I’ve gone back to William’s Gourmet Kitchen a second time, finally, and yum, was it worth it. The updated review starts at the end of this older one.

William’s Gourmet Kitchen is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch right where Highways 54 and 55 intersect.

Its atmosphere is definitely that of a fast food restaurant but one that is very clean, welcoming, and decorated with fun artwork on the walls (presently Big World Photography by Lorri Honeycutt). Free wifi is available, which is always a plus.

Sandwiches, salads, burgers, or soup are available à la carte or you can add on a side of sweet potato fries, regular potato fries, chips, potato salad or pasta salad. I’m still a bit annoyed with myself for spazzing at the register and not ordering the nicely priced half sandwich, cup of soup or side salad, and drink combo for $7.29. Instead, I ordered a full smoked turkey sandwich.

The bread was more similar to a square french bread roll than a traditional foccacia, as it was described on the menu, but I thought it had a pleasant, chewy texture regardless. The amount of turkey on the sandwich was just right, not too much and not too little. I am often turned off when places pile mounds of meat on a sandwich and I have to pull half of it off, so that was appreciated. Green leaf lettuce, red onions, and drippy chipotle mayo added extra flavor. It was a solid, if not extraordinary, sandwich offering.

There were also plenty of baked goods including brownies, rice crispy treats and cookies available, if you’d like to treat your sweet tooth. I was barely able to resist the red velvet cupcakes but my willpower kicked in just in time.

I’ll be back to try breakfast, though I wish they had more than drip coffee to offer in the morning caffeine department. But with omelets and home fries available for $5, I’ll forgo the cappuccino.

William’s Gourmet Kitchen
2114 East Highway 54
Research Triangle Park, Durham
http://www.williamsgk.com/
Sandwiches: $4.29-$6.49
Sides: $0.99-$2.49

*Return Visit 8.31.10*

Just went back to William’s for lunch today, and they’ve added a lovely covered porch on the side of the building now.

I had a really great cheeseburger, opting for swiss out of the options (cheddar and American were the other two).

It came loaded up with onion, tomato, lettuce, special sauce (thousand island in flavor but much thinner than the gloppy stuff), and pickles. The burger was delicious, especially with the drippy sauce. I’m all about toppings and a bun that can withstand burger juices and William’s passed the test there.

I also decided it was time to give in to the red velvet cupcakes.

This was no gigantic cupcake, but the size of the ones that used to be considered normal, making it perfect for an afternoon dessert. My expectations were a little high based on many commenters’ raves about this treat, so perhaps I wanted my mind blown . . . and it wasn’t. But it was moist, airy even, and had a good amount of cream cheese on top. So many cupcakes overwhelm with frosting amounts. I’d say this one had a better frosting to cake ratio per bite than most do.

Based on this experience, my opinion of William’s Gourmet Kitchen has gone up a notch from pretty good to great!
It’s definitely a yummy lunch spot, especially if you want a burger.

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