For Restaurant Week, I had the chance to visit Alexander’s Cafe with my photographer, Jared, for a $15 three-course lunch. Walking into the sun-filled environment, we were greeted by big chalkboards full of exciting menu items and a platter of baked goods. We sat down, relishing the cafe’s calm atmosphere filled with low chatter from other customers. The simple decor, posters of Binghamton and the homey blue and beige colors of the dining room created a nostalgic environment.

We started on our first course with some tasty appetizers. I had the pot sticker soup, a vegan delight made from a bok choy broth. The soup was filled with thinly shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms and cabbage, which gave a nostalgic feel and taste. Jared had the ramen noodle salad, a cold salad full of vegetables, sliced almonds and green onions. A coating of sesame oil dressing softened the noodles and gave the dish’s flavor palate an added depth. The appetizers were a light but very delicious start to our meal.

Next, we moved on to the second course. Jared got the Granny Smith apple panini, a sandwich that combined sweet and savory flavors. The chicken salad complemented the crispy bread and sweet juice of the thinly sliced apples. The warmth of the sandwich softened the gouda, making each bite cheesy and savory. He said it was a great balance of flavors and was very delightful to eat.

I had the bruschetta burrito, a fun take on traditional bruschetta. In a plain grilled wrap, my dish was full of powerful and tasty flavors. Each bite contained soft, warm chicken with an added crunch of diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella and fresh greens. My favorite part, however, was the pesto aioli, a blend of creamy pesto and mayo, which brought instant flavor to the dish. It was so good that I had to confirm what it was on my way out so I remembered it for the future.

Our meal was not over yet. Restaurant Week at Alexander’s also includes a choice of dessert, including gluten-free mini New York-style cheesecake, assorted bagged cookies or an Oreo dirt pudding parfait. I opted for the cookies, and I was pleasantly surprised by their simple yet delicious flavors. I was given three different cookies: chocolate chip, peanut butter and sea salt caramel.

First, I tried the chocolate chip cookie, which delightfully blended salty and sweet. While it was one of the simpler options, it remains a beloved classic. The peanut butter cookie’s salt flakes and soft, buttery middle were just as satisfying. Lastly, the sea salt caramel cookie’s perfect mixture of sea salt flakes and caramel chunks mixed into the batter was a pleasant surprise. While the cookies were on the smaller end, they still proved to be equally delicious, and each one kept me wanting more.

Jared finished off with the Oreo dirt pudding parfait — just as creamy and delicious as it sounds. He said the layers of light cream, soft pudding and decadent chocolate complemented each other, evening out the textures and flavor in each bite, bringing a unique take on what many of us first think of when it comes to pudding.

Alexander’s Cafe is a Binghamton staple. Modifying classic meals with new and interesting varieties and flavors, there is sure to be something for everyone.