The Monk’s Cellar
Jan 30, 2015 04:14PM ● By Jennifer Resnicke
Reuben Sandwich – Photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
We’ve heard whispers that downtown Roseville is making a comeback, and with the “hangout spot” vibe of Monk’s Cellar, it’s no wonder.
Once my husband and I settled inside and absorbed the warm light and buzz of conversation, we quickly noticed the brewing equipment shining behind large panes of glass—almost as if they were exhibits rather than functional pieces of machinery.
At the long, narrow bar (perfect for sharing a beer with a buddy) we ordered a sampler of the house brews and a crisp local cider for good measure. All 10 of the beers were so satisfying we’d order them all over again, and the cider (made with fruit from Apple Hill) was sweet and refreshing.
For an appetizer, we were both in the mood for moules frites—tender mussels swimming in a steaming bière blanche (white beer) and shallot broth that was subtle enough to let the mussels shine, along with rich and delectable duck-fat fries. The accompanying chunk of bread was crusty on the outside and spongy in the middle—perfect for soaking up the addicting broth.
Not long after, we cleared some room for our entrées—mine a classic Reuben sandwich. From the crunch of the hearty rye and tang of the house-made sauerkraut to the saltiness of the corned beef and creamy goodness of Gruyère, it hit all the right comfort-food notes. My husband opted for the Brewmaster Veggie Burger, made with spent grain, white beans and lentils, and served with pickled onions, Gruyère, arugula, garlic aioli and Russian dressing. The sharpness of the onion and texture of the arugula helped to counterbalance the richness of the burger patty (they fry it up in duck fat!).
Despite all of the rich food, we couldn’t help but order their Chocolate Porter Pretzel Tart. The salty pretzel crust paired perfectly with the melt-in-your-mouth sweet chocolate filling and, literally, left a good taste in our mouths.
The Monk’s Cellar, 240 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-786-6665.
Once my husband and I settled inside and absorbed the warm light and buzz of conversation, we quickly noticed the brewing equipment shining behind large panes of glass—almost as if they were exhibits rather than functional pieces of machinery.
At the long, narrow bar (perfect for sharing a beer with a buddy) we ordered a sampler of the house brews and a crisp local cider for good measure. All 10 of the beers were so satisfying we’d order them all over again, and the cider (made with fruit from Apple Hill) was sweet and refreshing.
For an appetizer, we were both in the mood for moules frites—tender mussels swimming in a steaming bière blanche (white beer) and shallot broth that was subtle enough to let the mussels shine, along with rich and delectable duck-fat fries. The accompanying chunk of bread was crusty on the outside and spongy in the middle—perfect for soaking up the addicting broth.
Not long after, we cleared some room for our entrées—mine a classic Reuben sandwich. From the crunch of the hearty rye and tang of the house-made sauerkraut to the saltiness of the corned beef and creamy goodness of Gruyère, it hit all the right comfort-food notes. My husband opted for the Brewmaster Veggie Burger, made with spent grain, white beans and lentils, and served with pickled onions, Gruyère, arugula, garlic aioli and Russian dressing. The sharpness of the onion and texture of the arugula helped to counterbalance the richness of the burger patty (they fry it up in duck fat!).
Despite all of the rich food, we couldn’t help but order their Chocolate Porter Pretzel Tart. The salty pretzel crust paired perfectly with the melt-in-your-mouth sweet chocolate filling and, literally, left a good taste in our mouths.
The Monk’s Cellar, 240 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-786-6665.
The Monk’s Cellar – Dine Feb. 2015 [6 Images]
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