Column Dinner and a Movie
The thirteenth in a series of at home food and movie pairings.
and BackYard BBQ & Café
It all started in the backyard! n
Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie
Their custom t-shirt shop in Vallejo was non-essential during COVID and so they started cooking in a tent and serving takeout to friends and family. Then Norman and Winnie Traballo did the almost impossible and “smoked it” during the middle of a pandemic. Taking over the Rosie’s Café location in the Benicia Industrial Park, they celebrated their entrepreneurial toughness with a grand opening in July of 2020. Norman says he graduated from the University of YouTube, learning to smoke meats and developing his skills and recipes for excellence in BBQ ribs, links, tri-tip and brisket. Inspirational, for sure. “Sweet heat” tacos, tri-tip nachos, FIRE BALLS (grilled meatballs wrapped in bacon, with a surprise inside!), Mexican 28 • Benicia Magazine
french dip sandwiches (yum!), and Caveman bites are just some of the fantastic specials. And, besides all that deliciousness, there are excellent lumpia and varieties of “snow shots,” Mexipinos, and the tastiest Mama’s potato salad with bacon, Foe Cheezy Mac (four cheeses), baked beans, garlic fried rice, smoked deep fried corn — all the sides. And, there’s more… you’ve got to see, smell, and eat it to believe it! BBQ Bay Area style fusion — Filipino and Mexican influences. Order at the window and eat on the spacious, covered patio, meet the regulars, and be prepared to ENJOY this scrumptious food prepared with family love.
“We All Gone Eat!”
