Scout Notes: Nothing like a nice, bright (read: caffeinated) haven like Swim to thaw you from dismal weather. Grab a cup of uber-fair trade coffee and begin to warm up. Take in the wonders of a new, expanded, seasonal Swim menu, chock-full of locally-sourced ingredients, wholesome and reenergizing sammiches and salads, breakfasts and brunches. There's something for everyone from carnivores to locavores, vegans, and everyone in between. Pull a seat at a simple wooden table, use some free wi-fi as a portal to the world you might be hiding from. Take a breath. Enjoy the buzz. Before you know it, that wintery web of a world outside might seem a little less drab. At least during meal-time.

Six years ago, photo-stylist and caterer-turned-cafe owner, Karen, took the—um—plunge into this career change of opening her own cafe (named for the Natatorium located just across the Ave). Since then, Swim’s been keeping it local, green, seasonal... and real. Really real. And fresh. For the new season, they’ve expanded the menu to 22 (yes, 22) sandwiches incorporating local ingredients. How local? Free-range organic pork and poultry come from nearby Gunthorp Farms, grass-fed beef from Black Earth, all-natural chicken sausage from neighboring Amy's. Yummy seitan sourced from local wonder Upton's and breads from award-winning Bennison’s Bakery. And, just to keep things extra local, Karen and Louisa makes the bakery goodies fresh from scratch, right here, seven nights a week.

It may be a cruel world out there. But at least at Swim, you can find good living oh-so-close to home.

---

Menu Highlights:
Seitan Philly Cheese Steak, $9.25
BBQ Chicken Burger, $9.50
Goat Cheese, Leek and Tomato Strata, $3.50
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, $1.75
Almond Milk Chai, $3.00 - $3.95

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 6: 00 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.