Chestnuts and Pearls — Attraction in New Albany

Walked in mid-morning on a Monday. Was only customer in the cozy space. Unique artwork hanging on walls was neat to see. Tasty coffee Owner was server and mentioned fresh donuts and beignets Ordered the Popeye Omelette and a beignet. Beignet was likely tasty when it was fresh...whenever that was. It tasted microwaved. It was definitely not fresh out of a fryer Omelette came to table and other than a tasty looking omelette there was only two leaves of parsley on top of it on the plate. Owner asked if I needed anything else. I asked if I could get some toast....she said she would comp me one slice with a tone of annoyance. I didn't want it comped...I just wanted toast. If the $9.00 two egg omelette didn't come with it then I would have been happy to pay for it. She asked if I wanted sourdough or "mumble mumble". I asked her to repeat what she said after sourdough....she said in a condescending tone "white, brown or rye" A slice of buttered rye bread came out shortly after and was indeed comped, was delicious, and went well with the omelette. The food and coffee were really good and this would be a 5 star review if the owner had not been pleasant one minute and then speaking to me as if I was a petulant schoolboy the next. Another server came in to work at some point and I enjoyed making small talk with her....which the owner cut off twice. Another reason this is not a 5 star review is that the omelette should have had something accompanying it, or at least said it did not so I could have ordered a side along with it. I have never in all my years and in all my travels ordered an omelette and had only an omelette delivered to the table. A few home-fries or a wee bit of fruit or some other edible garnish along with a slice or two of toast would have made all the difference in the world. Offering pleasant, consistent, customer service and adding just a little something else to the plate would guarantee 5 star ratings...

Tucked away within the heart of New Albany is a gem called Cafe 157. The food was amazingly good, everyone enjoyed their meals - you could go for that alone; however, this restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere that serves as a combined art gallery and dining experience. We were fortunate- for Father's Day, the place was reservation only and we got the last reservation of the day so had the place to ourselves. We were also served by Linda (who owns the place) so had amazingly good conversation throughout. After we ordered, she invited us to make ourselves at home and browse the art on the walls. I enjoy formal dining experiences but this was a crossover where it felt like we were welcomed into someone's home -- simply amazing. The service was perhaps the best I've had in a decade, not merely because we were served attentively but because it was done with such care. To me, this is the sort of business we need more of: it has that special something that, try as we might, we cannot mass produce by making multiple locations and nationwide franchises. It is small, it has an owner's perfect attention on it, it is unique, and just needs to be enjoyed where it is. Please visit and tell her I sent you - we'll definitely be back so might...

Food was pretty good, service was great. It's a very small restaurant, and the walls are covered in original art, paintings, drawings, etc and everything is for sale. Definitely a unique little find. Breakfast burrito was ok, I had hoped for something a bit bigger. The fried potatoes were great though. Green eggs and ham - sadly, I didn't really like. Bourbon French Toast captured our attention, but didn't have much special flavor that we hoped for. And if you like your syrup served warm, you should request it...