RESTAURANTS - JUNE 18, 2003

Big-city deli sandwiches, convenient service make Java Hut special
By ALYSSA BROWN

When I entered Java Hut, the warm, open atmosphere impressed me. Light flooded into the room through large picture windows Java Hut provides area residents with a big-city style gourmet sandwich shop and a cyber cafÈ.

Java Hut features a variety of delicious gourmet sandwiches, coffee drinks and desserts. Patrons can even surf the net on two computers as they drink and eat. Despite its high-tech perks, Java Hut is a family-owned business that does not have the sterile feel of a large chain.

Ryan Ashbrook, son of owners Ken and Tina, filled me in on Java Hutís specialties. The cafÈ offers new sandwich, soup and drink specials each week.

Popular favorites include the grilled Reuben and the Blond Chai Latte, a concoction of chai tea, steamed milk, and Ghirardelli white chocolate syrup. Being a stalwart fan of the mocha, I ordered one iced. At Ryanís suggestion, I decided to get a blended White Mocha. The addition of the Ghirardelli white chocolate syrup (caramel and dark chocolate syrups are also available) to the drink offered the perfect sweet foil to the slight bitterness of the espresso. I also ordered this weekís Java Hut Wrap, a combination of pastrami, peppered turkey, and provolone topped with vegetables and chipotle mayonnaise. As Ken Ashbrook made the sandwich, carefully trimming the meat, he noted, ìOur chipotle mayo is dark red, not yellow like Subwayís.î The sandwich was delicious, and the chipotle provided the perfect glow to accompany the savory flavor of the meats.

During my visit, Ryan told me, ìWe donít like people to leave here hungry.î Accompanied by a side of redskin potato salad and the crispest dill pickle spear Iíve eaten in a while, my meal proved his words to be true, I couldnít finish the whole meal in one sitting. Patrons can also design their own sandwiches from a long list of breads, meats, cheeses and other fixings.

Java Hut offers delivery on large orders, making it the perfect choice for co-workers looking to try something different for lunch. You can fax your order. A drive-through window provides convenient service to busy coffee lovers on the run. Itís also an easy way for moms to grab a drink without unloading all the kids.
Catering is also available. From trays of their deli meats and cheeses, cut fresh daily, to stacks of their sandwiches, Java Hut can bring it all to your graduation party, business meeting or other event.

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