Photo Courtesy of Mars BistrotAfter searching up and down the Ave for Blue Dog Kitchen, the restaurant I had planned to review this week, I finally stumble into a smoke shop and resign myself to asking for directions.Mars (5247 University Way NE), as it turns out, is the new Blue Dog. The black and red exterior is easy to overlook in a neighborhood dominated by sunny cafes and student apartment complexes. From the outside, it looks like a dive bar or a cheap diner, the type that features glossy pictorials of every dish. The inside, however, is a colorful space with one wall painted olive green, another blazing yellow, and a third eggplant purple. A worn down couch and a table stacked with neighborhood papers sits to the right; to the left is a small dining room bordered by framed strips of comic book characters. Once we’ve cleared the entrance, we settle into a nook by the floor-to-ceiling windows. The furniture is modest–stained wood chairs, simple place settings and Formica tables. Cartoons play on the TV across the hall. The muted colors, coupled with the blue carpeting, makes for a hippie, playful vibe. Even the “contemporary art” lining the walls could be mistaken for a kid’s doodles. So when we open the menu and learn that this is organic cuisine, we’re surprised. Breakfast appears to be the specialty here at Mars because two whole pages are dedicated to every variation of pancakes and omelets imaginable. The menu also features sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads–all the staples. I’m a breakfast person, so after pouring over the 10+ pancake dishes, I settle on the Mary Berries, a three berry pancake blending strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. My mouth is watering already. After much debate, my friend carefully selects the Nasrudden sandwich and a side of the three-cheese omelet (upon my request).Two more people have settled in with their laptops by the time we’re done ordering. Service is fast though, and ten minutes later the waiter returns with three entree-sized dishes.Our first reaction–the food looks homemade, and not in a “are you sure you remembered to add the sugar?” sort of way. I’m pleasantly surprised. My pancakes were warm and gooey, not nauseatingly sweet and loaded down with powdered sugar. The omelets were also delicious –provolone, swiss and cheddar cheese with sausage, onion and bell pepper. The side of cubed potatoes was perfectly spiced. (I didn’t even have to ask for ketchup). My friend’s Nasrudden was a success as well. Picture grilled eggplant, sandwiched by red peppers and smeared with onion hummus. Despite the large portions, we scarfed down our food and resisted the urge to order dessert.If you’re searching for the full dining experience, then Mars may not be for you. Fortunately, the decor does not match the food at this wholesome restaurant–well-seasoned, homemade and refreshingly simple.