Columbia’s new New York-style deli serves up healthy, organic sandwiches, fresh baked desserts
Jasmine Café and Deli, which opened next to Yoghut on Main Street two weeks ago, caters to college students with its prime location and prices for a college budget.
The new cafe promises to bring a variety of fairly priced food to Columbia.
“What separates us from most people is that we have a little bit of everything that you can’t get in walking distance of campus,” said manager Stephanie George.
The variety of food available is especially impressive, ranging from paninis and ciabatta to pizza and pastries. The most striking aspect of the menu, however, is that there is no sacrifice of quality for the quantity of food choices. Fresh ingredients are evident in each bite, with new flavors arising through during the course of a meal. The portions are also ideal — satisfying, yet not overbearing.
The cafe’s owner, Mohammad Saadeddin (who also owns Al-Amir, a few doors down), said he always wanted to open a New York-style deli and tried to come as close as possible by including a lengthy salad and parfait bar, as well as sandwiches with raw, organic ingredients. George added that nothing is fried, guaranteeing healthy, and still quality, sandwiches.
A unique aspect of Jasmine is their selection of chocolate bark, cakes and other pastries. These delectable treats taunt customers, displayed at the entrance of the restaurant, providing a guilty pleasure for all. Most of these desserts and muffins, as well as other menu items, are actually made in the restaurant, rather than delivered.
To cater to the college crowd, Jasmine will offer daily and weekly specials such as wings and fish tacos, while their pizza selection will also continually change. George also advertised what he called a “killer oatmeal," so be looking for Jasmine’s breakfast hours, which should start next week.
Saadeddin and George both stressed their efforts to foster a work-friendly environment for students and businesspeople by providing free Wi-Fi and a secluded section of the restaurant for study breaks. Unfortunately, this dichotomy becomes somewhat evident in their decorations. One wall may be dedicated to rock ‘n’ roll concert photos, while an opposing wall may be covered with abstract art and vintage bull fighting posters. Regardless, the environment is relaxing and enjoyable, and the restaurant is spotlessly clean. Jasmine’s variety of available foods, incredible location and emphasis on fresh ingredients will surely pave their way into customers’ hearts. Whether you’re there for a casual sit down salad, panini or pizza on the fly, Jasmine accommodates in the best ways possible — not only with irresistible food and treats, but with unbeatable prices.