Takeout Treat: The Sunlight Cafe

“Green deluxe, light sour cream.” When I worked at the Sunlight Cafe, this was my favorite shift meal. I remember scribbling that on paper and leaving it for the cook. As the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Seattle, The Sunlight is more than delicious food; it’s community, it’s family.

Since quarantine began, my partner and I haven’t supported local businesses as much as we want. We have been afraid of touching too many surfaces, seeing too many people — and with my layoff, spending too much money. But after an exhausting week, we splurged and got Sunlight takeout. He ordered Huevos Picante, Christmas style, with red and green sauces. I was drawn to my classic. The verde sauce engulfed the crispy fried egg, beans and tortilla. We sat in Ravenna Park, took off our masks, smiled and felt simple joy. Open since 1976, I hope the Sunlight survives for another fifty years.

[150 words]

by Gabi Esser