116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Pastry master, former ‘Iron Chef’ cast member folds experience into his first Coralville cafe, deli and bakery
Three-in-one concept delivers niche novelties, sublime simplicities
Jul. 11, 2023 7:00 am, Updated: Jul. 11, 2023 1:59 pm
CORALVILLE — If you’ve ever wondered how TV chefs or fine dining pastry masters eat at home, you’re in luck. At Chef Cory Barrett’s first restaurant, “only the best” comes to life in surprising new ways.
At Barrett’s casual three-in-one concept, opened July 5, you won’t find the fine dining cliches like culinary foams, explanations from servers that sound like a foreign language, or entrees that vaporize your savings with little to show for the stomach.
Despite an impressive resume earned under renowned chefs, top national awards and reels of appearance on widely watched shows, Chef Barrett didn’t want to open the type of restaurant most might visit once a year.
He wanted to serve the things he makes at home for his family — food that has stood the test of time.
“If you went to a chef’s house for a simple lunch, this is probably what would be served,” Barrett said. “It’s food we like to eat every single day.”
If you go
What: Barrett’s Quality Eats
Where: 3242 Crosspark Rd., Coralville
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Phone: (319) 626-2227
Website: barrettsallday.com
Details: A full line of scratch-made pastries, desserts, New York-style bagels and a deli case are served alongside a full breakfast menu, sandwiches, soups, salads and rotisserie chicken. Wash it down with custom Stone Bru coffee and fresh juices or a selection of beer, wine and cocktails.
Pastries start at $4; deli case and sandwich selections range from $7 to $17. Casual counter service with ample indoor and patio seating.
Iowa simplicity
The cafe, bakery and deli distills decades of experience for Barrett, 43, into a concept with a heaping helping of an element that is quintessential Iowa.
The restaurant, despite being his biggest venture to date, has a humble appeal that doesn’t make anyone feel out of place.
“I’ve put a lot of funky flavors together over the years — the whole kit and caboodle,” Barrett said. “But having a croissant with coffee in the morning is pretty amazing. It’s things people really go for, as long as they’re prepared well.”
Despite three James Beard Award semifinalist nods, 17 episodes as a sous chef on “Iron Chef,” and a 2019 win on the Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship,” Barrett’s Quality Eats offers a cross between high quality and convenience that reaches the crowd shopping for groceries at the Hy-Vee across the street.
Ecuadorian chocolate mousse cakes are seen in the display case at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Croissants are seen at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Chocolate croissants are popular items at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A stack of brownies is seen at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Irish tea cake at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Loaves of bread are seen at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A Great Blueberry Muffin is seen atop other muffins at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. The muffin is a popular item. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Eye-popping and adventurous desserts
A full line of pastries and desserts — Barrett’s specialty honed under the acclaimed Lola, Chef Michael Symon’s former flagship restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio — commands the craft in ways unmatched by the average cafe and bakery. A full line of croissant options, cream puffs and tarts adorn cases alongside well-done simplicities like brownies, banana bread and Irish tea cake.
If you have a sweet tooth, take a gander at the Ecuadorian Chocolate Mousse Cake. Chocolate Peanut Butter Tortes, fruit tarts and mousse cakes are available for one or in multiples to share.
If you have an adventurous sweet tooth, adventurous and eye-popping options await behind the glass.
Kalamata olive and white chocolate chip cookies, a riff off a dessert Barrett did for “Iron Chef America,” delivers moist bites that are surprisingly balanced between salty and sweet.
If you want to try the only deep-dish style cinnamon rolls in the Corridor, arrive early — they’re first come, first served on weekends only.
Rotini pasta salad is seen in the deli case at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Roasted beets are seen in the deli case at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Avocado grilled toast at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Fresh bread and deli options await customers on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Barrett's Quality Eats in Coralville, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Breakfast and lunch
In a space that looks reminiscent of a Midcentury Modern New York delicatessen, breakfast and New York-style bagels are served until 11 a.m.
The restaurant’s namesake signature breakfast sandwich features egg, aioli, and white cheddar on brioche rolls, croissants or bagels. Smoked salmon lox are available with veggie plates or on grilled sourdough toast.
Bacon and onion savory oats, a family favorite with Barrett’s wife and children, offers a “breakfast risotto.” Ranchero burritos featuring avocado and roasted potatoes are available with braised beef.
Lunch shifts gears with familiar favorites elevated by quality ingredients.
“Iowans just love quality things. That’s where the name started,” Barrett explained. “Simple quality is a highly respected thing — that was a big driving point for the restaurant.”
Diners can order a fresh rotisserie chicken cut to size with whole, quarter or half options and optional sides like Yukon Gold potatoes, kale salad and salsa verde. Or simply order it on a French roll sandwich with feta mayonnaise and herbs.
A beef pot roast sandwich brings a hearty Midwestern meat to match the potatoes. Classics deliver comfort through chicken salad sandwiches, tuna salad sandwiches or ham and cheese.
Cory Barrett at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Cory Barrett works dough at Barrett's Quality Eats, 3242 Crosspark Rd., in Coralville, Iowa, on Friday, July 7, 2023. This is owner Cory Barrett's, a former Iron Chef cast member and Food Network Spring Baking Championship winner, first restaurant. Barrett earned James Beard Foundation semifinalist nods for Rising Star Chef at Lola in Cleveland in 2008 and twice for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009 and 2010 at the same restaurant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Cory Barrett open the first bottle of champaign for his soft opening on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Barrett's Quality Eats in Coralville, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Sun shines down on the outdoor patio on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Barrett's Quality Eats in Coralville, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Fresh bread and deli options await customers on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Barrett's Quality Eats in Coralville, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Patrons sample the coffee bar on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Barrett's Quality Eats in Coralville, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Customer line up for a soft opening on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Barrett's Quality Eats in Coralville, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Inspiration
With experience working in restaurants from coast to coast, the Ohio native drew inspiration from locations like Swedish Hill Bakery in Austin, Texas; Gjusta Bakery in Los Angeles; and Daily Provisions in New York City.
As he moved his family to the Corridor from Kalamazoo, Mich., partners like Chef Ben Smith at Big Grove Brewery played a heavy hand in making the concept Iowan.
The menu has proved that eating wholesome food is not mutually exclusive to being accessible or convenient. With a bright and inviting space, flexibility allows diners to linger at their leisure or grab a bite to go.
“It’s wholesome, delicious, but also as fast as we can provide it without dumbing down the product,” Barrett said. “All those possibilities are what people will like most.”
Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com
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