Big Ben Cafe (Norton's Common)

Ate there yesterday and the food was great. There were 14 in our group and we tried a variety of items from fish tacos, fish sandwich, wraps, signature sandwiches, and deserts.
Everything was fresh and had great flavors. There breakfast pastries look very good.
I had a Tandoori Chicken on nana bread and two good condiments which was very good and a lemon meringue cupcake which finished off a good meal.
There were three large fish tacos and chips looked good (Was told they were great) the fish sandwich too was very good. Nothing that was eaten in our group was bad.
Prices are not bad for the quantity and quality of the food. Can’t wait to return to try the breakfast.
I asked if all the bake goods were made on site and they are.
Web: bigbencafes.com
Hours of operation: Monday-Sat.: 6 am-9pm
Sunday: 6am-8pm
502-749-6326
Doug Chin

Doug do they have wi-fi there?

We have not stopped there yet. Went to farmers' market this morning. Looking forward to Verbenna opening - no poste date yet.
Did stick our head in the door at Big Ben's and noticed, tucked in the back, their bar. From the front of the restaurant it looks casual and counter service like a small Panera. But with alcohol. They have a nice comfy big sidewalk area that when the sun isn't so hot - looks very inviting. We like to walk at Norton Commons but don't always plan it around meal time. We should at least get a drink and/or get something to go.

I am hoping that as a new resident to NC, I will not have to wait too long for a table at Verbena when it finally opens.

I like Big Ben, their soups are tasty, and there are at least one vegetarian on the menu.
(friends are veg and nice to be able to have something available to them)

I have also had their coffee drinks, and a muffin. Not bad at all.

[Robin Garr]

We stopped in for a quick lunch today, and the setting and food reminded us a bit of Panera, although in fairness the food was better than Panera. It sure looked like a place that wants to be a chain, though.

What's Verbena? I must have missed the Email.

Robin, Verbena is similar to Wild Eggs but should be at a lower price point. Like Wild Eggs it will only be open for Breakfast and Lunch when it opens very shortly on the first floor of the apartment building behind the Sales Office, Tea Station and Karems on Meeting Street in Norton Commons. The family running Verbenas are experienced Restauranteurs, so it promises to be interesting.

As to Big Ben... Love Big Ben. One of the chefs is from Sullivan and as I understand it, an expert in pastries. They are a MUST TRY! The Chefs have been tweaking the menu and have added some wonderful items like the fish sandwich, fish tacos and Tandoori Chicken Sandwich to the menu. Pizza too, an expanding kids menu and much more!

Best to check it all out at: http://bigbencafes.com/ You can also get daily and weekly specials too via text at: BIGBENCAFE to 511511 Great way to keep up on last minute specials and musicians playing at Big Ben.

Yes. I saw a window sticker stating free wi-fi.

Doug do they have wi-fi there?

[Robin Garr]

Yes. I saw a window sticker stating free wi-fi.

Doug do they have wi-fi there?

When we were there today, we found the wifi was locked, and none of the friendly and wanting-to-be-helpful folks there had any idea how to use it.

Yes. I saw a window sticker stating free wi-fi.

Doug do they have wi-fi there?

When we were there today, we found the wifi was locked, and none of the friendly and wanting-to-be-helpful folks there had any idea how to use it.

I hate password protected wifi. People that employ WPA2 (& WPA, WEP) don't understand that it doesn't protect their data, it just limits access to their wifi. If someone has malicious intent on your system, WPA2 will not stop them. I don't use it at home and my neighbors that do willingly give access. I can literally walk my dog around my 'hood and not lose a signal.

Free the WiFi!

People that employ WPA2 (& WPA, WEP) don't understand that it doesn't protect their data, it just limits access to their wifi.

"The firewall built into your router prevents hackers on the Internet from getting access to your PC. But it does nothing to stop people in range of your Wi-Fi signal from getting onto your network--and with the latest high-performance equipment, your Wi-Fi signal could reach clear down the block. Without encryption and other protective measures, anyone can use readily available tools to see all your Wi-Fi traffic.

For extra protection, you should run software firewalls on the individual PCs on your network. Some good options are Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm, available as a free download or in the ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2006, and Agnitum's Outpost Firewall Free."

I lock out my wifi and run a firewall at the same time; along with antivirus software. While it's true there is nothing that's 100%; I feel this is the safest way to do it from home. I have yet to use wifi in a public spot and would be weary to do it in the first place.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/130330/how_to_secure_your_wireless_network.html

On a food note.... if you are up for a VERY filling breakfast... try the bacon Quiche.or any other quiche at BB
It has been a VERY long time that I have had or made quiche , and now I remember why.

It was extremely filling, and I have given guidance to the VERY helpful staff as to why it was not my favorite choice. Firstly, it was given to me on say a 4 in round plate. Puff pastry gets very messy, and if you are going to enjoy a 5 in . quiche you want room to dig in! I was given a wider "tray" something that my OCD would never let me eat from. I managed all the same... It was very tasty, and well executed although I think my palate was not ready for savory..

You cannot go wrong if you go to Big Ben's , and I hope you all will ring my bell when you are in the "hood"

~H

People that employ WPA2 (& WPA, WEP) don't understand that it doesn't protect their data, it just limits access to their wifi.

"The firewall built into your router prevents hackers on the Internet from getting access to your PC. But it does nothing to stop people in range of your Wi-Fi signal from getting onto your network--and with the latest high-performance equipment, your Wi-Fi signal could reach clear down the block. Without encryption and other protective measures, anyone can use readily available tools to see all your Wi-Fi traffic.

For extra protection, you should run software firewalls on the individual PCs on your network. Some good options are Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm, available as a free download or in the ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2006, and Agnitum's Outpost Firewall Free."

I lock out my wifi and run a firewall at the same time; along with antivirus software. While it's true there is nothing that's 100%; I feel this is the safest way to do it from home. I have yet to use wifi in a public spot and would be weary to do it in the first place.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/130330/how_to_secure_your_wireless_network.html

My point: if you are offering free wifi, locking it up with a password, then giving the password to anyone that asks, what are you gaining? The firewall on your network protects your network. If there is software to protect something, there is software to crack the thing.

...an expert in pasties.

So impressed! I have been several times and the food is fantastic. Growing pains are inevitable and it is apparent that the staff is hard working, willing to learn and certainly will. Definitely try it out! The flat bread pizza is delicious (FYI- normally not a pizza eater). The curried chicken salad is one of my favorites. Tried the fish tacos last week and can't stop thinking about them!