Review of Café La Gaffe on Baldwin St.

My neighbor called me up at the last minute and suggested dinner. I have been meaning to go back to this special spot in Baldwin Village. I was delighted. The whole street is a series of restaurants. It is fun to check them all out. Cafe La Gaffe has been in this spot for many years. Dennis is the owner and master chef. His creations are memorable. I have dined here for brunch, lunch and dinner. It is charming and informal. The service is outstanding. Thank you Mathew, for looking after us so well. There are three  tables on the outside porch. This is late October and they were being used by happy diners. What a blessing!  It is great to have a fine dining experience and watch the action on the street. The back patio is really fun. The whole back yard is covered with an awning and heat lamps keep it going even in winter. I recall dining there In January. We both practically hugged the heater but thought it was such fun to dine indoors/outdoors in mid winter. The ceiling is covered with miniature lights. I call this the magic room.

The Prix Fixe dinner is a great idea for a hungry diner. Three courses are offered at a reasonable price. My friend enjoyed a lovely fresh green salad. Soup and other appetizers are listed on this special menu. The Seafood Pasta was a healthy portion. She loved the seafood and commented on the wonderful flavor. Chicken, Meat, Pasta and Fish options are available.

The Appetizers are always appealing. A selection of two makes for a lovely dinner. Often I share an appetizer before my entrée. Chevres et Pistachios is a healthy choice. Pistachios and cous cous are served with an herbed cheese oven baked and a mixed green salad. Garlic Shrimp are prepared with toasted red peppers, pine nuts in a delectable sauce. Of course Les Moules and Calamari Grilles are always popular items.

I love the Grilled Salmon. The plate looked like a work of art. It was a very healthy portion. The perfectly cooked salmon was enhanced with a lemon caper beurre blanc sauce. It was out of this world! I wanted to lick the plate. Mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli were just the way I like them. What an outstanding meal! To make it better it is all so affordable.

Carre D’Agneau is a house specialty. The roasted rack of lamb is tender and flavorful. Confit de Canard is a regular on the menu. La Pizza suggestions are always available. I like the Vegetarian or the Mediterranean with artichoke hearts, kalamta olives, sun dried tomatoes, Feta cheese and a fabulous tomato sauce. Pasta lovers also have several choices.

The Lemon Cheesecake and Crème Brule really topped the evening. They were very flavorful without being too rich. I only wish I hadn’t of eaten so much. How can you stop when the food is so tasty? Café La Gaffe is a friendly comfortable informal restaurant serving outstanding food. The menu does change so your favorite dish may be replaced by another. The service is always warm and friendly. It is easy on the pocket book. No wonder I keep returning.

—Annabelle Goodman