Crossing the Border for the 1st time...

Border Cafe
www.bordercafe.com

Massachusetts Locations
Cambridge: 32 Church Street
Saugus: 356 Broadway (This is the location I visited)
Burlington: 128 Middlesex Turnpike

(There are locations in New Jersey and Delaware, too.  But you look those up on your own.)




Saugus Location



Hey 'buds!  Like most Bostonians who travel North over 4th of July weekend, we hit the bright (and sometimes tacky) lights of Route 1 North to begin our vacation last Friday.  The intention was to hit a place for dinner right in the heart of the it.  Border Cafe was the unanimous choice.

Now, it's true that Border is a chain, with locations stretching from the original in Cambridge, all the way to New Jersey ("Yeaaaah, buddy!).  And to be honest, I figured it was like most any other chain restaurant. 

Wrong. 

Let's start by discussing the Sangria.  Delish.  And when you're dining w/ Sangria snobs like Iesha and myself, you can take our word for it.  Good stuff.  And a very electric shade of purple, if I do say so myself.

The guacamole appetizer?  Worth every penny.  Garlicy and chunky.  Likin' it.  The chips and salsa are also addicting.

Now, my Vegisaurus friends, here is where you're gonna love this revue.
The Border Cafe kindly offers many Veggie options, clearly listed and highlighted on their menu.  See the page link at the top to direct to the menu.

As you know I am not a Vegisaurus.  I'm an equal opportunity eater.  A WhateverIwantasaurus.  And on this particular occasion the Veggie menu conquered all with the Corn & Black Bean Empanadas with Red Pepper sauce and white rice. 

I have never had an Empanada before.  But the mixture of corn, black beans and Monterey Jack cheese was enough to make it a new fav.  They were so filling that I had to take a doggie bag!  Luckily they  reheated well. 

Aside from this dish, there are many Veggie App and Entree options.  So if you're ever in Cambridge, Saugus or in the Jersey Shore smushing, stop in for a bite at the Border.

To my Veggie friends who do eat Seafood, we've got something for you, too. 

Originally the Border was Tex Mex when they first opened.  But along the journey they incorporated a little Cajun love into their creations.  This is apparent in the dish Iesha had: The Eggplant Royale, which is actually a replication of a French Quarter favorite.

The Eggplant Royale consists of lightly breaded eggplant slices that are then covered with lump crab meat and melted, gooey cheese, with a side of white rice.  It is phenomenal.  It may not look appealing to the eye at first, but trust me.  It is a complete winner.  (If you're a strict, strict Veg, don't worry.  There is another Eggplant dish on the Veg menu.)

So that's our story, 'buds.  Bring your best forks to whichever Border Cafe location you choose and chow down.  Bring your Veggie friends and everyone can dine happily.