Unless you’ve been out of the country the past couple of weeks, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the new Popeye's fried chicken sandwich. Lines wrapped around fast food restaurants across the U.S., causing the sandwich to sell out before every die-hard Popeye's fried chicken fan could sample the new product. I’m not denying Popeye’s knows how to fry chicken, but the only place I’ll stand in line for food (besides the State Fair biscuit booth, of course) is a deli. I never met a deli I didn’t like, and, thankfully, our state is filled with great ones. Corner Bakery Cafe, with locations in Flowood and Madison, is one of my favorites and for good reason. Make that many good - and delicious - reasons.
Sometimes, a craving for a mile-high sandwich filled with sliced meat and cheeses encased in a thick sourdough bun can’t be denied. Or maybe a mammoth bowl of loaded baked potato soup is in order when I’m craving comfort food. Other days, eating light is the way to go, but a salad has to be hearty enough to trick me into thinking I’ve had a full meal. Thankfully, Corner Bakery can adequately quell all three sets of cravings.
Corner Bakery is not your average, run-of-the-mill deli offering boring sandwiches and ho-hum salads. When the first Jackson-area location opened in Flowood years ago, I was a frequent customer, and, while I loved everything on the menu, I always gravitated to my favorite, the chicken pesto sandwich. It’s a delicious, hearty meal composed of grilled chicken, tomatoes, arugula, pesto, mayonnaise, and house vinaigrette dressing on a flavorful baguette.
At Corner Bakery, you can choose from among seven signature sandwiches, including the aforementioned chicken pesto. Others are categorized as either a hot sandwich or Panini, but trust me, you’ll love them all. All sandwiches are priced below $10 and come with a side. Selections include green salads, chips, fruit, and pasta salad.
In the signature category, there’s the uptown turkey avocado, ham and Swiss, roast beef and cheddar, D.C. chicken salad, tuna salad, tomato mozzarella, and BLT.
Hot sandwiches and paninis include the chicken pomodori, rustic Italian, club, California grille, and meatball.
In the mood for something a little different? Try a fresh salad, ranging from a chopped, harvest, Asian wonton, Sante Fe ranch, spinach to classic Caesar.
Top off your salad with a cup or bowl of Corner Bakery’s homemade soups. Besides my favorite potato variety, won’t go wrong by selecting roasted tomato basil, cheddar broccoli, chicken orzo, Mom’s chicken noodle, or chili.
If you’re a pasta lover, you’ve come to the right place. However, don’t expect the made-from-the-package version. Homemade dishes include bacon, mac and three cheese, linguine and meatballs, cavatappi marinara, pesto cavatappi, and chicken carbonara.
Like the sandwiches, most other deli items are reasonably priced at under $10 and with a side, it's an economical meal no matter what you choose. There's even money left over for a sweet treat at the end of the meal.
No visit to Corner Bakery is complete without sampling one (or more) of the restaurant’s famous desserts and sweets. Favorites are maple pecan bars, lemon bars, brownies, assortment of gourmet cookies, chocolate baby Bundt cake, and, my personal favorite, cinnamon crème cake.
If a morning meal fits your schedule, you’re in luck. Corner Bakery is renowned for its wide assortment of hearty breakfast items, including egg scrambler dishes, egg and meat-filled paninis, oatmeals, and yogurts. Many items can be eaten “on the go,” serving as the perfect commuter or kids’ breakfast in the car.
In addition to in-store dining and takeout food, Corner Bakery offers a catering menu that includes large meat and sandwich trays, desserts and side dishes. The restaurant can also supply boxed lunches.
Corner Bakery is located at 108 Market Street in Flowood and 149 Grandview Boulevard in Madison. Flowood hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. Madison hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.