leafy creation packs a punch and could easily be shared.

Fresh romaine, cabbage, parsley and cucumber make up the green stuff. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, red onions, sweet peppers, dates and … wait for it … candied pecans, and you have a virtual symphony of flavors.

However, the MVP of this salad is the house creamy Mediterranean Vinaigrette. I

would eat/drink it eight days a week. I hope Sunday Press bottles, markets and sells this wondrous purple elixir.

On a second visit we tried several other items.

The bacon, egg and cheese breakfast taco was up to par with ample ingredients, but lacked the zing you would get from a good taqueria, which is my baseline for these critical comparisons.

The pre-packaged chicken salad sandwich was on fresh bread with crust removed. It was creamy and tasty with the requisite Granny Smith apples, celery, red onions and plenty of chicken.

The hot Italian sandwich with salami, pepperoni, ham, mozzarella, Italian herb butter and giardiniera peppers on a ciabatta bun was decent but not a show-stopper.

The White Chocolate Macadamia cookie had good flavor but I found it to be on the dry side. It wasn’t Ree Drummonds’ recipe, but it was probably healthier. Choices, choices.

They have many unique beverage choices. My cappuccino was smooth and creamy, just as I like it.

Maybe next time I’ll live on the wild side and sample the Honey Lavender London Fog.

They have a points program that rewards you on future visits. And check out their fun “Events” tab on their website, sunday-press.com. Maybe join them for “National Tell a Joke Day.” We could all use a laugh these days, am I right?

Rather than being a coffee shop that offers food as an afterthought, Sunday Press has better food offerings than many of its chain competitors and provides an inviting atmosphere for working, studying or just enjoying a nice, relaxing latté with a friend.

There is a drive-through available for morning commuters. Online ordering is available, too.

Sunday Press is located on bustling Ella Boulevard.

Sunday Press

Address: 3315 Ella Blvd.

Dining options: Dine-in, takeout, drive-through

Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily

Entrée prices: $2.95-$10.75

Beverage prices: $3-$7

Kid-friendly: Yes (kids meals available)

Senior discount: No

Alcohol: No

Healthy options: Yes (in abundance)

Star of the show: Cassie’s Signature Salad

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 bites