Bites Nearby: The Sewickley Cafe

This week, Cranberry Patch ventures beyond the community into the heart of Sewickley. Read on to experience this week's choice, The Sewickley Cafe.

Overview: The Sewickley Café has been a staple on the village drag for more than 13 years. The back outside courtyard is a perennial favorite for lounging with wine and friends. An extensive American menu is a little pricey, but it's OK for the outrageous, locally made desserts. A bustling, congenial atmosphere hosts lunchtime families, singles, groups of business people and friends. Dinner is a bit older and the small bar area at the entrance can get lively on a good night. The place is decidedly casual.

Decor: The coolest thing about the Café has always been the art hanging on all available wall space. Local painters are shown and sold covering a wide range of motifs and styles. The patio garden courtyard lights up with little white lights in warmer weather and is a star for atmosphere.

The Drinks: Nice selection of red wine stands out. A glass of Hogue Pinot Noir ($6) among them. Not really a place to go specifically for drinks.

Appetizers:  Mini Crabcakes ($10.95), Grilled Lamp Chops drizzled with mint demi-glace or pomegranate glaze ($15.95), coconut shrimp with mango ginger dipping sauce ($9.95) and truffle French fries ($7) are well made and ready to share.

Entrees: Wide selection of pasta, with Mushroom Ravioli ($17.95) as a star; seafood, beef, pork, chicken entrees showcase local vegetables and savory wine-based sauces that will warm you up. Try the Sauteed Veal Scallopini with diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts and prosciutto ($28.95) and the Lemon Garlic Lamb Chops with fresh mozzarella and diced tomatoes ($28.95).

Sides: Vegetables, salads and soups are daily specials.

Desserts: Enormous slices of red velvet cake, carrot cake, chocolate cake and about five additional daily specials.

Service: Excellent. The wait staff are super-friendly. Ask who makes the desserts and you’re likely to get a pleasant history of the carrot cake from Ambridge.

Signature: Call ahead “Café Casseroles”. Everything from Meatloaf to Fettucini Alfredo can be picked up for a filling dinner.

Chef: N/A

Address: 409 Beaver Street Sewickley,  PA  15143

Phone (412) 749-0300

Cost: $$ to $$$