The New Cozy Cafe -- a comfy breakfast and lunch spot opens in Punta Gorda

The Cozy Cafe was someone's dream. You can tell that before hearing it from Dena Renta's  lips. You can see it in the care that was taken in designing the new, little restaurant in Toll's plaza  in the sun-toasted colors, the tables arranged to evoke a cozy, yet uncramped feel, the art and quaint sayings, carefully decaled, on the walls, the homey touches in the restrooms.  And, of course, most of all, you can taste it in the fresh goodness of the food and just-ground coffee.  Dina, the Cafe's owner, had thought about this for a long time. This is evident. And she wouldn't have it any other way.

"We buy almost everything local from local suppliers, not from the major wholesalers, the proud cafe owner tells us, adding "It's the only way to insure it's fresh and special for our customers."

Only a little over 30-days old and the cafe already has  its regulars -- breakfast clubs, local groups and others who drop in, some almost every day.  Serving breakfast and lunch now, Dina hopes to offer dinner as well but wants to get the earlier-in-the-day  meals right first before embarking on full day service.

The Rentas have been in Punta Gorda awhile.   Aby, who helps out when now on duty with the Charlotte Sheriff's Office was originally from New York, Dina is from New Jersey. They chose Punta Gorda, after deciding to move south, by pointing, eyes-closed, on a map. Once here they knew they had found what they we're looking for.

The restaurant is supported by a top-notch chef, Michael Passaro, who by the way gets fried eggs just right, for instance, eggs that taste farm fresh and when ordered well-done have just the right amount of jelled center with the rest fully cooked - yes!  The blueberry pancakes, light and airy, are among the best we've had in Southwest Florida.. not just Punta Gorda. They also serve up "build-your-own omelets, breakfast burritos, corned beef hash and eggs, egg benedict, scamblers, made-from-scratch muffins and many other early morning favorites.

Lunch fare is equally tasty... My lunch date loved the cheesesteaks and I was also impressed by their version of my old standby, the tuna melt.   Wide choices of sandwiches, burgers, salads, nachos, wings and more round out the luncheon menu.  And, before forgetting, some scary food challenges are also proposed -- perhaps to tempt a certain TV host to the new venture.   One has already been renamed to honor the first person who downed it -- the Tanner.  In addition to an unbelievable 24 oz burger, the Tanner includes hash browns, eggs and a whole list of other items.  If you finish the Tanner or one of the other challenging feasts, they are on the house.   

From left: Michael Passaro (chef), Ferran Passwaters (Server), Aby Renta and Dina Renta

Service is swift, friendly and attentive.  Ferran Passwaters waited our tables both times we ate at the Cafe, and she is a charm.    Earl Welty IV (not pictured) is also part of the Cafe team.    The Rentas also offer catering and delivery service, with Aby planning a DJ business to complement this offering.  

Particulars

Location:   2705 Tamiami Trail #126 in Toll's Plaza

Phone:      941-916-9957

Opening Times:  7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

More Information:  www.thecozycafefl.com