Two cafes - USA and UK

Venus in Berkley, California focuses on slow food, which honestly you might guess just from the decor which has a warm hippy vibe to it. Everywhere you look people are reading books or engaging in intellectual discussion. If you look at the website there's a lot of talk about spirit and love. Service was swift but perfunctory.

I had the chavo sandwich: grilled chicken breast, avocado, applewood bacon, white cheddar, chipotle mayo, lettuce and tomato on grilled sourdough, with home fries (salad is an option). At $10.50 it's decent value and tasty. Seems like not a bad place for lunch in Berkley. 

Back in the UK Hitchin's Halsey's is not somewhere you're likely to hear concepts like slow food from the diners but still, they serve local produce in a slightly ramshackle, comfy environment. The chatter is more about the weather and what's on TV but it's clear that, in a more restrained, British way, Halsey's is a spiritual cousin to Venus.

I had the Roast Meat sandwich - today being pork. Served with stuffing, apple sauce and a little sliver of crackling on top. Tasty and good value at £4.95. Be prepared to wait for a table at busy times (Halsey's could really benefit from a wait list).