Community Café: A Wholesome Approach to Good Eating

Sonoma’s newest restaurant, opened its doors, Monday, Feb. 28, a few weeks early and without any fanfare. But only two days later, the word is already out. With seats filled with customers, Community Café was in business.

“We had to hit the ground running, “ said Margie Tosch Brooke, the working partner and main chef who starts cooking at 6 a.m. for the breakfast crowd and doesn’t stop till lunch is over at 2 p.m.

What’s bringing people in when there’s been no public announcement and no advertising?

One reason is Brooke, who has been catering events in Sonoma for the last three years, has earned a reputation for delicious, reasonably-priced food. 

Starting with the best local foods, such as cheeses from and Carneros Cheese Caves, the Café makes every dish from scratch.

“We make our own salad dressings, soups, even smoke our own meat for sandwiches.” No one beats us for freshness, she adds. 

One delicious example  is the café’s Curry Ginger Buttternut Soup. Tasting it once, means guests  “can’t wait to taste it again," says Brooke.

Add in Brooke’s talent for putting new twists to perennial favorites to create new favorites. She takes macaroni and cheese, then adds Benton bacon, a Tennessee hormone-free pork, to make Porky Mac & Cheese.

Brooke and her working partner, Robert Friedman, agree they want the patrons of Community Café to feel like they’re enjoying good food among family and friends.

As Friedman puts it, “This is a feel-good place. Our goal is to provide white linen service for paper napkin prices.”

The environment contributes to that feeling. Walls painted in light, cheerful colors, scenic photographs, light from large windows and smiling staff with an easy, friendly manner.  The tone is casual, the attitude is a warm “good to see you!”

In addition to serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week and catering, Community Café is available for private parties. The space allows for dancing, mingling (rather than being seated in one spot in one room) and  is ideal for family gatherings, and celebratory events.

The Community Cafe has all the ingredients to be a community favorite.

Community Café   875 West Napa Street,  www.ccsonoma.com Open daily from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. 938-7779