THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cafe Saint Rose

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cafe Saint Rose Restaurant Review:

A blue facade and red sandwich board with “EAT” in masking tape font offer the only markers to this itty-bitty café that seats 12-15---that’s diners, not tables. Never mind the goliath 4,000-square-foot catering kitchen in back, and bear with plans for expansion. Chef-owner-caterer Mark Malicki, who spent 13 years cooking for Iron Horse Vineyards, makes you feel like he invited you to dinner; everything looks and tastes heartfelt. The general plan, though it’s apt to morph without warning: nibblers plus a three-course supper. Starters might feature smoked trout with persimmons and arugula, watermelon gazpacho, a duo of plump cod cakes with fiery aïoli, or sweet corn soufflé with lobster essence; mains in hot cazuelas nourish, from cassoulet to chanterelle and butternut squash lasagnette. Desserts bring out the kid in you: perhaps coconut cake with strawberries or butterscotch pudding---all’s a bargain. Service feels homey---unpolished, but caring. Downtowners jam in for lunch, though dinner might just be you and the stack of classic albums on the record player. Call first for the menu du jour and to make sure you’ll fit.