Published On:Wednesday, July 14, 2010

By CARA BRENNEN- BETHEL

Tribune Features Editor

Sipping an icy cold glass of delicious herbal iced tea in the quaint setting of Madeira Cafe, it's easy to forget that just outside the door is one of the busiest streets in one of the busiest business centres in Nassau.

That feeling of contentment is just what cafe owner Monica Knowles envisioned when she searched "long and hard" for the perfect location to open her business- one close to the action yet peaceful enough to create a relaxing experience for diners.

"I chose this area because I think that Palmdale is one of the strongest business centres in Nassau and one of the most historic."

Maderia Cafe is a dream come true for the 27 year-old resturanter who achieved her goal with the help and support of her family.

" I have worked in the restaurant business for many years. I worked at Capriccio Restorante as a waitress after high school and during breaks in college. I also worked at Outback. I love food and testing new restaurants. My dream has always been to open a real cafe in a cosy setting."

Monica prepares most of the dishes herself along with her head chef Tamar Cooper and has created a menu with a perfect blend of healthy and hearty meals that truly sastify the eye and the stomach.

This includes my favorite dish- a warm Asian chicken salad that includes tender chicken chunks, mushrooms, sweet peppers, cucumbers tomatoes and onions on a bed of crisp delicious field greens- wraps, paninis and sandwiches- with fillings such as spicy tuna, roast beef and provolone, veggies with goat cheese - and hearty lasagnas and quiches. The portions are huge and flavourful.

Other offerings include a roasted red beet and sweet potato and goat cheese almonds and cranberry blend served over fresh greens and honey vinaigrette- the perfect blend of tangy and sweet. There's also an array of delicious vegetarian options such as vegan chili, a goat cheese panini and lasagne.

Homemade muffins and coffee and continental breakfast and a tasty fruit salad are also on the menu.

" We use only the freshest ingredients and we buy locally. The vinaigrettes for the salads are made in house and the roast beef marinates all day, we only use olive oil, we add parsley and basil for seasoning and we don't do fried foods," she said.

When Tribune Taste visited the cafe last week, it had only been opened for four days, but had already attracted quite a following.

"The response has been amazing We just opened and already we have repeat customers. It's been a whirlwind, we have gotten a truly positive response."

Maderia Cafe (located next to Wild Orchid on Maderia Street) is the perfect stop for a healthy meal that's big on taste and nutritional value. If you have the time dine in and enjoy its cosy vibe or if pressed for time take it with you.