Paladino’s Cafe Serves It Up Fresh, Local, and Fast

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Chris Tabaczynski (left) and Andrew Sear (right) prepare salad sandwiches in the Paladino’s kitchen. .(photo by Ron Caspi)

Marquette, MI – What makes a meal superb? Must it be fancy or expensive? Does it need exotic ingredients or a long poetic name? Is it the artful way it sits upon your plate? Sure, these elements all contribute to the experience of fine cuisine but what really makes a meal that will fill you with a satisfied glow is one that warms you from the inside out fueling both your body and your soul and at Paladino’s, that is exactly what you’ll get.

And what goes into making such a meal? According to Andrew Sear, owner and head chef at Paladino’s it starts in the home and in his case it all began in the kitchen of his Transylvanian grandmother who cooked meals for the family from scratch each day. The emphasis on family recipes and homemade meals was then further nurtured by the Sicilian roots on the Paladino side of the family tree. Says Sear, “Dinner was an important facet of daily family life. We were expected to be there and to be there on time!”

Paladino’s orzo salad featuring pickled red onion, Remy Picot brie, local bacon, pistachio pesto on a bed of fresh spring greens. (photo by Ron Caspi)

It’s these experiences and stories fusing past and present that are the first ingredients in each made from scratch item on the menu at Paladino’s. The food, memories, and knowledge are woven together into the dishes he now creates for others. Says Sear, “It’s more than just a plate of food that you’re giving me money for. When you have an awesome meal your body creates serotonin which triggers good feelings.” These flavors of life are a big part of what he transposes through the food he serves.

At Paladino’s you’ll find a passion for food “fusion”. Flavors from different food traditions that may not normally share a plate together. The menu features a combination of international flavors balanced with locally sourced meats and vegetables (when available) resulting in a casual dining experience that introduces new elements into local U.P. cuisine that can still please a Yooper palette! They also feature menu items that are vegan and gluten friendly.

A simple and delicious lunch for two featuring a Paladino’s Grilled Cheese, Roasted Pork Sandwich, Orzo Salad, and cup of locally roasted coffee. Everything is served fresh and fast at Paladino’s. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Our lunch boasted all the quality of fine cuisine and the nourishing feel of home cooking at a lightning fast speed. The sandwiches and salad were fresh and delicious leaving me wanting more. Did I mention the coffee? They feature fresh roasted coffee from Keewenaw Coffee Works that was so smooth I drank it black because it was too good to desecrate with sugar or cream.

A Paladino’s roasted pork sandwhich featuring pistachio pesto, aged cheddar, pickled red onions, and arugula. (photo by Ron Caspi)

What aspirations does Paladino’s hold for the future? Hopefully more of the same! Sear says his main commitment is to have the best impact on the community that he can. Whether that means continuing and growing Paladino’s or venturing in a new direction only time will tell. For now I suggest you get in there and try some of the awesome local food they are serving up downstairs in the Peter White Library. A hot cup of coffee, a delicious lunch supporting multiple facets of the local economy, and a good book… it doesn’t get any better than that!

How do some of our local Yoopers feel about the food?

Customers at Paladinos Cafe enjoy soup and sandwhiches inside the Peter White Library in Marquette Michigan. (photo by Ron Caspi)

“The wild mushroom soup was magnificent. I decided to come here after tasting their chili at the YDWP fundraiser/chili cook-off and it was the best chili I ever tasted in my life,” says Chris Weiringa, “Top notch!” (Weiringa wasn’t the only one who thought so; Paladino’s took first place in the chili cook-off beating out several other local restaurants.) – Chris Weiringa

“I come here 1-2 times a week. The food is always delicious and it’s a great location. My favorites are the Roasted Wild Mushroom Soup and Waldorf Salad.” – Jon Nesberg

“Andrew puts out a real good meal and his commitment to using locally sourced products is a real good thing for the community and the library,” – Michael Dodge