By Joy Jangles
A garden of Eden lies within the city, nestled in a cozy, quiet nook on W. Lovers Lane. Outside hangs a ceramic sign adorned with beautiful flowers with “Eden” written in a bright sunny yellow. Yet with the brutal heat we’ve been having, somehow the flowers still bloomed strong, the grass a plushy green and upon entering you feel as if you’ve just returned home. And how truly wonderful it felt to be back.
The floors creaked beneath your feet, the tables each lined with crisp white linens and bright blue napkins, the chairs individually painted – no two were alike. An old toaster and cheese cutter sits beneath the mantel and right above, two big trophies for horse-shoe tossing along with old wedding photos, family pictures and assorted memorabilia were tucked throughout.
“Those trophies belong to my husband, it makes him feel like he’s a part of this place.” says Chef Karen Kahn, owner of Eden Cafe. Look closely and you’ll even find pieces from Picasso, Chagall, Miro and Dali scattered throughout.
Born in Germany, Chef Kahn was use to her family moving around a lot as a child. Her parents, both Holocaust survivors, escaped the turmoil and found solace here in the States. Her father then worked as a spy against the Germans since he was one of the few blonde-haired, blue-eyed Jews. The resilience and strength of Chef Kahn is unmistakable – ask to see her impressive book of awards and accomplishments complete with faces of people’s lives she’s touched with her gift and talents.
“Guy’s didn’t care because I was a girl. So then after that I knew I had to prove myself. I didn’t really feel like I had until I got this place. Now let me tell you, I’ve never worked so hard for such little money in my life – but I just love it.”
Here you can find a truly traditional Sunday Brunch with Traditional Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon on a toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese, Grilled Pork Tenderloin Breakfast Medallions with Eggs cooked your way – all meals served with a fresh fruit plate and coffee.
“Food is so personal. I want people to come to my place and lose track of time. I want the food to be important but I want the company to be the most important. I mean that’s why I don’t have background music. I wanted to just have that place where you come with your best company and feel like you’ve stepped out of the metroplex with 10 million people, into your own private space. Like a garden. Like Eden, Eden had a garden. It’s a place where the food’s good, the company’s good and the atmosphere is secluded.”
At Eden Café, you leave your troubles at the door and immerse yourself into the home of Chef Kahn. A sign hangs throughout the house “If you’re in a hurry tell your waiter because the chef isn’t.” It’s a place where you relax, unwind and experience a part of Chef Kahn not only through her food but through her heart.
“I like keeping my food clean. I don’t really salt my food; my food is full of flavor. I like to make food that is what it says it is. Just keep it simple. You don’t have to put all that gunk on it to make it taste good. Keep it simple and keep it clean. My food isn’t complicated, it’s good.” Amen to that sister.
Be sure to visit Chef Kahn at Eden Café on Sundays for brunch and also don’t forget to check out her high tea menu where she prepares first class tea sandwiches, baked scones, muffins and quick breads complete with French petite fours and strawberries dipped in fine Belgium chocolate.
Joy Jangles loves a good brunch and brings you a new version each week for craveDFW. You may find more of her unique perspective and beautiful photos at Joylicious.
I’ve never heard of this place before. Thanks for the tip!