Erin Weldon
Staff Writer
The North End Caffe opened in March 2003 and has brought a different experience to the community. Owners Laura Atkinson and husband John Michael have created a menu of European dishes inspired from their travels.
“Our cafe has a European flare because of our travels to Southern Italy, Cuba, Panama, Thailand, Greece and more. Every time we travel we bring home new recipes; otherwise we get bored. We try to keep it fresh and exciting,” Atkinson said.
Some of their most original dishes appeared on Food Network’s program “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” on April 26. The opportunity arose when the producer of the show visited their restaurant to try their dishes.
“‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’ featured our Kahlua Pig Monte Cristo Egg Rolls. It is our version of the Hawaiian preparation of the pig,” Atkinson said. “In Hawaii they take the pig, burn it and then cook it with banana leaves. Similar to the Hawaiians, we use banana leaves.”
Other specialties include their coffees and paninis, which were also inspired by their overseas travels. Their main specialty is a famous Italian dish, the Fresh Fettuccine Carbonara.
“When John lived in Italy, he learned to cook fresh fettuccine carbonara. Our paninis are also Italian inspired. I’m from New Orleans and John lived in South Carolina, so some of the dishes have a southern taste to them,” Atkinson said.
At the North End Caffe, customers place orders and pay at the register. Once the order is placed, a number is given to the customer, so the customers can seat themselves and wait for the food to be brought to them, opposed to sit-down ordering.
According to Atkinson, people around the world have heard about their restaurant and have come to experience it themselves. Many students have heard about the restaurant from friends and decided to try the food.
“The restaurant had a pleasant ambiance, and the food was delicious. I enjoyed the breakfast food and can’t wait to go back to try other items on the menu,” senior Maura Chen said.
Co-owner John Michael is a Mira Costa graduate and has lived in Manhattan Beach for most of his life. Atkinson said that he is excited to open more restaurants.
“We are currently working on a Southern style pub in Mar Vista,” Atkinson said.
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