It does feel like there is some need to arrange the seating a bit better, but its not a major complaint. Those who expect to find the Ole Store as it was last time might be disappointed, but not because of the quality of this incarnation.

Give it a try…expecting a cafe and some really great salads and desserts…you will likely come back for a second meal too!

Im a little suprised by your comments Bill. I can say that the pasta you had was maybe a little hard, but I can tell you that it was the last pan we had for the night. We know to ad more sauce for next time. I had the manicotti that same night only earlier and it was amazing. It didnt lack any flavor and was definetly more than “eh” as you put it. The cupcake that your party had, was actually meant for the kids. They like that frosting, hence the extra sweetness. We have a more gourmet cupcake that the adults really like. Not to mention all the other amazing desserts that I am so suprised you overlooked. Onto the panini, next time ask the girls to put less mustard on, and maybe some greek dressing. They are happy to modify for you! Let’s remember that we have just been open for a little over two weeks and the staff are still learning all the ropes. In the future, if you would like your cheese melted, just ask them to keep it on a little longer. I will say though that I wouldn’t order a panini with the ciabatta bread if you want it melted, it takes a long time for that to happen. There is a new roasted garlic bread for panini’s that is amazing! Try that one instead.
The pizzas are made with fresh, gourmet toppings and are priced very fairly. I think that the quality and the taste is well worth the money.
I hope everyone gives the cafe a fair shot. It is not the old Ole Store you are used to, be open to it. You won’t see the Ole Roll there, but you will see amazing cinnamon rolls, scones, brownie delights, white chocolate cheesecake, the list goes on and on.

It’s important that you all know I am not saying any of these things because I work at the cafe, I truely believe them. The Ole Cafe, Tiny’s and The Quarterback Club are three restaurants in town that I will defend until I am blue in the face! They are all amazing and I feel “staples” for this town. While I’m at it, stop in to Tiny’s and try the new burrito my dad is offering. You won’t miss Chipotle when you try this burrito, his is DELICIOUS! Also, go to the QB and try Dales sausage egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, again, DELICIOUS. I love having breakfast at The QB, it’s mine and my husbands favorite! Ooh, and people don’t seem to realize that the Northfield Golf Course has a fantastic menu as well. You must go and try the steaks, they are just mouth watering. I had a hanger steak there last week and it was the best steak I’ve had in months. Go NGC!

There are my thoughts on some of the dining in town. Trust me, I love food so believe me when I say those places are just wonderful! As someone who loves good food, loves to cook and has a dad in the restaurant business; my rule of thumb is to always give places three visits before I decide if I like them or not. Sometimes I dont’ order the right thing, or they could be having an off night, so I go back again and try again. Just a thought for some folks to keep in mind. I dont have really anything bad to say about any of the food places in town. I find things that I like at all of them and they all offer something different!

Im done now, blah blah blah. Holla!

And the ‘enter’ link ain’t lit.

As a fairly close neighbor of the Ole Store, I’m glad to hear that it will reopen. There are so few retail establishments we can easily walk to here on the west side other than those at St. Olaf. And I second what John Thomas said about the food at St. Olaf’s dining hall - it’s really good!

Where else could neighborhood cafes be opened? How about something over on the Northfield Retirement Center property? That would take some vision and daring on their part. A cafe could bring some community to some of our neighborhoods.

It’s a shame for the tradition, though I have to say I never really cared for Ole Rolls; I prefer the Brick Oven sweet rolls.

I know they like to get off campus. My wife and I have been hosting a weekly informal dinner for a small group of them for several years. We have had students from Washington state to Maine be a part of that group. It keeps changing each year as seniors graduate and freshmen come along. It’s been really great for us, and I know the young people really enjoy it. The price is right, also.

The Final Course Cafe, opening January 2008.
Soups, Pannini, Tortes, Treats, Ice Cream, Coffees