Did Nikki Giovanni eat oxtails with rice and beans or candied yams? Did Trenton-born poet Ntozake Shange prefer her collard greens sauteed? Who knows if T.S. Eliot ordered blackened salmon at a favorite hangout while writing “Dans le Restaurant” (“In the Restaurant”). Did Dr. Maya Angelou write “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” over a plate of jerk chicken? These poets are no longer alive, so we’ll never know. (Sidebar: I actually met Dr. Angelou and got her autograph many years ago in Boston when I convinced my college classmate, Bryan, to let me tag along on his interview with her at The Ritz Hotel).
But Trenton is the home of Cafe Toast where Chris, its owner and resident poet (when he’s not cooking up lemon pepper fish, “Island pasta”, “609” burgers, or “The Celebrity Sandwich), wrote the perfect narrative to begin 2025. Framed and positioned to be read as the customer looks up from her plate, it reads:
“Be kind
Work hard
Stay humble
Stay loyal
Be honest
Travel when possible
Never stop learning
Be thankful
and love
always.”
With affordable prices and generous portions, Cafe Toast is one of the best kept secrets in downtown Trenton, but you won’t see the restaurant’s sign until you walk through the front door of the building on 333 West State Street, walk through the lobby, and turn right.
Open Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., you may call ahead at (609) 337-7100 to order to pick up or to eat in. Take home a shrimp basket for tonight’s dinner. (Isn’t it your turn to cook anyway?) All basket orders include fries. Or call in a late breakfast/early brunch order of eggs, pancakes, chicken and waffles, or French toast, to surprise your hard-working staff back at the office. All egg orders include home fries and toast.
Leaving the office early? Is Aunt Manya in town for a few days? How about turkey wings or pork chops with mac and cheese? House specials come with your choice of two sides. Or how about a grilled chicken salad (one of my favorite orders!), or a Philly cheesesteak, or a whiting sandwich? All sandwich orders include fries. Choose from a wide selection of cold juices and sodas and add a slice of apple pie or cheesecake. Come on! Aunt Manya is your favorite aunt!
While you’re at it, call Cafe Toast to cater your supervisor’s retirement party. Call (609) 337-7100.
Just about everyone who lives or works in the downtown Trenton area is discovering Cafe Toast! On my way out not too long ago, a fire truck parked across the street caused me some concern. Two firefighters emerged from the building. No worries, though: they strolled along, happily savoring the warm, tantalizing aroma coming from the large bags they were carrying…and they were smiling!
Call Cafe Toast at (609) 337-7100 to order a delicious meal. Say hello to Chris when you stop by. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Karen Carson
Contributing writer, Trenton Daily