McFoster’s Natural Kind Café
302 South 38th St., Omaha, NE (402) 345-7477
To begin with, I must confess that McFoster’s is one of my favorite places to eat. I suppose that is what makes my disappointment all the greater. McFoster’s is a vegetarian restaurant that also serves a couple free-range chicken and seafood dishes. They use organic produce from local growers whenever possible and have very thorough descriptions on their menu. They have a very home-y and somewhat hippie vibe. You always feel like you are sitting in a friend’s kitchen when you are there. The food is very fresh and usually quite comforting and delicious. My beau and I went to McFoster’s for dinner on a Tuesday night and I knew just what I was in the mood for: my frequent order of the Veggie Burger with grilled onions and peppers. Ordinarily, this is a filling sandwich comprised of grains and finely chopped veggies in a mix that somewhat resemble ground beef (more than many Veggie Burgers do that end up looking more like hockey pucks) and is cooked to bring you that delightful char-grilled flavor. Having ordered this several times, I knew just the treat I was in for.
Imagine my surprise when my order came and had none of the above listed anticipated attributes. First, there were no grilled onions and peppers. The waiter told me he misunderstood and thought I was referring to the complimentary condiments of raw red onion, lettuce, pickle, and tomato. I lift my bun to apply the condiments and I find not the delicious, filling, char-grilled, hand-crafted patty I am used to, but instead a flat, oddly spicy, black bean, hockey puck patty. How could you do this to me McFoster’s??
I was too hurt to inquire about this change. I had heard a rumor of the veggie burger being off the menu, but seeing it still listed, I didn’t know it would be this sham replacement. I was so disappointed I don’t even remember what my beau ate.
At least the sour cream & chive fries were hot and delicious. The outside was golden and crunchy while the inside remained perfectly soft. I would have accepted a more intense sour cream and chive flavor, but it was still a nice variation from a “regular” fry.
I will of course go back to McFoster’s again because I still love them. If you go, I do NOT recommend the veggie burger. In their defense, I do recommend the Salads, the Mornay, the Guacamole and Blue Corn Tortilla Chips (which comes with a side of delicious salsa,) and the smoothies.
