Fox’s Cafe Dishes Up Delicious Pie

Fox’s Café sits at the corner of 403 Avon Street and Levy Avenue in Belmont. It is less than two miles from campus. For years, I drove past it without ever giving it any thought.

Last spring, I witnessed an older couple drive into Fox’s empty parking lot

and arduously disembark. Midway through the process, a chipper waitress came outside, greeted them, and assured them that they were not too late for lunch. After the couple refused her help, they gave the waitress their order, and she went back inside. They soon followed. They arrived at closing time, yet they were welcomed.

This fall, I met the owner’s daughter, Lyndsey. Once again, my interest in the café was piqued. I have never been an adventurous eater nor trusting when it comes to kitchen hygiene, so I asked several people for their opinion of the café, They all had favorable comments, and most mentioned the homemade pies. I was ready to try Fox’s Café.

Approaching the door, I inhaled deeply but never caught that greasy-spoon odor which usually hangs thick in the air, just the aroma of breakfast foods. I was greeted with cheerful “good mornings” from the staff. The floor and open kitchen were clean and orderly. I chose a corner table where I had a view of the L-shaped dining area. At the counter, a few regular patrons were finishing breakfast. Two of the stools had plaques on their backs where their late occupants’ names had been inscribed. And, of course, foxes of all kinds were everywhere.

My dining companion started her morning with a large glass of orange juice and then opted for the special of creamed chipped beef on toast and eggs. She was surprised that it was so meaty and tender. This earned two thumbs up.

I tried a slice of two pies. Their coconut pie with a twist surprised me. The crust was light, flakey and golden. The creamy custard with its fresh coconut left me wondering if we use the same recipe. It was presented with a top layer of golden brown meringue. I am not fond of meringue but found it to be a nice accompaniment to the custard.

The freshly peeled and sliced apples held their shape nicely as they baked in a crust that absorbed their flavor. This was not a sweet, juicy pie but more like the ones our grandmothers might have made from scratch. It was yummy.

The prices are reasonable. Along with our meals, we each had bottomless hot coffee which was surprisingly good. Each of our orders were six dollars and change plus tip. What a bargain.

The owner, Diane Fox, explained that the café was started in 1995 when her daughter, Lyndsey, was only three years old. She would play and take her naps near the kitchen area. Business went on as usual. The building was built in the early 60’s and opened as The Burger House. It was one of three that the Templeton brothers owned in the city at that time.

My second visit yielded the same warm welcome, cleanliness and fast, personable service. My house salad was fresh, crisp and ample enough to be a meal. It contained a variety of lettuces, along with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Cheese was on the side. My dessert was a piece of apple pie which sported a lovely flakey crust with juicy apples tumbling from under it. The pie was awesome with coffee. My cost for lunch was close to $7.

Their menu is chocked full of offerings such as pork chops, pulled pork barbeque, or hamburger steak with two sides, or a Chef salad for approximately $6. There are many hot and cold sandwiches to choose from that range $2-$4. Hours are Monday – Thursday 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday 6 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.