It’s a sunny Saturday morning, a gentle breeze sweeps through an elegant and verdant patio. That breeze carries with it the smells of fresh coffee and delightful food. The bustling, consistently busy Café a la C’Art shines in a sea of glimmering restaurant gems that fill Downtown Tucson. The café, whose name cleverly pays homage to the Tucson Museum of Art that is attached to the property, is a historic building. Owner Mark Jorbin has been behind the wheel for the better part of 27 years. “Janos (Wilder) had this space for many, many years. It’s called The Stevens House, it’s one of the oldest homes built in Tucson,” says Jorbin.
The history and character are unique and is a welcome respite from the very in vogue, post-industrial aesthetics that seem to be the new normal. Fittingly, the walls are adorned with art from places like the Etherton Gallery and local artists. The real art, though, lies behind the glass case next to the bar. The baked goods are lovingly made by Lora Quarrella, who has been a fixture at the restaurant for 20+ years. Trying a cinnamon roll or a “Chocolate Bomb” is of the utmost importance and pairs wonderfully with the hot, fresh coffee. They also equally shine next to one of the signature mimosas, the pineapple variety is of particular note.
The menu is a collection of patron favorites that stands in stark contrast to the encyclopedias that some modern restaurants have guests sort through. Jorbin shared his observations on how their customers respond to the menu. “We do breakfast all day, every day we’re open. We do change things up from time to time, but our clientele like to see the same things they know and love. When we make a big change, in the past we’ve gotten a little bit of flak when something they usually get isn’t on the menu anymore.” The fact that this is something Café a la C’Art has to be aware of is a testament to how many regulars they have. That’s not a detriment though, because each item is refined and divinely plated.
One of their signature dishes is the Frittata Florentine that is stuffed with sautéed spinach, bacon, onions, tomatoes, cheddar, and jack cheese, and comes with rosemary potatoes and a slice of artisan toast. This dish has a humble appearance, but blends a host of flavors that makes it a winning choice every time. The frittata rests on the rosemary potatoes, and some of the salt crystals and rosemary make their way into every other bite or so and makes it an incredibly well-rounded—and filling—option. If guests are looking for something more contemporary, choose the Café Skillet. It comes with the same rosemary potatoes and two eggs made to order, bacon, onions, tomatoes, cheddar, and jack cheese, and a chunk of whole wheat toast. The frittata and Café Skillet are staples alongside other breakfast and brunch classics like pancakes, eggs Benedict, and French toast.
Despite being busy, especially on such a lovely Saturday, the staff are all smiles. They move deftly between the tightly packed tables and narrow corridors with platters full of food. Those roving trays subtly advertise to the folks still in line the deliciousness that awaits them. A standout example is General Manager Christian Giles, who can be seen in the trenches with the rest of the staff, running food, clearing tables, and ensuring everyone is having a good time. Seeing leadership in the thick of it with their team is a very strong indicator of how invested they are in the whole operation and is to be commended.
The restaurant does more than traditional fast casual; Jorbin says a significant portion of their work involves catering. “Catering is about half our revenue. I started in catering, what was it, something like 30 years ago? It kind of segued into us opening this space as a lunch spot.” So, should folks find themselves in Tucson and want to indulge in a wholly unique dining experience in a historic building a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of downtown, or if an event is approaching, Café a la C’Art should be the first stop. Don’t forget, it’s also the perfect refueling spot after meandering around the Tucson Museum of Art.
written & photographed by: isaac stockton