(Sixth in a series on winter travel)
Charming historic eateries are fascinating and often feature good local cuisine. In St. Paul, it’s Cossetta’s, an authentic and charming Italian dining spot and market owned and run by the Cossetta family since it opened in 1911. A very short walk from Xcel Energy Center, it was worth walking to on a cold gray day.
Visit all four parts to this eatery:
- A 300-seat Eatery & Pizzeria – Ooey Gooey delicious hot fresh pizza. A slice of cheese pizza had a nice chewy crust and a generous amount of cheese. They have other flavors including a daily flavor. There are counters for hot entrees and another for sandwiches and salads made to order.
- Pasticceria – A dream of a pastry and gelato shop. Gleaming dark wood and polished marble floors give the cafe an Old World feel. Brightly lit glass pastry cases run the length of the shop. With so many tempting confections including a variety of Italian desserts, tarts, cookies, cheesecake, tortes and even chocolates made in house it’s hard to decide. Try the macarons. Unique standouts are the red wine flavor and the strawberry and prosecco. If you fancy a cold treat, try one or more of 18 flavors of gelato or Italian Ice. Made fresh daily, the flavor is creamy, lush and incredible. Your taste buds will say Grazie! Order a cappuccino, espresso or other specialty coffee and sit awhile to enjoy with your dessert. Check out the magnificent cakes in the display windows set in the interior and exterior walls of the shop. Some of them are works of art and a worthy centerpiece for any special occasion. Looks are calorie free.
- Italian Market – the ultimate Italian grocery store – the Panetteria (Italian bakery) offers fresh baked bread including five different flavors of focaccia daily. Don’t miss the variety of the cheese and deli meat section. Six slices of San Daniele Prosciutto were way cheaper than I can get at home. For the chef or ambitious home cook, there are shelves filled with all the items you need to cook your own Italian meals. Don’t want to cook? There’s a prepared meals counter.
- Louis Ristorante & Bar on the third floor, which I didn’t get a chance to visit. This hot downtown gathering spot serves traditional and regional Italian cuisine as well as having St. Paul’s largest rooftop bar to enjoy drinks and small plates when the weather is nice.
Bet you’ll fall in love with Cossetta’s too. Go! Mangia! Buon Appetito!
Eat, Stay, See, Experience! 