Take 2 Cafe offers new taste to Winchester
By BETH MOLAND
News-Gazette reporter
The location is the same, the dining area is the same, the kitchen has not changed, but many things are different and new about Take 2 Cafe and Express Bar. The "wireless" new diner on the south side of the square replaces the former Cinema Cafe. New owners Elizabeth McAllister and her mother Nancy Barnes are excited about their new venture in the restaurant business.
"When we stopped to think about what we wanted to offer, we thought about what people go out of town for," McAllister said. "We thought about Panera Bread food, movies, artwork and we wanted to bring that to Winchester. "
These visionary women, who also own and operate the local House of Flavors restaurant on W. Washington, settled on a menu that focuses on healthy items. Soups, salads and sandwiches are their main fare.
Particularly, wraps and panini sandwiches with crusty Italian bread grilled to specifications is something they hope will be a draw for the public. Homemade soups, consisting of broccoli and cheddar, chicken and wild rice and country vegetable offers more wholesome foods to savor.
Items for children, a few grill items and homemade desserts by local baker Mary McCoy will round out the menu. (This reporter can attest to the delectable apple dumplings and creme puffs.)
"We're wireless now, too," McAllister said. "And all the artwork in the place is from my grandpa ( Roy Barnes). With us having the opening just two weeks after his death, it's meaningful to use his artwork, too."
Gracing the walls with Barnes' (a noted artist) sculptures and artwork adds a relaxed art gallery feel to the place.
Also, the ladies are doing their part to help the Winchester economy by hiring new employees.
"We're trying to get some good people that we can leave in charge," McAllister said. "So, we can still work at our other restaurant, too, and at home."
Hours for the diner will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
