A new restaurant is slated to open at the former Pine Cone Cafe in mid-August. The Gypsy Cafe will be a breakfast and lunch spot serving (according to the window posting), benedicts, french toast, free range burgers, fried chicken, pancakes, candied bacon BLT, jalapeno corn bread, sandwiches and the best coffee in town.
Word is that the owner is Chef John Littlewood, formerly the executive chef at the Westerbeke Ranch Retreat Center and author of “Celebrating the Seasons at Westerbeke Ranch”. Most recently, Littlewood was exec chef at Oliver’s Market in Cotati where co-workers said he had recently resigned to open a cafe in Sebastopol.
hole in the Wall started with good intentions for high quality food at reasonable prices. We Went there regularly. They’ve drastically lowered their standards, which is a great loss and a shame. They offered organic food,leasant environment and I trusted what came from the kitchen.
The last time I tried the borscht and gumbo it was Lear their quality has gone down
Nice young couple with a good mission. They catapulted to mediocre quality High standards, reliably good food t succumbed to lower unity, vey evident in the flavours emanating from the cooking area, to lesser quality so they could stay in business.
I always trusted what came from the prep area. Now, I ask what sources they use.
With all the high quality resources in this area I find it a loss that they’ve gone commercial. It’s a real loss.
I’ll try the restaurant next door to them. Tho higher priced I know they source for quality.
Just be wary of the the front of the house person. She gets jealous if you talk to the chef saying ” he’s my boyfriend. That’s as good as being married isn’t it !”.
We go for quality. Ot for. RUISING. She needs to back off and relax. I’m sorry the young couple fom hole in the wall lowered their standards. We used to love going there. Now, I bring my own eggs or any ingredient important to me and am them to prepare it tho I pay the full menu price.
Great Loss for those of us who care about quality. Nice cole tho so Im glad they’re doing well
hole in the Wall started with good intentions for high quality food at reasonable prices. We Went there regularly. They’ve drastically lowered their standards, which is a great loss and a shame. They offered organic food,leasant environment and I trusted what came from the kitchen.
The last time I tried the borscht and gumbo it was Lear their quality has gone down
Nice young couple with a good mission. They catapulted to mediocre quality High standards, reliably good food t succumbed to lower unity, vey evident in the flavours emanating from the cooking area, to lesser quality so they could stay in business.
I always trusted what came from the prep area. Now, I ask what sources they use.
With all the high quality resources in this area I find it a loss that they’ve gone commercial. It’s a real loss.
I’ll try the restaurant next door to them. Tho higher priced I know they source for quality.
Just be wary of the the front of the house person. She gets jealous if you talk to the chef saying ” he’s my boyfriend. That’s as good as being married isn’t it !”.
We go for quality. Ot for. RUISING. She needs to back off and relax. I’m sorry the young couple fom hole in the wall lowered their standards. We used to love going there. Now, I bring my own eggs or any ingredient important to me and am them to prepare it tho I pay the full menu price.
Great Loss for those of us who care about quality. Nice cole tho so Im glad they’re doing well
I’m not the reviewer type, never have been. Especially bad reviews, but I must say this place is horrible! I thought the “new” Pinecone was lousy, and was hopeful yet reluctant to try Gypsy, as we are in desperate need of some good family-style restos in Sebastopol. Unfortunately the service was deplorable, the food was just really, really bad, and the decor is kitschy and ridiculous. Save your money and do your stomach a favor and go elsewhere!
I’m not the reviewer type, never have been. Especially bad reviews, but I must say this place is horrible! I thought the “new” Pinecone was lousy, and was hopeful yet reluctant to try Gypsy, as we are in desperate need of some good family-style restos in Sebastopol. Unfortunately the service was deplorable, the food was just really, really bad, and the decor is kitschy and ridiculous. Save your money and do your stomach a favor and go elsewhere!
Ordered a cobb salad to go, nasty! Tossed my $13 lunch straight in the trash. Didn’t think you could mess up a salad. Woops!
Ordered a cobb salad to go, nasty! Tossed my $13 lunch straight in the trash. Didn’t think you could mess up a salad. Woops!
This is reposted here from my Facebook:
Restaurant Review: Gypsy Cafe, Sebastopol, CA We tried out the new spot on Main Street this morning. With such an enticing name, how could we resist. I had a delicious, though unpronounceable egg and tortilla dish and Theresa had the veggie omelet. I give the place a B- grade for the unique menu and that they serve breakfast all day.
The negatives may be due to the fact that they just opened; service wasn’t the fastest and the gluten-free items turned out to made on equipment shared with the regular stuff. Not a good idea. Defeats the purpose. Also, the decor was a pleasant New Orleans-ish look, but we were hoping for a more, well, Gypsy thing goin’ on. I think they’ll make it as long as they tighten things up. Nice folks. Feels like a family run place. I wish them luck.
