a new favorite. their menu prices looked reasonable, but when i saw their astronomical prices on baked goods (breads, tarts, etc.) i started to worry that my reasonably priced "meal" would be the size of a half dollar. luckily my fears were unfounded and unrealized -- great portions, and magically delicious.
for lunch on my first time i had a roasted tomato galette -- a puff pastry of a great consistency stuffed with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. the side salad was simple and well dressed.
that day set the bar high, but i came back for brunch and it exceeded my expectations. yum. the croque madame was a big portion and every bite blew my mind. (sadly, they only do the later brunch on sundays, but breakfast is every day until 11.)
beware the crab benedict that my friend sent back -- it was imitation crab and looked awful. (i don't see it on the menu, so maybe it was a not-so-special special.) but everything else i watched go by our table looked delicious, and mine definitely was.
the cafe is not full service, but the servers bring thefoodout and are very attentive nonetheless. this is the one strip mall place in cary i've been to that manages to not feel like it's in a strip mall. quite an accomplishment, and highly recommended.