Dine Like A Jet Setter At Customs International Cafe

Known for their international themed menu, Customs Cafe in Hoover, Alabama offers a wide variety of foods from around the globe. Each month they feature food from a different continent. Customers can experience dining at a quint little cafe in Germany or France without the pricey plane ticket.

During the month of June, Customs celebrates the French culture by featuring a variety of French inspired dishes.

We recently tried the Quiche Lorraine: Flaky pie crust filled with eggs, Swiss cheese, bacon bits and spices baked to a creamy, savory perfection. Served with a “tres Francais” carrot salad, fresh grapes and French bread.


This month they are also featuring a crowd pleasing French onion soup, a Monte' Cristo sandwich  and a Roasted Pear Tart for dessert.

Media Night 2018 at Customs allowed us to sample a variety of cuisines along with beverage pairings all in one night. Owners, Chef Craig Cassiday & Teresa White graciously hosted a group of food writers from the metro area. Everyone was greeted with a glass of Prosecco. 

Features of the tasting included: a German first offering (Ein), a Cuban second offering (Dos), an Italian third offering (Tre) & a French fourth offering (Quatre). 

Inspired by Germany, the first tasting was their Old Berlin Beer Cheese Soup, served warm with a side of their signature cheese wafers.

This was paired with a Dresden Spritzer.

Dresden Spritzer

The second item we tried was the Cuban Pork Slider: Moist, smoked pulled pork in Mojo sauce served on a soft yeast roll & paired with a perfectly mixed Classic Mojito cocktail. 

Mojito

Next on the list was the warm & cheesy Italian Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, paired with a glass of Barbera D'Asti.

Finally, paired with a glass of Baron & Gustier Vouvray, was the incredible  French inspired Roasted Pear Tart: Flavored with almond, pear, apricot, and butter…these individual tarts are addictive so order two! They have a crisp sugar pastry base spread with frangipane and topped with a roasted pear half then sealed with apricot glaze. In other words..... it's darn good! You definitely won't leave one morsel of this tart on the plate. 

Customs Cafe is the 2018 recipient of the Shelby County Small Business of The Year award. Stop by to congratulate them soon. Don't forget to ask for your passport!

Their cafe also doubles as an event venue for receptions, meetings and more!

Customs Cafe
1845 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35244 
(205) 987-0176

Thanks for reading & sharing! 
~The Birmingham Restaurant Raider
"Anonymously Raiding A Restaurant Near You" 
Est. 2009

"Around The World in A Day At Customs Cafe"

 I'm always excited to try a new restaurant. Having only been open a short time at this location, The Customs Cafe in Hoover is already causing a buzz among people in the area.
Their unique concept is one that will definitely be a great attraction for international cuisine lovers.
After having been located inside of the Hoover library for several years, they decided that it was time to move out into the spotlight. They recently opened a new location on Montgomery Highway.
The Customs Cafe menu features "Home-style Foods From Around The World". This month, they are featuring Cuban cuisine.

Thanks to Kay Carlton for the recommendation! 

Atmosphere: This fast-casual cafe is very nice. There is booth & table seating available. Even though the cafe is so nice it appears that they would have a hostess, orders are placed at the register prior to being seated. I challenge you to resist the delicious desserts just staring at you from inside the bakery display.Our table seats were very comfortable. 

The Meal: I opted for the 1/2 salad, 1/2 sandwich from the "Build Your Own Combo" menu.

 The gourmet chicken salad sandwich was filled with their original chicken salad made with two types of dressing, celery, pecans and spices accompanied by a pickle spear. The 1/2 Frances garden salad is a garden salad with organic mixed greens, shredded cheddar, cucumbers and croutons. 

My lunch companion had a hearty bowl of their featured Cuban black bean soup with Custom Cafe's cheese wafers. She also had the Polish stuffed cabbage casserole. Inside this dish you will find a  cabbage leaf stuffed with ground beef, light bell peppers, tomatoes, "secret spices" & rice rolled tight, topped with a flavor packed tomato sauce. This dish was accompanied by a generous helping of red skinned mashed potatoes and a warm roll. This is not a spicy dish (opinion).

After all of this deliciousness, we shared a HUGE slice of their key lime cake. This was a great ending to an amazing meal. 

 

The Staff: Everyone was friendly from the front of the house to the kitchen staff / chefs who brought out our meals. You can't get much better than this. 

 

The Overall Experience:  I cannot wait to go back. Their service and food combined with their atmosphere makes them a winner in my book. 

For more information on Customs Cafe or for catering, please visit their website at 

http://www.customscafe.com/

They are located at 1845 Montgomery Highway 35244

 

Also check out https://www.facebook.com/CustomsCafe

Thanks for following and sharing! 

The Birmingham Restaurant Raider

#RaidBham

"Anonymously Raiding A Restaurant Near You" 

@RestaurantRaidr

Half gourmet chicken sandwich,  half salad

The Polish Stuffed Casserole w/ mashed potatoes

Key Lime Cake

The Cuban Black Bean Soup w/ cheese wafers