Whenever I have a friend in town, I always try to stop by The Mud House, an ideal place to rest our feet after antiquing along Cherokee Street. Here, the hardest decision of your day (harder than deciding if you need that set of antique coupe glasses or that shoe-shaped ash tray) will be which dish to choose at this cozy cafe, where a full vegetable garden that sits right next door equates to meatless dishes galore.
The Portabello Reuben is a fine option, great to enjoy among the vibrant walls inside or under the shade of an umbrella on the patio. The rye bread is a crusty vehicle for the sticky Swiss that oozes from its crisp grasp. The particulars are all there – soft, caramelized onions, tangy Russian dressing – but the “meat” of this Reuben is an oven-roasted mushroom cap that’s so juicy and tender, it will leave you licking your lips after each bite.
If utter indecisiveness takes its course and you can’t decide between this sandwich and The Mud House’s other vegetarian-friendly sandwiches (I’m, looking at you, hummus-laden Veggisaurus and creamy Chickpea Salad.), just remember: Friends don’t let friends dine alone. You’ll need someone there to swap half of his or her sandwich with yours – and to make sure you get the coupes.
This article appears in August 2012.