Cheap Eats - Let them eat cake

More than a mouthful at Eat Moore Cake

The interior of Eat Moore Cake looks like a cross between a college dorm room and a small-town deli. The makeshift bookcases, portable CD player and ragtag plants aren’t all that inviting. But the glass case filled with cakes and desserts, the smell of baking and the friendly “hello” when you enter change all that. But first you have to find your way in (go into the renovated space next door and the entrance is on your left). Jerry Moore’s playfully named spot across from Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park replaces Foodz 2 Go. The bakery/coffeehouse/deli has been open less than a month, and its straightforward fare is a boon to the area.

What we ate: The sandwiches may not be as stellar as those at Foodz, which many patrons swore by, but they ain’t bad for the price. All can be ordered by the half for $2.95, or as a whole for $5.75. Choose from turkey, ham or roast beef slices stuffed between fresh white, wheat or French breads. There’s also an all-veggie sandwich with cranberry mustard. Half a chicken salad is a no-nonsense one-hander made with marinated breast and heavy mayo. The sandwich arrives with a pickle and a side of potato or pasta salad. The pasta salad was a bit dull — just oil, vinegar and tri-colored spirals. But that left more room for the desserts.

Moore for me: The dessert selection is where Moore’s bakery/deli really shines. Whole cakes can be ordered or purchased on the spot ($25-$30). The place is already taking Mother’s Day orders. Try the Italian cream, red velvet, carrot, coconut or yellow chocolate; slices are only $3.50. A large muffin — blueberry, lemon poppy and banana — is $1.50 for a moist hunk of morning sweetness. Big cookies are just a quarter less at $1.25 — and they are big. The chocolate chip is soft and chewy with large chunks of chocolate morsels. A melt-away cookie (95 cents) is a simple butter-and-flour cookie shaped like a rod, with each end dipped in white chocolate and pecan pieces. The 3-inch individual cheesecakes ($3) are thick and creamy, with a rich, sweet handmade crust. Once you get your slice, there’s coffee, espresso and cappuccino ($1.25-$2.50).

Where to hang?: The neighborhood needs a meeting place — and so far, it has been spared the corporate chains that have infiltrated even bohemian Little Five Points. Now there’s a coffee shop hangout for those looking for a cheap and friendly atmosphere. Unfortunately, the spot is only open until 6 p.m. But if things go well, perhaps they’ll stay open for those looking for coffee and a sweet treat late into the night.??