October 19, 2007
by Karen Persson of The Columbian

The Corner Cupboard’s Turkey Tom sandwich is made with homemade bread. It pairs well with the restaurant’s rich broccoli cheese soup. Soups change daily. Choose from chicken noodle, lentil, black bean, Cajun corn or creamy potato. (STEVEN LANE The Columbian)

Why: What will you find in the Corner Cupboard? A deli, bakery, gifts and a soup-and-sandwich combo that earns its reputation among Washougal residents. Other than the popular combo, it offers several vegan and vegetarian options and a diverse assortment of sweets and breads.

Atmosphere: The restaurant feels like a porch room, complete with some patio furniture and an indoor gazebo. Fall decorations are knit into the décor. Bakers' racks display gift items for sale.

Before you sit: Place your order and pay at the counter. Depending on what you purchase, you may help yourself to the soda fountain, coffee, tea, soup or mini loaves of bread. Sandwiches are promptly made and brought to you.

The food: My combo of choice was the Turkey Tom sandwich on wheat with a cup of broccoli cheese soup. The sandwich bread was sliced an inch thick and stacked with lean roasted turkey and a dark lettuce leaf. Mayonnaise and whole cranberry sauce are satisfying touches. The honey-sweetened bread was moist, fresh and tasted wholesome. A good ratio of minced broccoli to rich cheddar gave the soup body and it had a slightly grainy homemade texture.

Take home: Fresh breads are available Monday through Friday and sliced upon request. All are free of dairy products and preservatives. Choose from white, sourdough, Dakota (100 percent wheat with seeds), herb, cinnamon-raisin and honey-wheat. Baked items include cupcakes, cake (by the slice), cookies, cinnamon rolls, turtle brownies and apple dumplings. Other treats include sundaes, root beer floats and ice cream shakes. Bread sticks called "pizza bones" are 75 cents each (additional 25 cents for sauce); I brought some of these home to enjoy. They're best heated up in the oven. The crust remains soft and sauce braided into the bread keeps them moist.

I also took an apple dumpling and a chocolate cupcake to-go. The apple dumpling had the right amount of filling for its size with a light touch of cinnamon. The pastry was double the density of a standard pie crust, but more bread-like than flaky. The cupcake was moist, although the frosting was a bit watery by the time I sampled it.

Cost: Lunch combos are $3.50 for a cup of soup and mini loaf, to $11.75 for a whole sandwich, beverage, chips and cup of soup. Salads are $3.50 for a small garden salad up to $8.25 for an Oriental chicken. Soup is $2.75 a cup or $3.60 a bowl. Sandwiches are $3.70 for half, $7.40 for whole, except for the PBJ, grilled cheese and quesadilla, which are $3 each for whole.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Breakfast is served until 10:30 a.m.

Where: 3010 Evergreen Way, Washougal.

Contact: 360-835-1267.