With a menu that features both Thai and barbecue dishes, Jack's Cafe in Bowling Green is a winner in taste-full meals. LINDA SALISBURY /FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

>> BOWLING GREEN RESTAURANT OFFERS AN ECLECTIC MENU--AND PLENTY OF FLAVOR TASTEFULLY DONE: WIDE VARIETY AT JACK'S CAFÉ

Jack's Cafe in Bowling Green reviewed

Date published: 12/25/2008

BY LINDA SALISBURY

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

The charming town of Bowling Green, between Richmond and Fredericksburg, was a significant stopping point for troops during both the Revolutionary wars.

From the windows of tiny Jack's Cafe, diners can feast on the town's history. The Union Army camped across the way during its occupation in 1864, and Lafayette camped nearby in 1781.

Diners will also feast on one of the most diverse food selections My Dining Partner and I have yet encountered: BBQ or fine Thai cuisine.

The owner and chef, Yupin, has been dishing up this delicious fare for more than two years. Another diner told us he not only enjoys the Thai food, but also the taco and spaghetti specials that are available some nights. There are also lunch specials, too.

We decided to stick to the Thai food, which is always a favorite when we eat out.

At Yupin's recommendation, we ordered soup. I picked the Tom kha goong (3.95) and MDP, the Tom kha gail ($2.95). Both were exquisite.

Mine was chicken and straw mushrooms in a hot and sour soup with coconut milk and lemongrass. Normally I find coconut milk too sweet, but this combination was perfect, and the pop of lemon flavor from the lemongrass made me exclaim out loud.

MDP thoroughly enjoyed his soup, which came with shrimp in a hearty broth rather than coconut milk.

We also ordered fresh shrimp garden rolls (two, for $2.95), which were well-supplied with fresh shrimp. I would have liked fresh basil, but each chef has a different recipe.

MDP decided on the chicken red curry ($7.95) for his entree, and ordered a side of chicken fried rice ($6.95). The portions were abundant, and although the dish is billed as "spicy," it was not overly so.

The curry contained bamboo shoots, slices of green and red peppers, basil leaves and coconut milk.

I ordered chicken basil, one of my favorites, which was stir-fried with a chili-garlic sauce and basil leaves ($7.95). It is a good dish for first-time Thai tasters. Again, the portion was quite ample.

The fried rice was excellent, one of the best we've tried. We were pleased that everything was fresh, cooked to order and served hot.

Yupin said that some of the desserts are homemade, depending on how much time she has. MDP decided on her banana cream pie ($2.50), with a flaky crust and thick filling that speaks of a personal touch. I enjoyed my large brownie ($2).

We decided that while Richmond Turnpike has a long military history, it deserves to be traveled today for the pleasure of eating at Jack's Cafe.

Linda Salisbury is the author of an award-winning adventure series for kids.

Address: 120 N. Main St., Bowling Green (State Route 2), across from county offices and next to Penney Realty. Phone: 804/633-2233 Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday Prices: Appetizers: $1-$3.95 Soups and salads: $2.95-$6.95 Sandwiches: $3.95-7.95 Dinners: $6.95-$8.95 Desserts: $1.50-$2.50 The Scoop: Family-friendly and nonsmoking, with seating outside and in. Walls are dark green and floor is green and white tile. Might want to make reservations during dinner hour because seating is limited to 18. Payment: Major credit cards accepted.

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Date published: 12/25/2008