Cafe Cegos

Café Cegos is a quaint little place in Rolling Hills Estates that has been around for 21 years.

The only reason is has survived this long is the quality of their food. They have great New Zealand rack of lamb, filet mignon with the incredible green peppercorn sauce or mushroom sauce. The base of the sauce is veal stock that cooks for many hours. There is no shortcut for great sauces. Most entrees are served with fresh vegetables, roesti potato or you could ask for spaetzle which is divine when soaked in their brown sauce. They are also known for wonderful fresh fish. The secret dressing they put on their salad is great, not to mention their homemade rolls.

If you like bratwurst with sauerkraut and roesti potato, you will not be disappointed. If you’ve never attended their Oktoberfest; you should call them to find out which weekend in October they have it as the German specialties are fantastic. This is the only time, they make their apple strudel which is done to perfection, lots of flaky layers and the apples are not sweet which is why you need to add a dollop or two of whipped cream.
Not everyone can wait till October, so what’s for dessert? The best you can order is the chocolate soufflé which they are known for. As soon as it is served, you make a slit in the middle and pour on the whipped cream!

Now, for the not so good news, you have to try and go there on a Monday night when the owner is not there. Let’s just say, he is not always welcoming as you would expect an owner to be. He will say and do as he pleases often upsetting the customer. If you end up there on the other nights when he is present, think of it as a challenge; see if you could order, enjoy your meal and just try to avoid contact with him. If you can do that, then I congratulate you!