The Desert Rose Cafe

The Desert Rose Café 130 Metcalfe St, Elora Ont

519 846 0433

I went to Elora to spend the weekend with my dear cousin Arlene. We always have so much fun. It was a splendid time shopping in St Jacobs and looking around the charming town of Elora. My mother and all her family were raised in the next door neighborhood of Salem and I spent many of my summers in the area. This was a true homecoming.

Elora today is a fashionable town. The Mill is an exclusive place to stay. Some of the bed and breakfasts are in gorgeous old homes. The river winds its way along the back of little stone boutique shops. The Elora Festival brings many tourists to the wonderful area.

Arlene is one magnificent chef. A delicious lunch was enjoyed in her charming condo. She knew just the place for us to go for dinner. Resa is the chef and owner of this café. She has been in the business for 30 years. Make sure you step into the kitchen or say hello when you visit. She hardly looks as if she has been working that long. I would have guessed that she was in the movies. She claims she learned the art of cooking from her mother and grandmother.

The place was quite full on a Saturday evening but was never noisy. Resa is noted for doing a lot of catering in the region. The menu states” the best ethnic vegetarian food from a small town café.”

This is a great place to stop for a light meal or snack. Smoked Salmon Spirals are prepared with smoked salmon. capers, cream cheese, fresh dill and onion.($7.50)

Soup of the Day can be served with bread and cheese ($6.50) or with a half sandwich.($7.50)

Arlene and I decided to share 2 different dishes. The Salad Nicoise was our first choice.($8.50) Artichoke hearts, green beans, tuna, tomato and olives were served on a bed of mixed greens with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. It was delicious and ever so fresh.

I had been craving a Felafel since my return from Israel. I hardly expected to find one in the small town of Elora. The Felafel was fantastic. The pita was stuffed with pan fried spiced chick pea patties. Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, sprouts and tahini-yogurt sauce were all part of this tasty combo.

Moussaka was also tempting. It was a meatless variation of the Greek classic. Roasted eggplant is layered with tomato mushroom sauce and a creamy béchamel topping. A side salad is also served with this choice.($13.75)

I was watching a patron enjoying his Avocado Supreme. A hot open-faced sandwich is prepared with rye bread. Tomato, avocado, and tuna are covered with melted cheese and alfalfa sprouts. With a side salad the plate is offered at $12.50.

The service was pleasant and efficient. It was such a warm feeling to be enjoying good food in this historic old town.

We even indulged in some home made Tiramisu. Delicious. The Butter Tarts were also calling out to us but enough is enough.

It is a pleasant day trip to Elora. It is much more fun to stay over and take advantage of all the sites around. The Elora Gorge is wondrous. The little shops are charming and unique. It was so fascinating to chat with Resa and then to enjoy the results of her fine cooking. You can even buy a present of Resa’s cookbook with all the recipes.

I hope my cousin Arlene invites me back gain because I had such a great weekend.