All the Comfort You Crave at La Rosa Chicken & Grill

Patch, after spending its formative years in New Orleans, acquired a fondness for various Southern comforts, particularly where food is concerned. If it's brown or red (or rouge) and deep-fried or barbecued, it's what's for dinner (or lunch).

Patch for years grieved the erstwhile Cobb's, a homestyle BBQ chain on Rt. 10 in East Hanover demolished to make way for yet another coffee hut. So, spirits soared at the sight and smell of l, a splendid provider of comfort foods tucked in the mall on Rt. 124 in Madison.

If you're looking for a hearty lunch or dinner, you'll find it at La Rosa (The Rose, get it?) Just past noon, the grill was smoking with chicken, burgers and steak. Patch opted for the BBQ wrap (and not just because it's fun to say 'BBQ'), tender chicken fresh off the bone, marinated in a homemade sauce which announces its presence with authority. For $8.99 you get two side dishes; Patch chose the baked beans (redolent of tomato) and fresh steamed vegetables.

There's much more to the menu including roasted chicken, baby back ribs, pitas, wraps, salads, platters, an array of burgers, and sandwiches—because you never know when you'll be craving a breaded flounder sandwich.You can also get homemade chicken noodle soup, if you're in need of extra comfort.

If there's BBQ then there has to be side dishes, and La Rosa has an assortment from mashed potatoes and corn to mac 'n' cheese, creamed spinach, string beans and of course, corn bread. There's finger foods such as cheese fries and wings, and a modest kids menu, as well.

If you're looking to feed the troops, La Rosa offers chicken, turkey and ribs in nine different family meal combinations including side dishes.

La Rosa Chicken & Grill is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Most dishes are under $10.