Café Ruta

I had originally planned on stopping at Chinese Kitchen in Westmont for lunch. I wanted to give it a try since I was in the mood for hot and sour soup. When I got there, a private party was going on and I was told that I could only have carry out. I knew from the topic on Chinese Kitchen that next door was a Lithuanian Restaurant. My grandmother was Lithuanian and I always enjoyed the fine meals she made. I was thinking that I might grab an order of dumplings before leaving the area anyway, so we decided to give it a try.

When we got in, we were the only customers there. It was cold as they must have just opened and the furnace hadn't kicked in. The place was clean with light wooden tables that had a very homey feel.

I started with the warm beet soup (one of the soup specials). Something I had dozens of times at my grandma's house and have made myself. It was truly wonderful and I think I like their version better than the one grandma made. I asked how often they have it since it was a daily special, the lady assured me that they have it every day.

For entrees we started with the meat dumplings. I don't think they are better than the ones my grandma made. They were very good and a lot easier and making a batch which I usually do for holidays and birthdays now that my grandmother isn't around anymore. We also had Balandėliai, Cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice. This was another favorite. The meat and rice filling was tasty and the cabbage leaves were perfectly cooked. A delicious sauce completed the dish. We also ordered a pork stew. I had never had this before and went on the servers recommendation. It was great. It had lots of carrots which gave an almost sweet taste which compliment the pork and some of the other savory flavors. It was served with cold sauerkraut and boiled potatoes.

For desert we had a chocolate and pineapple cake. It looked great but we didn't really think the flavors went together well. We were quite full and maybe that had something to do with it.

Aside from the cake, we totally loved the place and I plan on taking my daughters next week. Best of all the meal only set me back $23.

Café Ruta
6551-L S Cass Av
Westmont IL
630-353-0244
http://caferuta.com/