The Rose Room
4 E. Main St
Webster, MA 01570
5/19/22 3:46pm
Driving down main street in Webster I was stopped where East & West Main street meet. The old Webster First Federal Credit Union bank in front of me, "What an eyesore." I thought now due to the building being abandoned. Turning my head to the left I noticed a small cafe. Placed near a small chapel I thought to myself, "Ah, what the hell."
I turned into the bank after the light turned green, turned around and made my way inside of The Rose Room Cafe & Tonic Bar.
Entering the cafe you're greeted with the smell of fresh baked goods even at the end of the day. Plants are gathered around the windows showing a home grown welcoming. Crafted goods are shown to the right of the entrance as well as two welcoming faces.
I entered the cafe at 3:55pm and approached the front counter. I was greeted with a smile. "Hello! What can I get for you?"
"Oh, I have no idea I won't be ready for at least five minutes." I replied unaware that they were in the process of closing. You see, the cafe is open from eight am- four pm almost everyday. Unknown to myself at the time I was still greeted with a smile and made aware of the times they were open. I smiled and apologized for coming in at closing. Explained the situation then took the time to look around at the products they had around the cafe. One of the kind individuals introduced herself as Sam. I kindly did the same, and told them both I appreciated their time and the explanation of the cafe.
The Rose Room is a cafe that expresses what most of us would want in an establishment. Food grown locally ranging from nearby towns, but all of which is within the New England area. It's a true gem within the community. This writer only hopes that it can last through the times we're having economically.
5/20/22 8:07 AM EST
Deciding to take the time this morning to truly dive into The Rose Room Cafe & Tonic Bar. Walking into the cafe I was greeted yet again with a heart warming smile. "Hey, Welcome back! Chris, right?"
Nodding and acknowledging Sam as well, I looked over the menu. The food on the menu is quite simplistic, but yet elegant. Do not let the prices deter you. Dishes ranging from the "Egg Sammy" eight dollars to a "Butternut Flatbread" seventeen dollars and a "Meatball Melt" at twelve dollars. Mind you these are not your simple sandwiches. The Egg Sammy consists of two eggs, goat cheese, fresh greens on a oat + molasses bun. I failed to mention that all of their breads and baked goods are all crafted in house. Now for something we all know and love... Meatball Melt, 100% beef meatballs with melted cheddar + aioli on bread? I wonder what kind of bread... Can you choose? What selection do they have? I'm sorry dear reader I cannot give you all the answers for that will forgo the experience of being here for yourself.
What I can tell you after reading over the menu I decided on getting a Biscuit with sausage and gouda. Price being eight dollars seemed a little steep for me at first, but I'm up to trying anything once. I also ordered a drink recommended by Sam. Now I'm not a coffee drinker, nor do I enjoy Vanilla. These two things were made aware of to her before ordering. Hearing this she still insisted on her favorite. A vanilla latte, freshly made with their in house vanilla sweetener. The presentation was quite cute. There was effort put into the cup as I took my first look at it. Upon taking the first sip, I got a flash of sitting around a fire enjoying what had to have been my first marshmallow roasted by the open flames. Before I knew it, half of the cup was gone. Catching myself I refrained from gulping it down like a fish.
The biscuit was brought to me soon after sitting down at my table. At first look I questioned how it was going to taste, but on the first bite. I experienced something I haven't had in a long time. My grandmother's fresh made handcrafted biscuits, when I was a child, of all different kinds and this took me back to those. The gouda and sausage added to the flavor of the biscuits. That bite was an experience I haven't had in quite some time.
I sit here writing this as I take the last bite of the biscuit, the taste of butter with the hardened exterior creates a lasting impression. Then taken back to a smore sitting among friends at a fire taking the final sips of my latte.
Dear reader.
There are few things that we truly enjoy in this world as a whole. A good meal is certainly one of them. Far too often we're worried about the price rather than the quality of the items we're placing within ourselves. I would ask you to explore other options than those you're finding ourselves acostume to. A large meal that is eaten in a matter of minutes is nothing compared to a well crafted plate, made with love, enthusiasm, and devotion. Find the time to experience. Find the time to enjoy those experiences. Most of all, try to remember where we come from. Remember where Home is.
-Christopher Burns
5/20/2022 9:10am read more