Find charm and comfort at Rose of Broadway

When you hear the words old-world charm, rustic and a timeless classic, and petite bistro you might think you have opened up a travel brochure, but you haven't -- you have walked into the Rose of Broadway. The Rose is a small restaurant, but I felt very comfortable there (kick-off-your-shoes comfortable).

The restaurant has the feel of a storybook grandma's cabin -- small, warm and cozy from the knotty pine walls to the smell of delicious, warm cinnamon buns. The Rose is primarily a breakfast/lunch bistro -- no dinner menu, but what a breakfast/lunch buffet they have.

That everything is handcrafted and baked from the heart is real. Geri Graves, the owner/chef, bakes and cooks everything on site. I went in on a Tuesday for the lunch buffet. OMG! -- oh my god -- I had such a valley-girl moment. The French crepes were so light and airy, stuffed with chicken and asparagus, sauteed in white wine. It was fabulous.

Thank God it was a buffet because I was determined to try one of everything. The chewy. soft homemade baked bread did remind me of my childhood in Miami Beach, Fla. The kosher Jewish deli where I used to buy our challah bread had the same texture. The roast sirloin was very tender.

When you are in the Rose, a feeling of leisure envelops you. You want to take the time to eat and appreciate your food, much like those who took the time to make it. Now this can be a good thing or not. If you have the time to go and sit, by all means do so. Two people can eat plentifully for under $15 -- such a deal. If not, then they also have a take-out menu for those on the go -- still a deal. Just look in the phone book and their menu is listed. Also check out the vegetarian entrees.

Quick review: moderate prices; home-cooked comfort foods. So have fun and eat well!

Adieu.

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