The Stone Rose holds a very special place in my quasi-black heart. Years ago I was introduced to this fantastic restaurant by my good friend and now roommate, Charity. (Yes, that is her real name). We used to frequent the tiny, but supremely charming establishment when we were both waitresses with appetites of queens living on shoe-string budgets. The ambiance is probably the most notable quality about the Stone Rose, as it has a quiet elegance to it while also emitting an eye-catching sparkle from one end of the restaurant to the other. What makes this place a personal favorite though, is their stellar menu of chef’s creations. On our most recent ladies’ night out, my roommate and I enjoyed dinner at dusk outside on their adorable front patio. We clinked glasses to two heavenly cocktails: hers the Ginger Martini, made with Domaine De Canton Ginger Liquor, citrus vodka, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice; and mine (which is now my new favorite cocktail), the White Cosmo, comprised of citrus vodka, Cointreau, white cranberry juice, and a wedge of lemon -- pure oral bliss. We then devoured the sweet and spicy calamari for an appetizer. This is not your grandmother’s calamari. This bowl of perfectly cooked squid is topped with serrano peppers, black mayo, and the most amazing red chili glaze you ever tasted -- Charity always asks for extra on the side (bless her heart). For the main course, I chose the Pan Seared Diver Scallops, beautifully accompanied by sunflower risotto and roasted green beans over an Asian pear reduction. This is my faithful Stone Rose dish, however, I have also savored their Roasted Veal Chop, Wasabi Pea Crusted Yellowfin Tuna, and Grilled Mahi Mahi in past experiences. For dessert, I opted for alcohol, while Charity went with the Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding. My espresso martini was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal, but my friend was less impressed by her sweet indulgence. In her own words, “this is not true bread pudding. They’ve dried it out to stale bread with caramel drizzled on top.” She claims that she had the dish before and it was warm, gooey, and delectable. Unfortunately, they missed the mark on this try. Regardless of this fluke faux pas, we will undoubtedly be back again. Probably tonight.