Roost Bistro: Something to Crow About!

When my neighbors, Pam & Rich of the Leisure Inn, invited Michael and I out for dinner over Columbus day weekend,  I quickly said "yes". The choice was easy to me. There are so many restaurants in the village. Ogunquit features many fine Zagat rated restaurants.  There is never a reason to drive out of town, but this quaint bistro is well worth the trip....

We went to Roost Cafe and Bistro. This new restaurant,  located in Cape Neddick village (Four miles south of Ogunquit village ) is the latest endeavour of Ogunquit's own Rob Pinkham, and Aldo Vallecillo.

Roost does a lively gourmet breakfast and lunch business. But on weekends, ( Thurs to Saturday nights), Roost offers a delicious dinner menu.

Roost Cafe & Bistro is located in a remodeled carriage house in Cape Neddick village.  Wide pumpkin pine floors are accented with oriental rugs. The artwork and artifacts where collected by Rob and Aldo from their world travels. Aldo worked as flight attendant for Eastern Airlines, and Rob ran a successful restaurant in the Lakes region of New Hampshire. The outside terrace features a charming patio, and potted garden with a fountain. The decor is eclectic country with an antique bar and mix & match tables and chairs. There is a second floor function room; a perfect place for intimate dinning or a private party of 20.

We made advanced reservations and were seated in the second floor known as the "roost". This room featured a coffered vaulted ceiling, charming old window displays and lovely antique furnishings. Our server was the lovely Dina. We started the evening off with an assortment of mix & match starters that are as eclectic as the decor:  crab cakes, eggplant Napoleon, mini mac & Cheese ( with lobster), and the incredible Cuban bean soup ala Aldo. The four of us sampled the appetizers and could not decide what we liked more.

The dinner menu is done weekly and changes with the seasons. The menu features hardy autumn favorites like: Pork Tenderloin,  Beef Stew and Linguini with Clams in a red wine garlic sauce. I chose the Linguini. The sauce was delicious with the right amount of clams, garlic and tomato. I enjoyed this entree, it was tasty and satisfying! At Roost Bistro & Cafe all the senses are pleased: The food is dressed perfectly on the plates, the aromas are satisfying and the music is enjoyable.

Roost Cafe & Bistro is located at 1300 US Route One, Cape Neddick (tel 207.363.0266). http://www.roostcafeandbistro.com/  Attire is casual. Reservations are requested. Dinner menu changes weekly. Price points are reasonable; about 20 percent cheaper than Ogunquit village prices. All entrees were under $20.   Roost is a favorite with many of the "locals" and townies as well as tourists of the Ogunquit/York area. The Bistro features a full bar, and bar meister Aldo usually tends bar with a warm personality that reflects the mood of the restaurant.
A big thank you to Pam and Rich for a wonderful evening and thank you to Roost!