Friday, September 3, 2010

Roost Bistro Review 2010

Bistro: noun: A small unpretentious restaurant. A small bar or tavern.
-Webster's Dictionary


Roost Bistro is one of my favorite local restaurants. Located in nearby Cape Neddick Village, it's 4.5 miles from Ogunquit Beach Inn, and is definitely worth the short drive. Our friend Mark is in town and decided to take us to Roost. I quickly agreed and offered to drive. Roost Bistro  is located in a renovated carriage house.

This is Roost's second year. Roost Bistro is the incarnation of two Ogunquitians: Aldo Vallecillo and Rob Pinkham. Rob & Aldo have a knack for mixing and matching foods together. Local fare meets international flare.

I started with the Black Bean Cuban Soup. This Cuban staple is prepared by Cuban-American co-owner,  Aldo. The soup was thick with black beans, and the right amount of cilantro and lime, topped off with a dollop of sour cream. Michael and Mark split an order of fried calamari. The calamari was lightly battered and served with banana peppers and cilantro for a light Latin touch.












My main course was Mako shark with with finger potatoes and baby carrots ($26). The shark was pan seared with apple relish. Mako is meatier, and thicker than most fish. The texture was similar to swordfish. The fish was fresh and portion was ample.


Like most true bistros, Roost offer regional fare in a warm and cozy atmosphere.  Dining options include al fresco dining on the landscaped patio, intimate dining, or high top/pub dining. This restaurant is reminiscent of a European cafe with  eclectic furniture, and intimate settings. Original wide pumpkin pine floors with mix match chairs add charm and character.  The setting is relaxing. Roost offers a nice selections of "lite bites" and entrees. Perfect for sharing or sampling.

Our server, Zoe, was helpful and entertaining. Co-owner Rob, advised us on some un-advertised specials and offerings, and his partner Aldo tended the lively cute bar.

Co-owners Rob & Aldo are true renaissance men. Pinkham and Vallecillo renovated the antiquated carriage house, carved  and landscaped the patio, crafted  many of the dining tables from old  barn wood, and created a local legendary bistro! From a lifetime of travelling, the two have added charm with their personal finds from many lands that adorn this cute restaurant.


Roost bakes their own breads, and also make their own desserts. We were easily tempted by the roving dessert tray.  We decided to sample two desserts between the three of us. The Mile High Peanut Butter Cake and the Mascapone Cheesecake were our favorites!



The Details
Roost Bistro & Cafe
1300 US Route One
Cape Neddick, ME 03902
207.363.0266
http://www.roostcafeandbistro.com/

Open for Dinner Thurs, Friday and Saturday.
The Roost is open seven days for breakfast (7 to 11:30 a.m.) and lunch (11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Three thumbs up. If you are visiting Ogunquit and want a taste that true locals enjoy, try Roost. Prices are
moderate. Reservations are helpful. Breakfast is busy, and lunch sandwiches are tasty and hearty.

Blogger/Innkeeper, et al., Greg, enjoys Roost Bistro and life in southern Maine.

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