Sergio's Caffe

Sergio & Yelena Matigmago, proprietors

154 Mill St, Grass Valley

274-2600

Open for Lunch & Dinner Mon.-Sat.

10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

What a lovely evening Thursday night turned out to be. A friend told us about Sergio's a few days ago and we were surprised that we had not learned about it prior, especially when Sergio told us that he officially opened his doors last November.

Sergio and his charming wife Yelena pooled their collective talents in this charming bistro. Sergio originally hails from Argentina and Yelena from Odessa, Russia. He is the griller and she is the cook.

The cafe is really quite charming and is located in the former Hot Gossip Coffee House across from the Del Oro Theater. Butter yellow walls, small tables and wood parquet floors truly give the restaurant a bistro-like atmosphere.

The service was wonderful and we were quickly presented with their ciabiatta garlic bread, lightly crispy with lots of garlic and herbs. We asked for olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping and were served their house-made vinaigrette, which was fantastic.

All of the entrees come with either soup or salad so we sampled one of each. Their soup de jour was a puree of broccoli with grated cheese. The salad was plentiful and the lettuce was chilled and crisp.

For our appetizers we shared their version of antipasto misto with salami Toscano (served in big wedges), proscuitto, peperoncini, artichoke hearts and gorgonzola cheese. For our second choice we shared the Formagio di Capra (goat cheese served with tomatoes, walnuts and olive oil).

Other dinner appetizer selections include smoked salmon served with cucumbers, olive oil and lemon and Mozzarella Caprese with fresh mozzarella, tomato and pesto sauce.

For our entrees, we selected Bistecca alla Griglia (New York steak which was butter soft, served with pasta and a lovely blend of roasted vegetables) and Salmone alla Griglia (grilled salmon also served with pasta and vegetables).

The homemade Pilimeni (Russian beef ravioli served with sour cream) was a fantastic treat. Additional menu selections include pasta Alfredo served with grilled chicken breast and mushrooms, pasta pesto, pasta primavera, chicken ravioli and cheese ravioli.

For dessert we had their delicious homemade carrot cake and robust Segafredo coffee. There is a small selection of beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages.

For lunch you will find a few of the pasta entrees (including the Pilimeni) and a variety of salads and sandwiches. The couple seated next to us raved about the tri-tip sandwich, so we'll definitely order it next time.

Every menu item is reasonably priced and the portions are quite generous (there is no children's menu).

Sergio's features live music with authentic Italian songs, Friday and Saturday evenings, and since they have the wooden floor, dancing is encouraged.

The cafe is small and has limited seating capacity, so you may want to call ahead for reservations.

We highly recommend that you give Sergio's a try. We had a lovely evening with great food and hospitality from Sergio and Yelena.

Steve and Fran Lantz of Grass Valley love to eat out. Contact them c/o The Union, 464 Sutton Way, Grass Valley 95945.