The Rose Cafe & Market, Venice

I found The Rose Cafe through their yummy Lemon Hazelnut Meringue. But this trek, started years ago - over 15 years ago, when I first had the dessert in Pasadena. The Old Town Bakery, had a terrific dessert offering, which featured the Meringue. Then a couple years later, they unfortunately closed. So, for a few years, I was without my favorite dessert. Later, I found out that the dessert had moved to Santa Monica, somewhere on Montana Avenue, though the restaurant's name escapes me. Luckily, I was able to savory it once more. But then I found out later, that they, too, had closed down soon after. I was beginning to feel that I was cursed or the dessert was cursed. Then, a few years ago, I found the delicious cake (but not sure what to call it) at Maria's Italian Kitchen. I saw the picture and everything, but when I tried to order it, they told me that they no longer had it. Just when I was about to give up hope a couple of years ago, I was dreaming about food and desserts, I decided to google the name once more. Viola! Venice! The Lemon Hazelnut Meringue had found a new home - The Rose Cafe, on Main Street.

This dessert is so good that, it once beat out pumpkin pie at a Thanksgiving dinner. The poor pumpkin was virtually untouched when people had this semi-sweet dessert. The lemon meringue offers a sweet and sort of lemon sour taste - which is not too sweet - but just right. The hazelnut crust gives a great sweet texture when you bite into it. Prior to visitng The Rose Cafe, it was only served in slices from a large cake. But the Rose has small servings for one or two people. I was told that you have to order ahead of time to get the larger "pies". Next time, i visit the Rose, I need to get the contact of the dessert chef/baker and find out who this elusive person is!

I had the seared tuna sandwich and my friend had the poached salmon. As a big fan Tuna steak sandwiches, I knew I had to order it. The tuna itself was good, though the bread was not the best choice. This panini roll was a bit tough. I would have preferred either a white or wheat style bread, rather than a roll. But, I would order it again. The poached salmon was good, just the right size for lunch. But I didn't come here for the sandwiches or fish. . . .I came here for the dessert!

The Rose Cafe is a great little neighborhood lunch/brunch place. On the northern section of Main Street, in Venice, The cafe offer either a walk up counter or a waitress service dining area. There is outdoor seating for both. There is even a little gift shop next door that features some handicrafts and wares of local artisans. The airy building sits in on a lot with ample parking in the back.


Click on this to see it up close to see how good it is! My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Here is the dining area for the walk up counter. You can see the sandwiches and desserts in the glass cases.

This is the seared tuna sandwich, which I am a big fan. I like these tuna steak sandwiches.

My friend had the poached salmon with salad. It was alright. But I think my sandwich was tastier.

Here is the outside sign from the parking lot. I think it is a hidden Venice local gem.

The Rose Cafe & Market
220 Rose Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-4191
http://www.rosecafe.com/