The name sticks out, and so does the varied menu

What first caught my attention about She Doesn't Like Guthries in Lewiston? To be honest (and really, it's not so surprising), the name. It sticks out.

She Doesn't Like Guthries is a small cafe/club downtown. It's very unassuming from the outside. Big windows look out on the street, but there's not much to see. However, the inside is comfortable. Not fancy or even club-chic. Just comfortable.

There are painted picnic tables, tall pub tables and regular-height tables for seating, as well as some counter seating. Work by local artists decorates the far wall on the right as you walk in, and a small area for live music is against the wall on your left. You order at the counter at the back of the room.

When my brother and I arrived at the cafe/club at noon on a Friday, it was subdued, but folks from nearby businesses kept coming in the entire time we were there.

We grabbed a paper menu from the counter. I was surprised at the variety of items offered, and even more interested to find good vegetarian and healthy-choice options.

I ordered the Just Jon's 4 Cheese quesadilla ($7), and my brother ordered the barbecue chicken panini ($7.25). We seated ourselves at a tall pub table by the live music area. We only had to wait about 10 minutes for our food to be brought to us. My brother's sandwich looked terrific (he said it tasted great), and it came with a gigantic pickle slice and chips. My quesadilla was crispy, and the cheese was chewy. It was such a good size that my brother had to help me finish it.

As I mentioned, the menu has a lot on it that I didn't expect to see at a cafe that doubles as a club. You can order club-type foods, like salsa and tortilla chips for $3.75, but the bulk of the menu is more substantial in its offerings.

For example, you can order wheat-free fiesta bowls. The veggie fiesta bowl ($7) has salsa, cheese, rice, black beans, tomatoes, peppers and spinach or lettuce. You can also order wheat-free tacos ($6.50). For those avoiding meat, you can substitute soy crumbles.

Also on the menu are a selection of burritos ($7.25 to $7.75), a variety of quesadillas ($7 to $7.75), salads ($5.50 to $7.75) and panini sandwiches. Sandwiches offered include hummus ($6.50), turkey (or Tofurky) for $6.75 and a cranberry walnut chicken salad for $7.25.

She Doesn't Like Guthries also offers homemade soups (types vary by day), and a kids' menu. For $5.50, children can order a grilled cheese sandwich, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a ham and cheese sandwich with chips and a drink.

If you're not interested in having a meal, you can order a coffee or cappucino or grab a beer.

The Features staff of the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram anonymously samples meals for about $7.

She Doesn't Like Guthries