NCW restaurants highlight affordable dining amid high state prices
Washington restaurant prices rank among the highest in the nation according to a study by the Washington Hospitality Association, but North Central Washington diners say a wide range of affordable options is helping balance the cost of eating out.
The association, a lobby group that represents restaurants in the state, said Washington ranked the most expensive. The study said menu prices were nearly 14% higher than the national average.
At A Touch of Soul in Wenatchee, customers can find Cajun and soul food dishes featuring seafood shipped directly from Louisiana.
Owner Kenneth Brown said, "The frog leg, the soft shell crab, the shrimp, the catfish, all come from Louisiana."
Lunch entrees include options such as a $10 chicken and sausage gumbo and a $12 shrimp po'boy, a fried seafood sandwich rooted in Louisiana cuisine.
Brown said his approach to soul food emphasizes scratch cooking.
"As far as the food goes. I'm proud to say that this is all my cooking. Nothing coming in pre-boxed, pre-made, pre-battered, pre-nothing."
Just minutes away at Pinky's Fresh & Healthy Cafe, co-owner Genevieve Pinkerton serves acai bowls and other health-focused items for under $15.
"We opened in October and the inspiration really came from our time, both on the island of Maui. I fell in love with acai bowls out there. And so when we had the opportunity to bring this to the Valley, it kind of was like a perfect time."
Pinkerton said the cafe avoids additives, added sugars and artificial ingredients, including homemade granola prepared by co-owner Christine Levine.
About 22 miles northwest from Wenatchee in Leavenworth, München Haus offers German sausages and beer garden fare with many menu items priced under $12.
Owner Pamela Brulotte said keeping a focused menu helps control costs while maintaining quality.
"I think keeping our menu high quality, but also not too extensive, has helped us keep the prices down. We had three kids, we wanted it to be a place where where it could be casual and affordable for families to come and where you can bring your animals even and, that everyone could bring your friends and extended family and not have it be a financial hardship."
In Waterville, Carmela's Bistro offers an affordable menu tailored in part to local workers in Douglas County.
Owner Ylse Engler said, "Our whole menu is under $18 and our salad bar is very affordable. We are in a place where we are the county seat, and so people just want a quick lunch in and out."
Engler said her menu includes wraps and sandwiches starting at $11 and breakfast options starting at $7.
"The economy is really hard right now. And you still want that normalcy of going out to eat. And I feel that if I keep them low enough, people are still coming back."
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