This is reposted here from my Facebook:
Restaurant Review: Gypsy Cafe, Sebastopol, CA We tried out the new spot on Main Street this morning. With such an enticing name, how could we resist. I had a delicious, though unpronounceable egg and tortilla dish and Theresa had the veggie omelet. I give the place a B- grade for the unique menu and that they serve breakfast all day.
The negatives may be due to the fact that they just opened; service wasn’t the fastest and the gluten-free items turned out to made on equipment shared with the regular stuff. Not a good idea. Defeats the purpose. Also, the decor was a pleasant New Orleans-ish look, but we were hoping for a more, well, Gypsy thing goin’ on. I think they’ll make it as long as they tighten things up. Nice folks. Feels like a family run place. I wish them luck.
Looking forward to enjoying meals at John’s Gypsy Cafe. John’s attention to customer service is exceptional as well as his talent for preparing yummy dishes. I know we will really miss him at Oliver’s but plan to make his new cafe a regular stop! Wishing you continued success John!
Looking forward to enjoying meals at John’s Gypsy Cafe. John’s attention to customer service is exceptional as well as his talent for preparing yummy dishes. I know we will really miss him at Oliver’s but plan to make his new cafe a regular stop! Wishing you continued success John!
Looking forward to enjoying meals at John’s Gypsy Cafe. John’s attention to customer service is exceptional as well as his talent for preparing yummy dishes. I know we will really miss him at Oliver’s but plan to make his new cafe a regular stop! Wishing you continued success John!
i’ve eaten at the Pine Cone since my kids were little..35 years ago. i loved the friendly service and the food, while not quite great, was good. the place just felt good.
when it was sold i was so sad and the next businsses that came in were just awful. sounds like the new owners have a handle on what Sebastopol needs..homey and normal.
i’ll definately be there with my kids and granddaughter.
good luck, y’all. see ya
i’ve eaten at the Pine Cone since my kids were little..35 years ago. i loved the friendly service and the food, while not quite great, was good. the place just felt good.
when it was sold i was so sad and the next businsses that came in were just awful. sounds like the new owners have a handle on what Sebastopol needs..homey and normal.
i’ll definately be there with my kids and granddaughter.
good luck, y’all. see ya
Good eye Heather!
Thanks for the scoop. A few more facts:
My partner is Shawn Hall, who is a fantastic designer. We met in the early 80’s and have worked together on a few projects over the years. You can see her work all over: Mark Stark’s seafood joint in Healdsburg, Monti’s in Montgomery village, Mazzocco and Delormier wineries, and many other lovely spots. She is currently working on Mateo Granados’ place in Healdsburg, as well as putting a lot of love in the Gypsy Cafe.
We are very excited to be working together–along with our mates and extended family–on the Gypsy, and can’t wait to open and welcome everyone to a beautiful, warm space full of great food and good energy. Think “comfort food with a twist.”
Dine on foodies!
Chef John Littlewood
I was walking down Main St. the other day and noticed the menu for the Gypsy Cafe posted on the window of the old Pine Cone…Being a server I was VERY excited at what I saw…CANDIED BLT! I didn’t know bacon could get any better! It would seem that breakfast just got a bit more interesting in west county! How about those interested in employment? Are you hiring any locals?
Hey John! Just heard about your project. Can’t wait to patronize your new place! When will you be open?? We wish you the best of luck.
Linda
Good eye Heather!
Thanks for the scoop. A few more facts:
My partner is Shawn Hall, who is a fantastic designer. We met in the early 80’s and have worked together on a few projects over the years. You can see her work all over: Mark Stark’s seafood joint in Healdsburg, Monti’s in Montgomery village, Mazzocco and Delormier wineries, and many other lovely spots. She is currently working on Mateo Granados’ place in Healdsburg, as well as putting a lot of love in the Gypsy Cafe.
We are very excited to be working together–along with our mates and extended family–on the Gypsy, and can’t wait to open and welcome everyone to a beautiful, warm space full of great food and good energy. Think “comfort food with a twist.”
Dine on foodies!
Chef John Littlewood
I was walking down Main St. the other day and noticed the menu for the Gypsy Cafe posted on the window of the old Pine Cone…Being a server I was VERY excited at what I saw…CANDIED BLT! I didn’t know bacon could get any better! It would seem that breakfast just got a bit more interesting in west county! How about those interested in employment? Are you hiring any locals?
Hey John! Just heard about your project. Can’t wait to patronize your new place! When will you be open?? We wish you the best of luck.
