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By Ron Evans
Angela Roth may not enjoy the same name recognition as such culinary luminaries as Julia Child or Alice Waters, but that hasn't stopped word of her new café in Portland from spreading. At Peanut Butter & Ellie's, Roth has placed an all-American favorite at the top of the sandwich board to become the upper crust of local kid cuisine.
The café pairs its own fresh-ground organic peanut butter with an eclectic mix of partners—grapes, apples, carrots, honey, bacon. Add a side of carrot sticks and a sippy cup full of milk and you're set. Hard-core peanut butter connoisseurs are, of course, permitted to create their own masterpieces, though purists will no doubt stick with the traditional PB&J formula. More grown-up fare, including homemade soups, tuna melts, and chicken salad, is on standby.
But the toddler-friendly menu is far from the only reason the café is such a hit with the 6-and-under crowd. Pint-size patrons will find scaled-down utensils and wooden furniture as well as indoor and outdoor play areas.
Parents who tag along will appreciate the bibs, the fully stocked changing table, and, most importantly, the bottomless cups of coffee.
Peanut Butter & Ellie's is located at 4405 SW Vermont St. Information: (503) 282-1783, www.peanutbutterellies.com.
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