I have a problem with consistency. I believe too fiercely in it. I find something I like, and I proceed to order it every time I go to an establishment for the next 17 years. This habit has made me something of a connoisseur of crab cakes, tiramisu, and lattes.
I’m also a strawberry jam snob.
Lately I’ve been indulging my innner Strawberry Shortcake during our trips to Word of Mouth. If you’ve read the Statesman Journal’s latest Best Of rankings, then you knew not to go there yesterday, as the place just won best new restaurant and best brunch in town.
Owner Becky Mucha grew up in Salem and returned here recently with her husband from half a dozen years living on an island on the California Coast. One of the pleasures of being back home seems to be proximity to her mom Theresa, who comes to the restaurant a couple of times a week to make a few gallons of fresh strawberry jam, which they serve with thick, sourdough toast.
I had to ask for more this morning. Because when the jam is this good, the meal is not about the caprese omlette, but the sticky, electric kool-aid pink spread — a very sweet and delicious sideshow that steals the plate if you let it.
Gotta love it when the supporting players steal the limelight.
Mother Theresa, as she’s sometimes called, is using frozen strawberries right now, but soon, she will process fresh ones instead.
I can’t wait.
It’s easy to make seemingly uninspired decisions when the seasons reward consistence.
I have wondered about that magical jam! Thanks for clearing that one up.
Emily: gaining pounds in all the right places to bring you the secret life of Salem food. ha ha!
I feel the same way. Just had a birthday and seem to keep eating. . . we should exercise.
ahhhh.. love the blog about my mom!!! I’ll pass it on to her.