Another cheesy love song

Most crushes are painful and unrequited. But the fact that we're sweet on a cafe and not a person makes it easier to divulge. The moment we stepped out of a misty rain into Rachel's Kitchen, we were smitten. The size (smaller than a backyard swimming pool), the jar of lazy daffodils in the window, the chatter between guests and owners, the handmade, thumb-tacked signs, the view of Bay Village's neat brick row houses -- we hadn't yet found a seat and already we didn't want to leave. Our sandwich, the Grilled Cheese(s) Deluxe ($6.50), sealed the deal. Cheddar, Swiss, and muenster were melted with tomato, bacon, and chives between slices of brioche. The cheerful luncheonette reminded us of our favorite people -- genuine, easygoing, and plain-old likable. And very crush-worthy.

LEIGH BELANGER
Rachel's Kitchen is at 12 Church St., 617-423-3447.