By Anne W. Semmes
I’m definitely in a love-bread stage after avoiding it as no-no in my diet. So, off to Coffee for Good (CFG), the new meeting place in Town found on the campus of historic Second Congregational Church. But, inside this 19th century Mead House, the attraction was in those exquisitely glazed croissants, and yet just a sip of my latte and I was sold on the exemplar brand – Path Coffee Roasters. This is a coffee house with European style, high ceilings and wood paneling. Baristas paint the surface of your coffee with cream like I first saw done in Italy.
The wonderment is it’s a nonprofit enterprise with a mission to “improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by reducing the unemployment rate in that community.” And that’s the CFG back story – Abilis is benefiting here. But it’s what CFG is serving that is my focus for the moment.
Those yummy croissants are coming from Jackie’s Empanadas on the Go. Those sandwiches, salads and soups come from Meli-Melo (delivered by Abilis delivery crew). That first rate coffee in my latte comes from Jason Richter of Port Chester, a fourth generation coffee roaster, and CEO of Path Coffee Roasters. And all these first rate food vendors I am told are doing their best to be supportive of this non-profit with their pricing.
Add Silvia’s Kitchen, a local bakery in town that is enticing us with her lemon bars, cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies sprinkled with sea salt. But if its muffins, or blueberry scones on your mind thank artisanal bakery Leaven & Co. Just pull right in to ample parking next to the Teslas and SUVs at 48 Maple Avenue, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Daily” is the new foodie launch of Debra Ponzek’s who continues to gift us with her many Aux Delice specialties. Daily is conveniently located next door to Apple on Greenwich Avenue for those with iPhone/computer issues. It’s modern enough inside to be in a spaceship, where space travelers will be comforted by those sizeable and healthfully-filled sandwiches, made with breathtaking breads that are instantly heated for you with the cold coming on. But you might want to start with those outsized chocolate chip cookies…
“We really love our grab and go concept,” describes Deb who knows me long as her ginger scone fancier, “But we [with husband Greg] wanted to do a more modern take on the food offering of a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items that were different from what we were doing at Aux Delices.”
So, Greg and Deb partnered with their friends Jim Hoffman and Doron Sabag from SBH (Sound Beach Homes) and their general manager Chris Berzolla with a look and cuisine they thought “perfect for Greenwich Avenue.” The Daily Café & Eatery is open daily at 360 Greenwich Avenue, from 10 to 8.
As regards the Greenwich Historical Society’s Tavern Garden Market, I was a Johnnie come lately, only arriving at the end of its summer run last Wednesday week. And there before my hungry eyes, along with fresh eggs, fruits and vegetables, was an abundance of delicious looking loaves of handmade breads: Wild East Sour Dough and Three-Grain Baguettes, plus popovers and scones.
There was Wave Hill Breads of Norwalk, “one of the best 100 bakeries in America” according to Food &Wine 2020.
And black currant scones (scheduled for my Sunday breakfast) and popovers from Rule Britannia in Fairfield, And, then laid out as if in Alibaba’s cave were Jackie’s to go empanadas with every manner of meat filling to suit your taste, What a fun meal that would be with all that meat incrusted with warm toasty bread. Never mind the expense. The holidays are on their way.
We have Cai Pandolfino, Historical Society Director of Communications, Strategy and Business Development, her co-chair Catherine Tompkins, and Daniel Suozzo, special events manager to thank for coming up with this winning Tavern Garden Market idea that kicked off this past spring. Bring on that prepared food they said for us to enjoy for lunch or to take home for dinner, from May to November – now destined to return next spring, rain (in the Barn) or shine (in the Tavern Garden). Life is too short not to enjoy all this great bread. Let’s break bread together. Bring it on!
