After multiple visits, New York Times food critic David M. Halbfinger rated Rose Mediterannean American Cuisine in Caldwell "Worth It."

The glowing review ran Sunday in the N.Y./Region section of the Times.

Halbfinger praised Chef/Owner Joe Albergo's ability to create dishes with multiple influences, while never stearing too far from what his Neopolitan grandmother, Rose, taught him as a boy.

The critic gave highest praise to the grilled, herbed octopus and fried artichoke hearts appetizers, the bouillabaisse, scallops and seared tuna main dishes, and the chocolate lava cake and blueberry cobbler by pastry chef Katy Sheehan.

Katy's cookies were all the rage at the recent Taste of the Caldwells, where Rose served up their savory/sweet chicken tagine.