A Breakfast to Remember at Sophia’s Cafe & Bakery

Evening,

If you are wired like me, a  hearty Sunday morning breakfast is a tradition as important as a crisp Friday night fish fry. This past Sunday morning I was invited to brave the fog and join two friends of mine to SOPHIA’S BAKERY AND CAFE located in the culture rich 800 block of E. Johnson St., Madison, WI, ; 259-1506. I walk past the many small shops adorned with art and graffiti, I get that feeling that one can only get here in Madison, home sweet home. Looking back home sweet home really embodies this entire experience.

 I saw my friends waiting outside this modest looking cafe, and I can’t imagine what I was getting myself into. As we entered, I was astonished that this cafe was size of my bedroom at best! I took a few minutes to adjust before I could even look at the menu which was written on a blackboard in a barely legible manor. It was a very limited menu, but I sensed that Sophia new how to make a quality breakfast. Omelette’s with butternut squash, banana pancakes, egg croissants, cherry crepes, and breakfast potatoes seemed to sum it up. Clearly some items were wiped from the morning’s menu, which I can only assume were the crowd favorites. I cased Sophia’s Cafe, and observed the relaxed patrons as they enjoyed their breakfast. My eyes settled on a young woman with the cherry crepes, her obvious enjoyment sold me on the dish. I fought my way through the crowd to the glass counter which was right out of a 1950’s pie diner, and was greeted by a lovely young woman with a delightful personality. My order was taken with a smile, and the classic “hun” was used generously. Once complete I wedged myself into a corner until there was seating available for our group. Sure enough a short 5 minutes later three seats opened up, and we seated ourselves with a group of polite strangers. I took a minute to take in the scenery, the cafe itself had a very homey atmosphere with great scents, and scenery. The majority of the customers were undoubtedly regulars, and I’d imagine they wouldn’t have looked more comfortable in their living rooms. I glanced around and noticed that all of the plates, mugs and water glasses we unique, just as if I were to go into my kitchent cupboard. Then an adorable little girl that couldn’t have been more than 5 comes out from behind the kitchen and starts bussing tables (as much as 5 year old can) that were just barely shorter than her. At this point I reached a comfort level, I have never achieved in a restaurant, it was almost a 180 degree turn from the awkwardness I felt when I first entered. After a brief chat with my friends, our food arrived hot, and very well presented. I tossed back what surely was fresh squeezed orange juice to cleanse my palette, and started in on my cherry crepes. The thin pancake was just the right thickness, and crisp as opposed to the rubber crepes I have experienced elsewhere. The cherries were sweet, but not sour, and were complimented well by the generous dollop of whipped cream. Our conversation stopped which is truly a sign of great food. I intercepted different compliments from the hungry crowd on everything from the service, to the potatoe side dish at Sophie’s Cafe and Bakery. My dining experience had come to an end, perfectly satisfied, and ready to continue my day. Thank you Claire and Becca for the invitation, it was a phenomenal dining experience one will only find in Madison, and I suggest that all of you make it a point to get to Sophia’s Cafe and Bakery, 831 E. Johnson, Madison, WI.

 Happy Eating,

Brett Boettge
Team Leader
Keller Williams Realty