Two-Minute Review: Lettuce Cater to You

Orange you glad we're reviewing this place?

When I walked into the little sandwich shop that could, Lettuce Cater to You (216 E. Walnut, 417-865-3888), in the former Emack & Bolio’s space, I scanned the chalkboard menu. Observing a smattering of sandwiches and soups, I asked the girl (didn’t catch her name) what was good; she said the turkey panini was very popular. Feeling adventurous, I instead chose a hot sandwich, the “Southern rye,” boasting a mishmash of flavors like sugar-cured ham, cranberry-orange jelly and lettuce on marble rye. I opted for the half sandwich plus half soup (broccoli cheddar) for $6.45. My caffeine-addicted brain was throbbing from a lack-of so I ordered a small cup of coffee ($1.45). The total came to $8.42 (plus a bleeding-heart tip of $1.50).

The first bite left me confused. To start with, the Southern rye was under the column “Hot Sandwiches.” To be sure, I opened it up and poked my finger dubiously at the sugar-cured ham. The offending meat was indeed cold, along with the rest of the sandwich, and the sour rye/sweet ham duo didn’t play as readily on my taste buds as I had hoped.

The soup left me baffled as well. Though tasty and hot with soft chunks of broccoli, I detected several mushy lumps of unidentifiable-ness. It was as though the base of the soup hadn’t been dissolved properly (as in the canned varietal), leaving behind some undissolved globs of processed foodstuff.

Lettuce hope they do better next time.