iCreate Cafe

(menu)

Number 9 on the Pottstown tour was some takeout for a change.  I had noticed this place a couple times driving on King Street, I saw their Facebook page and finally two people mentioned it to me directly so I stopped in.  Just the decor at iCreate is enough of a reason to swing by.  They have a couch and a couple cafe tables with different types of seating in the front, a small bar/counter and loads of other tables with traditional seating as well as upholstered chairs and couches in the back.  It is very eclectic and comfortable like someone's home with a little extra cafe seating.

I was a little awkward on my first visit.  There were a couple other people in there that were apparent regulars so they were chatting and ordering from the owner, Ash, at the front counter from memory.  After a minute of probably looking confused Ash offered me a menu.  They were sitting right there, I just didn't see them.  I ordered a combination meal, #4.  "Healthy Box" whole veggie panini, syrian salad, 4oz hummus and pita.  I also ordered a 8oz container of hummus because why not?  I took a seat on the couch in the front room and waited for my order.

The wait was a little long.  Ash prepares all the food right in the front of the cafe and he was working the whole time.  I usually don't mind a wait so much if you can tell they're working on it.  He asked me how I heard of his place and engaged me in some conversation.  He did apologize for the wait and also offered me some pita bread for my 8 oz hummus which I accepted.  My car smelled excellent on my drive home.

The panini was not quite what I expected.  It was almost more like a pressed wrap because the pita was thin.  The veggies were rolled up and pressed in a George Foreman grill according to the menu and the nice, crispy outside of this panini makes me wonder why I got rid of my own GF grill.  The texture of the pita was pretty much the perfect contrast to the veggies inside.  Eggplant can get mushy so that's important.  The mushrooms in the sandwich were also a great, meaty texture.  The flavor of the panini reminded me of this fire roasted baba ghanoush I've had.  There was this roasty, smokey flavor that was really excellent.  Whatever that 'special garlic sauce' is, I want more.  It was tangy and no vampire was going to bother me at least for the rest of the week.

I think Ash makes all the hummus to order.  I saw him back there with a blender, mixing it up.  I will have to ask him next time.  It was good hummus, topped with olive oil.  With all the wacky, flavored hummuses (what is more than one hummus?) out there this one came across as a little ho hum, but a good, basic hummus.  I was also eating all these other amazing flavors so my palate could have been overwhelmed too.  Mostly I wish the pita was toasted.  I'm sure I could request that next time.

The Syrian Salad had the most amazing smell and flavor.  I wish I knew what herbs he used in it...I wonder if his recipes are secret.   In addition to the romaine lettuce there was a lot of parsley in the mix.  I thought that balanced the acidic and herbal dressing perfectly.  There were big chunks of cucumber and tomato as well.  If you're looking to experience some new, fresh flavor combinations I would recommend this salad for sure

And here's my takeout hummus, for another day.

Go to iCreate and check it out.  He does have glasses if you want to bring beer or wine.  The food is really excellent and it's all vegetarian.  They are currently applying for a zoning variance in Pottstown so they can remain where they are.  Please support them in this and if they move, visit them at their new location.