Garden-fresh fruits and veggies can really kick a meal up a notch. Willow Culbertson, Owner and Creator of Garden Café at 23 South Jackson St. in Media, knows this quite well. Since opening the casually quaint café in the fall, Culbertson continuously strives to create a menu that reflects the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is crafted using hand-selected produce grown by trusted farmers in the area.
I stopped in for lunch recently and found out firsthand the many reasons why you should make Garden Café your next stop. I’ll start with seven.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Australia
Ten years ago, Willow was studying for her master’s degree in Norway and hoped to continue her education in Australia. That was until her sister, Rainy Culbertson, convinced Willow to come home to tend to some family matters. The rest, they say, is history. The Culbertson sisters then opened the doors to Koffee Korner, and it has since become a landmark in Media known for its quick and friendly service and delicious breakfast and lunch. A decade later, Willow launched a new labor of love, Garden Café, located next to Koffee Korner.
Why Mess with a Good Thing?
When asked about her desire to open the new restaurant when Koffee Korner has seen steady success for more than a decade, Willow said simply, “It was time.”
“We took our most popular specials at Koffee Korner, like the quiche, soups, salads and paninis, and are concentrating on them here. We were running out of space and now I have it over here,” she said. “I’ve heard from so many people, including attorneys, who would like to bring clients [to Koffee Korner], but it’s too loud to hear because of hustle and bustle. Here, it’s quiet and more laid back. We’re filling a void.”
Straight from the Garden
The name “Garden Café,” she explained, reflects the one thing that has never changed over the past 10 years: the produce fresh from the farm, fresh from the garden.
“We’ve lived in California and here in Media. We’re bicoastal kids, so our food is influenced heavily by culinary trends in California. We started serving avocados before they were really popular,” said Willow. “It’s what makes us stand out.”
Quiche, Crepes & Pot Pies, Oh My!
Savory but healthy quiche, crepes and pot pies aren’t easy to come by in the area, but Garden Café offers a wide selection.
I ordered the French Garden Keepers Quiche, a buttery, flaky crust filled with eggs, brie, Swiss cheese and bacon, drizzled with crème fraiche and a petite salad with a light vinaigrette on the side. The personal quiche for $6.50 is more than enough for a satisfying lunch. Oh, and every quiche is less than 400 calories!
I also sampled the Roma Crepes, gluten-free buckwheat crepes filled with sausage, peppers, onions, eggs and cheddar cheese. They’re served with seasoned red-bliss-potato home fries. The crepes and potatoes go for $8, are beautifully presented and are quite filling.
Willow and her team create house-made pot pies each day and, depending on the day, she’ll whip one up with her Norwegian experience in mind.
“I just made a traditional Norwegian recipe with salmon marinated in lime and seasoning,” she said. “I have one customer who comes and buys several different pot pies, freezes them and takes them out for dinner during the week.”
Yum. I’ll have to try a pot pie next.
When Life Hands You Lemons
What’s better than house-made lemonade served in a mason jar with a lemon wedge? It’s bright, sweet, tart, refreshing and reminds you of a sunny summer day, even on a damp, wintry day.
‘Cuz It’s All About the Coffee
Willow proudly serves the ever-popular, world-renowned La Colombe Coffee at Garden Cafe.
“We’ve been serving it for 10 years; I’m not going to mess around with that,” she laughs. “My dad used to drive to Philly to get it. It’s a favorite for sure.”
Tazo Herbal Teas are also on the drink menu.
Mangia! Famous Italian Pastries
You can pair that cup o’ joe with an authentic Italian pastry. Garden Café carries Viso’s, a Delaware County favorite. Growing up Italian, I can honestly say the filled-to-order cannolis, ricotta cheese please, are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Garden Café is open from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. seven days a week and serves breakfast and lunch all day. Willow said they’ll stay open until 9 p.m. during Dining Under the Stars and add outside seating. P.S.: Both restaurants are hiring new staff for the busy upcoming season.
Find Garden Café at 23 S. Jackson St. in Media; phone: (484) 444-2424.
Photos: Lauren Avellino Turton
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