Serve mine with salsa

Music is on the menu at Cafe Mezzaluna in Saugerties

Mery Rosado celebrates her bicultural heritage – she’s a Puerto Rican born in New York City – in living color at her eatery outside Saugerties on Route 212, a spot that has become a Zagat-rated destination for people from both north and south of town. Just a mile off the Thruway, Cafe Mezzaluna used to lean toward the Italian in culinary offerings. Now Rosado serves up rice-and-beans and dishes on which her family back in Corozбl throve for generations, along with other menu selections that reflect contemporary eaters’ favorites. Plus, she’s cultivating a wine list with price points that are sure to attract more customers. A “weekender” who traveled up from the City for many years, Rosado moved in full-time almost a decade ago, and will mark five years in restaurant ownership in May. She says that her establishment might be hard to define and compare to others, because of the many events and activities that she supports: art on the walls; poetry every first Friday night, hosted by Judy Lechner; open mic for musicians on the first and third Thursdays, hosted by Bill Pfleging and Chrissy Budzinski; “Music Menu at Mezza” on fourth Saturdays, hosted by Bruce and Jeannie Hildenbrand; a “Musical Brunch” on Sundays; author appearances and more. She says, “I will do anything that I feel serves the community.” This Saturday, February 19, Cafe Mezzaluna hosts El Rancho Deluxo from 7 to 9 p.m. On Friday, February 25, it’s Carlos Osorio’s Cumbia Spirit with a salsa lesson at 7 p.m. On Sunday, February 27, the Musical Brunch will feature Split the Bill and Rick Cousin. The space is modest and comfy, with dining at tables or along the counter, and is decorated with works of art and giant stone specimens brought in by Rosado’s associate Cheri Lee (once owner of Pieces of Mine in Woodstock). The menu includes beer, wine and espresso. The hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; Thursday night’s open mic starts at 6 p.m.; from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, with breakfast served all day. The Cafe is closed on Mondays. Cafe Mezzaluna is located at 626 Route 212 outside of Saugerties. Call (845) 246-5306, log on to www.cafemezzaluna.com or e-mail cafemezzaluna@earthlink.net for more information.

– Ann Hutton

Taste Cafe Mezzaluna, Puerto Rican, saugerties