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| - Imagine being invited over to dinner by a friend who's a gourmet chef. Your friend is a great host-- friendly and engaging, the setting is warm and welcoming-- an outdoor patio with trellises and a secret-nook feeling, and the food is divine-- full of flavor but never overpowering the main ingredients.
Well, that's what my friends and I experienced at Christopher's "Cafe Monarch" last night. From the moment I sat down, I forgot I was at a restaurant, and felt instead like Christopher had invited my friends and I over for dinner. He was a gracious host, and made sure all of our needs were met. The opening dish of grilled eggplant, buffalo mozzarella, pesto, and tomatoes really got my tastebuds going, and it didn't stop-- from the bonus dish of penne pasta in a creamy sauce with feta and chicken (which he shared with us as he was already making it for the group next to us), followed by pork tenderloin (the juiciest I've ever eaten!), and topped off by a dreamy dessert-- the sweetest strawberries with chocolate, bananas, and blackberry compote (you'll have to excuse me if I don't get the descriptions totally right-- I love food, but am not a total "foodie").
Anyway, I was just blown away by the whole experience. Christopher has it down perfectly-- and I am astounded that he does it all by himself. And I was amazed by how affordable this special experience this was! (Just make sure you bring cash- as I don't think Christopher takes credit cards)
Cafe Monarch is a magical place. It is obvious that this is the manifestation of Christopher's heart and soul! I can't wait to go back!
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