Toward the end of last year I received an email from Baristanet reader, and fellow foodie and wine enthusiast, Conan. Conan suggested I visit new restaurant, Rose Mediterranean, located at 435 Bloomfield Avenue, in Caldwell.

It took a few months, but finally, two weeks ago I made my way over to Caldwell to visit chef and owner of Rose Mediterranean, Joe Albergo.

Joe Albergo is Italian, and was raised by his grandmother, Rose, in Brooklyn. But don’t expect standard Italian restaurant fare at Rose Mediterranean. Joe has developed a menu that reflects his culinary travels from New Orleans, to Miami and New York, to Spain, Jakarta, the Philippines, and England.

Watch the video to see Chef Joe prepare one of Rose Mediterranean's most popular dishes, Pato con Higos (Duck with Figs):

The menu at Rose Mediterranean is very reasonable. The lunch menu offers Panini from $8 -$11, and lunch entrees like Grilled Swordfish on a bed of arugula with roasted peppers and pine nuts for $11!

The dinner menu begins with appetizer selections such as Moroccan Style Shrimp priced at $12, and Beef Carpaccio (filet mignon) at $13. Dinner entrees include, Chicken Tagine at $19, Grilled Salmon with lentils, spinach and a champagne mustard sauce at $20, and Bouillabaisse at $23. Let me remind you also that Rose is a BYOB!

Rose Mediterranean has a second dining room for private functions, and coming this spring, the back of Rose Mediterranean will be transformed into a beautiful open air dining courtyard.