The Take on Take-Out: Caffé Toscana in Rhinebeck
by Cait Johnson

With so much gorgeous weather on tap, many of us would rather have a casual meal al fresco or a picnic in one of the many scenic locations nearby, rather than a more formal thing. A lengthy sit-down meal doesn't always fit the breezy ease of summer (not to mention that we don‘t always have time for a restaurant meal—or the money). So it's no real surprise that reasonably-priced carry-out seems to be the latest buzz in town.

Take the take-out from Caffé Toscana. This pleasant European-style coffee shop around the corner from Rhinebeck Liquors has some casual seating, but the place is really doing a brisk business with its carry-out. (The first time I strolled in, the curried chicken salad had sold out—and it wasn't even 5 pm yet.) Owner/chef Angela Bittencourt says business has been booming ever since the doors first opened in late April.

I've sampled several of the lunch offerings by now and I can personally vouch for their tastiness. The Italian paninis all looked so tempting that it was difficult to make a choice, but I was happy with the Chicken Tarragon--a lavish offering on toothsome ciabatta bread with apples, arugula, and tarragon mayo. It came with a pleasant mesclun salad and filled the bill for a satisfying but light and healthy lunch very nicely.

A few days later, when a friend and I decided to do a spur-of-the-moment picnic before an event, we split one of the large salads and, since it was verging on huge, there was plenty for both of us. You can choose a number of goodies to throw in with the fresh, crisp mesclun; we splurged and had roasted red peppers, asparagus spears, fresh mozzarella, and grapes. (The combination totally hit the spot.) We also opted for a scoop of tuna salad, a pleasantly upscale version that was both sweet and tart, with bits of fresh apple and a hint of lemon. Shortly after that, I finally got a chance to taste the curried chicken salad and found it pleasingly sweet with golden raisins and just the right combination of curry spices.

The assorted bruschetta and the cheese tarts, as well as the gem-like desserts, certainly caught my eye, and I hear that the breakfast offerings have a devoted following already, with choices ranging from croissant egg sandwiches to scones, panini-style French toast made with challah and filled with berries to granola with yogurt and seasonal fruit.

Caffe Toscana is located at 41 East Market Street, Suite 5, and it‘s open every day from 7 am to 6 pm. Call them at (845) 876-2008.

Another note: Sometime this summer a Mexican place will be opening in the old Village Pizza location on Market Street. While it will offer some table seating, take-out will be the main attraction, and they will also deliver. I spoke to the co-owner and she assured me the prices will be reasonable, too. Stay tuned.