Every college town has its cafes and Farmville is no exception. Downtown Farmville not only hosts the J Fergeson Gallery, Longwood Center for Visual Arts and antique shops, but also the curiously named and well-lit Uptown Coffee Cafe. Quickly growing in repute as a performance hub for local musical talents, it is a gathering place serving up hearty cafe favorites.
In this week’s Feastivities, owner Jason Mattox, recommended his own go-to philly cheesesteak sandwich and the crowd favorite, a gyro-inspired shrimp taco fusion.
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
The sweet summery pickle medallions offers just the right amount of vinegary zest to dive into this melty classic. Uptown’s version of the philly, is sandwiched in a French bread roll, that is light and soft, toasted right on the grill to snuggle the first bed of soft caramelized onions.
Most importantly, the meat: shaved steak is packed full with cheese melted in between every layer, to make for a full bite, without the wax-paper soaked grease-feeling from dive version’s of the sandwich. Uptown’s version comes in an eight inch roll, that is sliced diagonally and then double-speared to hold contain all this elegant, hot mess.
A cafe sandwich at its core - but most definitely still one to be enjoyed with fresh steak fries.
Shrimp Taco
Beef tacos are overrated. Fish tacos are nothing new. And, yes, shrimp tacos may seem like a menu item at a family restaurant. Uptown’s shrimp tacos have been making waves lately for its bold flavor.
Although the plate comes with only one taco, it is practically a dragon boat in the form of a flatbread. Inside every bite is sliced avocado slivers and a house-made ranch dressing - and lumps of breaded shrimp tossed in a citrusy zang. The same principle in a buffalo-ranch sauce combo, is embodied here: creaminess with enough brightness from the avocado and citrus sauce to make for a satisfying meal.
Definitely pair this with the pasta side for an extra helping of colorful carbohydrates, tossed in vinegar and oil - with plenty of crunchy red peppers cumin, and pepper.
