Saratoga Rose Market: A Hidden Treasure

I found the perfect place to eat and work in Saratoga Village—Rose Market, 14445 Big Basin Way.

After passing by it several times on my weekly visits to the popular downtown strip, I finally walked in a couple of weeks ago with my husband and son.

On our first visit we ordered food items similar to the South American foods we eat frequently during the week—white rice, lentils, salad, roasted chicken and beef.

Last Thursday, I stopped by again by myself and ordered the chicken breast kabob and asked for rice instead of the flat bread! Only $6.99.

I love this place and the owners are so hospitable.

The thing that I'm still pleasantly surprised about are the great prices.

I also ordered the classic Rose salad, mixed greens and romaine lettuce with a delicious house dressing topped with sweet red onions, cucumbers, Roma tomatoes and green olives. Only $4.99.

And the best part, the desserts are so cheap. A baklava square, which comes in two pieces, is only $1.50 and it's soaked in the sweet honey syrup.

The icing on the cake for me was ordering Rose Market's delicious white and yellow long grain basmati rice. The friendly server put an extra layer of toasted, bottom-of-the-pot rice on top of the serving! Only $2.49.

This is what is called "cocolon" in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where I grew up. It brought back so many childhood memories and filled my hungry stomach!

I never write food reviews, but this is the first time I've found such a delicious and affordable Middle Eastern restaurant in the Bay Area located in such a great town—Saratoga.

Details: 650-222-9253 or 408-867-1666, or rose_catering@yahoo.com.