Buffet lovers unite! It is rare that Gainesville residents will find a non-chain buffet in the city, but thanks to Café C, diners can now get their buffet fix every Sunday morning.
Unfortunately, I’ve realized I’m not much of a buffet lover.
Born from a catering company, Celebrations Catering, Café C serves up lunch daily and a brunch buffet on Sundays. With their lunch menu appearing fairly standard (sandwiches, salads and soups), I decided it was the Sunday brunch I would investigate.
Upon arrival I learned that the buffet was the sole option for dining. At 5’1”, I’m not much of an “all-you-can-eat” diner, so the $17 price tag was a bit steep. However, once I was informed that this came with either a mimosa or sangria, I immediately handed over my debit card.
By definition, buffets tend to lack quality because of the mass production. And regrettably, Café C was no exception. Staples of the buffet were custom omelets and made-to-order pancakes, which were accessorized by a number of items including cheese grits, bacon, caprese salad, chicken skewers and sliced salmon. Café C’s website touted French toast, but sadly there was none to be found. However, the restaurant does deserve credit for originality when it came to their pancakes, which come in flavors of butterscotch and chocolate.
The atmosphere, though, is where Café C delivers. Each table provides its own unique experience with seating spread throughout the small restaurant and spilling out onto the back patio, where a band is set up. Between the live music, breeze coming in through the open windows, and a mimosa, the ambience made up for the somewhat lacking food.
At A Glance Details:
Must try: Chocolate pancakes (chocolate batter AND chocolate chips)
Events: Sunday brunch buffet
Hours: Lunch: Monday—Saturday, 11 a.m.— 3 p.m.; Brunch: Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: 424 N.W. 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Website: www.celebrations-cafec.com
