- Lawrence Restaurant Reviews -
Au Marche (www.aumarche.com)Back to top
Au Marche - 931 Massachusetts St.
What: European Food & Gift Market
Price range: Varies
Review:
(October 2008) A quaint little dealer of European goods, Au Marche is a must visit if you’re in Lawrence. Items consist mostly of German, Italian and French origin – if you’re looking for something British, that’s the sister shop directly next door. The foods range from packaged breads, pastries, sauces, condiments and pastas to soaps & toiletries found in most markets throughout Europe. When shopping the grocery items, it helps if you know how to read ingredient labels in the appropriate language – the first thing I learned in German. Just because it's expensive and imported does not make it healthy. In the midst of imports stands a case of locally made chocolate truffles. Could I resist? Of course not! Unusual, adventurous combinations were predominant. We sampled from a fruity Banana Curry truffle (exotic), Persian Spice Blend with Saffron (the most mysterious, but energizing), and a Rosemary Caramel Truffle (locally grown & harvested Rosemary). All were decadent experiences on their own and worth the reasonable $1.50 each. Online orders are accepted for all but the truffles.
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Local Burger - 714 Vermont St. (SE corner of 7th & Vermont, across from the public library)
What: Locally sourced burgers, sandwiches, vegan & vegetarian food
Price range: $4-$9 per person
Review:
(October 2008) I have been hearing and reading about Local Burger for a few years and was extremely curious. Being a vegetarian, I thought there wouldn’t be much chance of going with the intention of eating a meal there. I was wrong. Where in Kansas can you walk into a burger joint and expect to find vegetarian, vegan and even Master Cleanse Diet options alongside the bison cheeseburgers on the menu? In Lawrence, that’s where. Right away, the energy felt so different from the typical corporate fast food place, or even other locally owned diners. Awareness was the general atmosphere. While I have chosen to refrain from eating meat, I appreciate a restaurant who offers meat-eaters the most responsible option: locally raised grass-fed, organic meat products and healthy, organic sides and condiments. It’s better for the animals, better for the ecosystem, better for the community and better for the consumer. Perhaps surprising to some, it’s also better for the economy. Local Burger is proving that you can operate a small restaurant using high quality ingredients prepared expertly, support local farmers, and keep prices reasonable. This was probably one of the cheapest meals we’ve eaten on the road. Stephan tried the Tuna Sandwich with sweet potato fries, while I had the World’s Best Veggie Burger with a side of local roasted vegetables on mixed greens. The burger was crisp on the outside, chewy with quinoa on the inside, and laid on a Rudy’s Organic whole wheat bun. Definitely not your typical mealy, mushy sad excuse for a veggie burger. This had some heft. The roasted veggies (mostly root veggies for fall) were outstanding – smoky grill flavor with a hint of balsamic. Everything was well made, well-seasoned and honest. We got a strawberry smoothie for the road with some added Chia seeds for iron and EFA’s – very yummy. You can also find local brews and desserts; just ask the friendly, enthusiastic staff for recommendations. Browse the website for the menu and some enlightening articles from this evolved burger joint.