Hot Springs Restaurant Review: Cafe 1217

A few weeks back, I attended my annual AIA Arkansas convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  I love being back in the Spa City, where I spend 2 years of high school at ASMSA.  While we were there, my friend, Erin, and I decided to venture out for lunch.  We googled a few places and ended up at Cafe 1217.  I'd eaten here once before, when my sister graduated high school here several years ago.  They boast very delicious, although a bit pricey, fresh food.

We walked into the the bustling cafe on a busy Friday afternoon.  We waited in line for awhile, which gave us enough time to peruse the menu and look at the vegetable plates.  You order at the counter and then pick up your food, so we eyed all the yummy vegetable dishes and made a decision.  What also caught my eye was the amazing basil lemon-aid.  This was refreshing and delicious, although a little on the sweet side for my taste.

I finally made up my mind, ordering several vegetable sides and a quinoa cake.

From the top, we have the carrot curry salad, which was very tasty and sweet.  Next going clockwise was the apple and wild rice salad, which I enjoyed quite a bit.  The bottom right was a cold cauliflower and pea salad that I didn't like very much.  It was just bland.  The bottom left was a house salad.

The quinoa cake was packed full of flavor and seeds and quinoa, which I really enjoyed.  All and all, it was a very fresh and delicious lunch in an area surrounded by chains and unappetizing restaurants.  I would definitely give this place a try again.