Next time you’re in Downtown Saint Paul checking out a concert, going to an event at the Xcel or maybe just taking the kids to the Children’s Museum before or after your adventure you must make a stop at Cossetta’s Alimentari. This Italian eatery is a true staple of the cities since 1911. You cannot call yourself a true Saint Paulite (yes, I made it up) like myself if you haven’t been here! Whether you’re planning a date night for 2 or celebrating with a group of 12, Cossetta’s always has room and I promise every person that you’re with will find something on the menu they enjoy. No one will leave with an empty stomach. A few may even leave with a couple of items from the Italian market that’s also tucked inside. If you can, definitely make sure to leave room for a cannoli, tiramisu or gelato. I’ll fill you in below :D Cossetta’s menu has a little bit of a lot of things, so to speak. Not in the way that the menu is a small novel with so many options the chefs can’t keep up; but the type of menu that includes traditional Italian classics, that are done well time and time again. Cossetta's never disappoints the quality is always consistent and the flavors never change. Within the last 2 years, a major renovation occurred and the Italian eatery expanded in space by more than double! Within the new space came a larger market a Patisserie was added with the most glorious desserts you’ve ever seen and the upscale fine dining restaurant Louis Ristorante was added next door. For a moment you can take a stroll through little Italy, without having to go through baggage claim. Let me start with the macarons, oh the beauty of those macarons. Each time I leave with at least 6 in my classic Cossetta’s box. Strawberries and Prosecco, Pistachio, Red Wine, Chocolate, Mango Passionfruit, Lemon, Strawberry my oh my and these are just a few. If you’ve never tried a macaron, Cossetta’s will be a fabulous place to start!!! Ok, Ok. Back to the food, we’ll take a trip to the Patisserie Later. I like to think that I’m a golden Cossetta’s Member. The tips I’m going to share are for the wise and shouldn’t be brushed to the side looked over! Depending on the time of day you go it can be busy; however, it’s always worth the wait. The line moves at a steady pace, which gives you time to decide. Once you’ve filled your tray, head upstairs and grab a seat at one of the many tables either inside or out on the mezzanine. When it comes to dining at Cossetta’s it’s the eater’s choice. It varies, by which lines you venture into. After I’ve picked up a tray, and utensils, I prefer starting at the salad line and daydream while I wait. I always start with the Caesar Salad, which is made to order. Bright green romaine, tossed into a bowl with creamy house made Caesar dressing, freshly grated Italian parmesan cheese finished with the most amazing buttery, crunchy, seasoned croutons you’ll ever eat. The dressing is so amazing that we always take a bottle home from the market… and usually a bag of croutons too!! If Caesar’s not your jam, don’t you worry. Cossetta’s is classic Italian fare at its finest! You can have your greens tossed with crispy prosciutto and gorgonzola cheese. If you want to be taken back to mama’s kitchen pick up the Antipasto salad; Mixed Greens are topped with hearty genoa salami, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, cured olives interweaved with Tomatoes and Red Onions tossed in Italian dressing. On a warm summer day, nothing beats the Spinach Cranberry Salad, tossed with candied peanuts, Imported Italian parrano cheese which is aged for 5 months to get a smooth creamy Gouda like texture, possibly with a glass of your favorite wine. The greatest thing about Cossetta’s is that the pasta & salad bar is only the beginning of the line, next is sandwiches, hot or cold. Keep in mind that these aren’t your typical cold cuts and flat American cheese. It’s up to you. On a warm summer day, why not pick up a Cold Hero Sandwich to take down to the Mississippi for a picnic. You can choose which meats and cheeses will be layered with lettuce, onion and tomato in between two slices of Italian peasant Roll, oh and don’t forget the mayo and dressing. After walking through the leaf lined streets of 7th Street, I wouldn’t mind eating something warm, how about you? Well step inside and warm up while waiting for your handmade Meatball or favorite Italian Sausage Hero, in between fresh baked Italian rolls. Can you taste it now? Keep on going down the line and you’ll reach the hot pasta’s and entrees. You always get a generous portion served hot with a piece of the best garlic bread! From homemade Lasagna Al Forno; Italian sausage, mozzarella and ricotta stuffed and layered in between fresh pasta with tomato sauce. The Mostaccioli con ricotta is amazing, a heap of hot Penne, homemade ricotta swimming in a river of the Cossetta’s Family tomato sauce. It’s like mama is in the back cooking it herself. The Tortellini alla panna, are perfect bites of cheese pillows, tossed and coated in house made Alfredo sauce , topped with crisp prosciutto. These Italian delights are just naming a few! When I close my eyes, I can see steam rising off of the hot pans. From Veal or Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Marsala and Cacciatore that’s either sautéed in a hearty mushroom Marsala sauce or stewed in the classic hunter’s sauce with woodsman vegetables simmered in tomato and wine broth. You can even take a bite out of grandma’s classic Aracini Rice Balls, Potato Croquette or Panzerotti. Now, do you believe me that there’s something for everyone?! You’re almost in the home stretch; if you’re more of a traditionalist and are just looking for a quick bite, definitely grab a piece of the homemade pizza pie! It’s incredible, slices typically can feed two! Any slice that requires a fork and knife has my approval! Your belly may be filled, but make sure to leave room for dessert! Step into the recently added Patisserie, your surrounded by glistening black and white flooring with unpretentious chandeliers lined by glass cases brimming with gelato, macarons and some of the most beautifully delectable Italian desserts and cakes that you’ve ever set your eyes on. The type of treat that almost looks too good to eat. Trust me once you’ve tried a cannoli from Cossetta’s you’ll never look back! Homemade Sicilian pastry shells filled with silky ricotta cheese filling and powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra decadent, give the chocolate dipped cannoli a try. Even if you don’t have room to fit anything more, grab something to go… you’ll thank me later. Although, your adventure at Cossetta’s has almost come to an end, before you go, make a stop at the Italian Market and Grocery where you can take home pretty much anything you’ve tried in the restaurant. I mean EVERYTHING. I won’t give too many details, just check out the pictures and you’ll know what I mean. I’ve been to this place more times than I can count; I have endless memories of joy with family and friends. Those walls are lined with stories that would take years, actually probably decades to read through. So, it’s worth your best interest to get into those doors to make your mark on MN history. I’ve taken seats inside and parked to pick up supper to go. Each time, it’s like we’re back sitting at those wooden tables, pouring another glass of ice water from the silver pitchers, enjoying another bite of Pasta, Salad or Pie. Each time, reminds me of the first time, each memory made is another chapter added to the legacy of Cossetta’s Alimentari. Now it’s your time, to write a chapter too. Happy Eating! -Angela Cossetta’s 211 W 7th St Downtown STP www.cossettas.com