Cafe 21 is a neighborhood gathering place. You start to feel at ease when you see the locals pile in. They know the waiters, the menu, and they know they are in for a treat. My husband and I were new to the scene, but instantly we felt at home. We started our meal with the house red, a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon that was rich and velvety on a cold February night. Against better judgment, I mixed red wine with my seafood appetizer but both were so incredible it didn't matter. What was my appetizer? The Shrimp Ceviche which was a feast in size and flavor. My husband ordered the Mushroom Tart which I overlooked based on its name, but boy was I a fool. This tart consisted of quinoa, mushrooms, pecorino cheese crust, cauliflower, feta mousse and pea tendrils. Basically, it takes your taste buds to another dimension, and we were just on the appetizers! The appetizers were quite large and filling. 21 is a great place to meet up with friends and family and order an array of appetizers. Our main courses were the Roast Pork Porterhouse and Slow Braised Short Ribs. Both meat dishes were succulent and tender as if they had been slow cooked to perfection. As we ate we came to the conclusion that this little inconspicuous restaurant was a gem. The kind of place for those in the know. We would have driven right past it and gone to one of our usual places for dinner, but now we know better.
The restaurant is moderately priced large plates range from $15 to $29 dollars, and appetizers run between $7 and $15. Free parking is available in front of the restaurant, and it is family friendly. On March 22 from 3 pm to 5 pm Cafe 21 will host an Easter Craft and Cooking Class for children. There is a $35 fee visit cafe21.com for more details. Cafe 21 University Heights has now expanded to include a Downtown location on Fifth Avenue. They have live music seven days a week and new menu options this culinary romance continues...