Linda
I wish I could say I liked the food that Little John made at Oliver’s, but I never could/can find anything there that appeals. It’s all too weird, or else half-baked. Maybe his hands were tied by Oliver’s management, who knows. Good luck in Sebastaopol, Mate, you’d do great with a kick-arse Shepherd’s Pie on yer menu!
maybe you were too rolling stoned!!!
I wish I could say I liked the food that Little John made at Oliver’s, but I never could/can find anything there that appeals. It’s all too weird, or else half-baked. Maybe his hands were tied by Oliver’s management, who knows. Good luck in Sebastaopol, Mate, you’d do great with a kick-arse Shepherd’s Pie on yer menu!
maybe you were too rolling stoned!!!
I wish I could say I liked the food that Little John made at Oliver’s, but I never could/can find anything there that appeals. It’s all too weird, or else half-baked. Maybe his hands were tied by Oliver’s management, who knows. Good luck in Sebastaopol, Mate, you’d do great with a kick-arse Shepherd’s Pie on yer menu!
maybe you were too rolling stoned!!!
Thanks Rick, I will check out the Hole in The wall for sure. Wasn’t aware of the place.
Thanks Rick, I will check out the Hole in The wall for sure. Wasn’t aware of the place.
GYPSY Cafe? A derogatory term. The Roma people will be upset.
get over yourself 🙂
otay. you can’t make such a broad statement like that. neither you nor anyone else has a magic finger on the pulse of ALL Roma people to know exactly how many of them would be upset over the cafe name. who exactly qualifies as a Roma? of those, what percentage is required to then be a valid statement for “the Roma people”? if it’s not 100%, then what about those Roma people who don’t object? what about their view?
thanks 🙂
there will always be someone upset. lets just all call everyting X or XX or XXX….got me?
so don’t invite and ROMAs over…..GYPSY is a beautiful word for beautiful people. An7yone for some food from the Orient? Hoe about some Kraut on your hot dog….oops the Germans may get upset….sheesh.
I’m Roma and I’m not Up set hope the food is good
GYPSY Cafe? A derogatory term. The Roma people will be upset.
get over yourself 🙂
otay. you can’t make such a broad statement like that. neither you nor anyone else has a magic finger on the pulse of ALL Roma people to know exactly how many of them would be upset over the cafe name. who exactly qualifies as a Roma? of those, what percentage is required to then be a valid statement for “the Roma people”? if it’s not 100%, then what about those Roma people who don’t object? what about their view?
thanks 🙂
there will always be someone upset. lets just all call everyting X or XX or XXX….got me?
so don’t invite and ROMAs over…..GYPSY is a beautiful word for beautiful people. An7yone for some food from the Orient? Hoe about some Kraut on your hot dog….oops the Germans may get upset….sheesh.
I’m Roma and I’m not Up set hope the food is good
Can’t wait! John is a great guy and an awesome chef, formerly of OLIVER’S (not Pacific Market). Looking forward to the opening w/ lots of anticipation.
It’s terrible when a restuarant doesn’t make it. The “New” Pine Cone lacked customer service and comfortable seating. The food was ok if you were into the menu. Good Luck to the next person putting their time and money into their dream!
Can’t wait! John is a great guy and an awesome chef, formerly of OLIVER’S (not Pacific Market). Looking forward to the opening w/ lots of anticipation.
I sure hope it is better than the last attempt. Sebastopol is really in need of a good old fashion restaurant where we can go and have a decent meal without having to pay a small fortune!!!
I wish them good luck and hope that they are successful.
Hi Carol,
For a good old fashioned restaurant in Sebastopol, try Hole In The Wall in The Former Bowling Alley/Starbucks shopping center on Highway 116. It has good freshly prepared food at fair prices with friendly owners.
Sounds promising! Thanks for the scoop 😉
Four of us went to the Hole in the Wall. We each had a different dish but sampled each others and truly enjoyed all…a must try.
It’s terrible when a restuarant doesn’t make it. The “New” Pine Cone lacked customer service and comfortable seating. The food was ok if you were into the menu. Good Luck to the next person putting their time and money into their dream!
It’s terrible when a restuarant doesn’t make it. The “New” Pine Cone lacked customer service and comfortable seating. The food was ok if you were into the menu. Good Luck to the next person putting their time and money into their dream!
I sure hope it is better than the last attempt. Sebastopol is really in need of a good old fashion restaurant where we can go and have a decent meal without having to pay a small fortune!!!
I wish them good luck and hope that they are successful.
Hi Carol,
For a good old fashioned restaurant in Sebastopol, try Hole In The Wall in The Former Bowling Alley/Starbucks shopping center on Highway 116. It has good freshly prepared food at fair prices with friendly owners.
Sounds promising! Thanks for the scoop 😉
Four of us went to the Hole in the Wall. We each had a different dish but sampled each others and truly enjoyed all…a must try.