Caffé Molise

She said:

Putting aside the vibe from the creepy hawks peering disdainfully from their hooked beaks at us, Caffé Molise’s Neo-Renaissance décor is warm, inviting, cozy, and intimate. I loved the walnut wood crown molding, beams, wainscotting, tables, and chairs, the latter of which were softened by deep, rich, velvet upholstery. The air of sophistication continued in the teal and silver vintage/retro brocade wallpaper. The ambiance was pleasant and relaxing.

But the food! Oh, my! From the antipasti to the sweet corn bisque to the Pollo alla Gratella, my taste buds felt like they’d gone to Heaven. The offerings on our appetizer plate provided saltiness (olives), tanginess (salami), and sweetness (blueberry goat cheese), with crunchy and creamy textures.

The sweet corn bisque was nutty, smoky, and smooth, with just a touch of heat. Delicious! My entrée was a blend of garlicky, creamy sweetness with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Gorgonzola cheese. The sauce is what lent my pasta dish its flavor, as the grilled chicken was moist, but could have been seasoned just a tad more.

Overall, my meal was really wonderful.

He said:

One of the first things I noticed as we entered the dining room was the painting of a hawk wearing a fancy nineteenth-century suit with cravat, a monocle, and a top hat. It was somehow simultaneously gruesome and tantalizing. I spent my entire lunch stealing glances at it and a couple other paintings of similarly clad birds of prey. These and other design elements lent a sophisticated Edwardian air to the ambiance.

We began with the Antipasti del Giorno. We almost didn’t order this, as it cost more than either of our entrées did. We finally decided on it after we had ordered the rest of our meal, so we forgot to cancel our salad and soup. Consequently, we had plenty of food to take home later! At any rate, I’m glad we ordered it because it was excellent. It had slices of grilled baguette, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with fresh basil. It also included marinated artichoke, dressed salad greens, sun-dried tomatoes, black and green olives, salami, prosciutto, and several types of cheeses. I already thought the samples were ample, but then I discovered more hiding under the lettuce!

Kathy ordered a Caesar salad, as I usually would have. Instead, I opted for the sweet corn bisque so we could provide a more comprehensive review. But when they arrived, Kathy found the salad too garlicky for her taste, so we traded, and all worked for the best. I also found the salad a bit strong with garlic, but I didn’t mind as much as Kathy did.

I ordered the Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce from the daily specials. The gnocchi were smooth and coated in a rich, creamy sauce that, of course—having pesto—delivered more garlic to the meal, though only in the best way. Crispy Italian sausage topped the dish.

Conclusion:

Caffé Molise is a great place for an outing, whether casual or formal. In summer months, you can dine in the garden patio. Friday nights feature live music. Convenient to downtown, Caffé Molise can offer an excellent repast before you catch a local show or sporting event.