Interview with James Barrett, Metropolitan Cafe Baker and Co-Owner
This past week, Penn Appetit had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with James Barrett, Metropolitan Café Baker and Co-Owner.
Metropolitan Café is the extension and reflection of Wendy Born and James Barrett from the traditional Metropolitan Bakery locations. Opened in February 2013, the Café boasts its warm and inviting atmosphere. The intentional lack of Wi-Fi encourages customers to “un-plug” and enjoy great food, coffee and tea. Barrett describes the food as “approachable and simple with a focus on high quality and local foods.” Highlights of the menu include a top crust chicken pie; a short rib sandwich with caramelized onions, taleggio, pickles served on café bread; and, a beet and fennel salad with pumpkin seeds, greens, citrus vinaigrette and feta.
Metropolitan bakery is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, they will be releasing a cookbook of 20 recipes commemorating customer favorites and demonstrating where they have been and where they are going. The cookbook will be available in early November at the Café.
And even after 20 years, Metro is still innovating. This past Monday marks the culmination of Madame Fromage’s Traveling Cheese School. For the past three Monday’s, Metropolitan Café has opened its door to an evening learning about cheeses and enjoying delicious wine, beer, and bread pairings.
Barrett recommends pairing cheese with a French baguette or fruit and nut breads.
Any what is Barrett’s favorite bread? Anything rye.
Be sure to visit and try some yourself.
Metropolitan Café
264. S. 19th Street (between Manning and Spruce)
Tues-Fri 7:30am to 7:00pm Sat-Sun 8:00am to 6:00pm