Rosine's ups the shopping center counter-service ante with its new Sand City cafe.

There is a dilemma presented by the new Rosine’s spinoff. 

One can beat the clock in time to order the stacked morning biscuit, with egg, sausage draped by melting cheese, or the restaurant’s popular egg puffs, rolled in a tortilla. Breakfast items are pulled at 11:59am.

But there is no punishment for running late—not when there is a sandwich filled with Rosine’s meatballs or a bowl of their signature minestrone.

Caffé by Rosine’s is a slice of the downtown Monterey destination, served in Sand City’s Edgewater Shopping Center. It shares in common only the food—yes, that includes cakes and other treats beckoning from glass cases—and the attentive staff. 

The new spot is quick service, over the counter. The menu is scaled down to coffee and tea drinks, a half-dozen breakfast dishes and, after 11am, a selection of sandwiches, paninis and flatbreads, along with soup and Rosine’s go-to lasagna. There are also baked goods and a takeaway case.

The confines are tight, yet also bright and friendly. Open only a few days so far, it’s likely the menu will be tweaked as owners Jim and Susan Culcasi and family refine their quick service side. But it will be counter service, Rosine’s-style.

2160 California Avenue, Suite A, Sand City. Open daily from 7am-8pm. caffebyrosines.com.