I've driven by Cafe Kubal, at 3501 James St., in Syracuse's Eastwood neighborhood, literally hundreds of times.
It won't be long before I go back.
Maybe you've seen the sign above on the awning of the tiny storefront in the Eastwood Plaza, next to the Sacred Melody Parable Christian Store.
Inside you'll find a tiny but efficient space with five seats, a refrigerator case holding yogurt parfaits and containers of delicious Wake Robin Farm yogurts (made at a family farm in Jordan) for sale, a choice of two soups and a hummous-and-pita plate for lunch, milkshakes, cookies and other baked goods and a long list of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks. There's also a small patio, with tables, umbrellas and seating for about 10 more people.
I planned just to treat myself to a scoop of Purity ice cream, a tasty mainstay of Ithaca's food culture that's now served at several spots in the Salt City, but ended up treating myself to a complete lunch: homemade chipotle chicken chowder served in a big cappuccino mug, plus ice cream and coffee for dessert. And not just any old coffee: Coffee roasted on-site, in a vintage roaster.
The soup was rich, thick and slightly smoky in flavor, thanks to the chipotle peppers, and loaded with chunks of chicken and potatoes. A trio of wheat pita triangles was served on the side.
A more reasonable person would have been content with the soup, which was really quite filling. But no, I had to have a scoop of Purity's Boomberry, or black raspberry ice cream studded with cherries, blueberries and strawberries.
That's a really generous single scoop, don't you think?
The next time I'm tempted, I'm going to do my waistline a favor and ask for the "junior" cup.
I don't think my soul will mind.
During ice cream season, Cafe Kubal (278-2812) is open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays. The cafe is closed on Sundays.
If you're a fan of Purity ice cream but can't get to Ithaca any time soon, it's also being served at Funk 'n' Waffles, near Syracuse University, and at KSB Desserts, at the Regional Market Commons, on Park Street.
