Issue date: 12/8/04 Section: News

Dwindling meal-plan funds and redundant campus cafeteria menus often drive Suffolk students to seek out local restaurants in search of tasty, cheap eats. Now along with the Derne St. Deli, Primo's Pizza, Cafe Podima and Venice Pizzeria, there's a new option on Beacon Hill: Cafe Picasso.

Cafe Picasso, located at 4 Somerset St., is just a few steps away from the 10 Somerset dorm. The new restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean-style salads, pies, and sandwiches.

"We make a unique sandwich," owner Kalid Deen said. "Most of them I designed myself," he said. Along with traditional Italian favorites like Prosiutto and Mozzarella and Eggplant Parmesan, Picasso serves one-of-a-kind sandwiches that blend Mediterranean and Italian flavors. Deen's mouthwatering creations include shrimp and ham; chicken ala Chili with string beans and spicy avocado; and roasted lamb, garnished with parsley and onion.

Deen and his two brothers, Sony and Amer, have been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. "After I graduated from Northeastern, I opened up my first restaurant, Il Villaggio, with my brothers in the North End," said Deen. The Italian restaurant is located off of Hanover St. and has been very successful, though Deen says, "We wanted to try [opening a restaurant] close to a university crowd and office area."

Many of Picasso's salads and pies are made at Il Villaggio, such as the Italian tuna salad, made with lemon juice and olive oil, and the Salmon salad made with red peppers and a dill sauce.

"We only use the freshest ingredients and herbs. I want to make the healthiest, best tasting food I can," said Deen. Among the various salads and sandwiches, Picasso has the usual café-fare, such as fresh baked muffins, croissants, coffee and cappuccino.
"We buy all of our beans from a local roaster, except for the cappuccino, which are Italian," Deen said.

Not only will Suffolk students be able to get a decent caffeine fix in Café Picasso, but possibly a late-night option for food when the dorm cafeterias are no longer open. Students who live in 10 Somerset would benefit the most if Picasso has late hours, because of its close location. "It's great that Picasso opened up because there aren't a lot of options after the cafeteria closes," said sophomore Andrew Fishbone.

Currently Picasso's hours are from 7a.m. to 7 p.m., but according to Deen their hours may be reconsidered.

Additionally, promotions aimed at Suffolk students are planned in the next couple of weeks. As a new restaurant in the Suffolk neighborhood, Café Picasso is definitely worth checking out for its distinctive sandwiches, salads, and coffee.

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