Salt and Sweet (Melbourne)

This little restaurant is in the unlikely location of a strip mall in a Publix shopping center.  Why is it that some of the best restaurants in Brevard county are in Publix shopping center based strip malls?

Anyway, Salt and Sweet is a Polish Restaurant.  What is Polish food?  Think comfort food.  Think potatoes.  Think slow cooked roast in gravy and potato pancakes.  Think cabbage rolls and sausage.  And think Pierogies!   Pierogies are little raviolis stuffed with potatoes and/or meat/cheese/onions or other yummy stuff, but without the tomato sauce.  They only resemble the Italian version in uncooked appearance. 

Comfort food, but served in a white table cloth and candles atmosphere.  Once you are inside, you will forget that you are in a Publix strip mall.  The lighting is nice, the lights are low.  The servers speak perfect English in a lilting Germanic/Polish accent.  The wine list is nice and reasonable.  The beer list is also good. 

I have never been inside this restaurant when it has been crowded, which is a bit of a shame.  The most crowded I have seen it was our most recent visit when we had a party of 15.  There were several other tables full as well.  On the other hand, the business seems to be family run with a very small staff.  They keep up well with the business they have and they serve dinner in the European style where the staff doesn't interrupt every 5 minutes to see if everything is "ok."  They are visible and attentive however. 

The prices are very reasonable.  Entrees run about $15-20.  I have never been able to finish one.  My favorite entrée is the Potato Pancake with Pork and Gravy.  That may not be its official name, but that is what it is and it is to die for.  My husband unfailing orders Russian Pierogies and a sausage. 

We have only had the best food and the best service at this restaurant.  I highly recommend it for a nice, reasonable night out.

Tips:  They take reservations.  There is a small charge to bring in a special occasion cake.  Here is a link to their website:  http://www.saltandsweet.net/