Guess I'm the first... brace yourself.... I'm feelin chatty.\n\nCaf\u00e9 Monarch is exactly what we've been looking for in Old Town. I don't know if there is a term for what this place is... kinda bistro, kinda caf\u00e9, kinda semi-private dining room: a castro priv\u00e9? a baf\u00e9? Whatever it is, it feels like home.\n\nTHE PLACE\nThe Monarch resides in a small, charming building with its own lot. The style is rustic, cozy and clean modern at the same time. A well-equipped, open chef's kitchen greets you on the left as you enter. There are a few tables inside, tucked into niches. There is one very clean and beautifully done bathroom. The design/decor is impeccable and creative. You can tell how much thought and detail went into the space. There is nothing about it that says \"turn-key restaurant operation\". And best of all this time of year, a fantastic patio, candle-lit, dark and surrounded by great plantings. There is no way I would refuse the patio, unless soft-ball sized hail was in the forecast.\n\n\nHOW IT WORKS (based on our first visit)\nWe had some idea what to expect: the place is an extension of the man, the chef/owner - Chris. Whatever he has decided to purchase, is what's for dinner. Just an oral menu. He tells you what he's got on hand and runs it past you. I expect, if you had some special needs, or even objections, he could easily offer up alternatives. Everything sounded great to everyone in our party, so he just started bringing stuff out at a leisurely pace. L-e-i-s-u-r-e-l-y. Which was exactly what we wanted. We were in no rush. You shouldn't be for an experience like this. The pace is like a large family meal in Europe. Prepare to relax and enjoy each course on its own.\n\nAn important note: it's BYOB for wine&beer, which we love. If you know what you like to drink, BYOB is a joy. There are numerous wine shops near Old Town to grab something on the way.\n\n\nTHE FOOD\nIt was excellent. Everything fresh. Hearty, layered flavors. Generous portions. Expertly prepared, but with the welcome rough edges of a gourmet meal at someone's home. Although I guess it varies daily, here is roughly what we had:\n\n - a hummus salad(?) loaded with good stuff served with hearty, crunchy hearth crackers.\n\n - warm, baked goat cheese surrounded by sauteed grapes(!) and greens with rustic bruschetta, crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle.\n\n - some sort of chunky beef soup, with mediterranean/moroccon tones - a meal in itself.\n\n - a GIANT rack of grilled lamb. giant. seems like colorado lamb, due to the size of the ribs and the tenderloin and the pleasant gaminess. 6 huge chops. nicely balanced between sweet and savory, not some horrible overpowering chutney. personally, i like a more herby, garlic, salty approach with no sauce. but it was awesome.\n\n - dessert? maybe? i was way into the wine by then. i always skip dessert. i think gelatos and strawberries.\n\n\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nHopefully! But I could see how Caf\u00e9 Monarch is not for everyone. If you're generally fussy, or antsy or uncomfortable if you're not being ushered from activity to activity, stay away. If you are excessively picky and have trouble finding something you like even on a large menu, stay away. If you like Olive Garden pasta, are sad about losing Bennigan's or if french fries are your favorite French food, stay away. Although I bet he makes some bitchen french fries.\n\nI hope for your sake, it's for you. But if it doesn't sound like your type of experience, I wouldn't try to force yourself into it. There's an Outback nearby that's got a beeper with your name on it.\n\n\nIMPORTANT NOTES\n - do not come for \"a quick bite\" - this will be your evening (or your morning i guess).\n\n - again, BYOB. bring plenty.\n \n - currently, there is lunch service on weekdays, and breakfast/brunch on weekends, dinner is only Friday & Saturday. not sure if there is a closed day.\n\n - no cheesecake factory menu of 1000s here, you're eating what Chris is making.\n\n - call ahead, or you may arrive to be greeted by a \"Sorry, we're off catering!\" sign.\n\n\nI'll be back, and update as needed!