It’s not just wishful thinking. Judging by the number of folks seen crowding cafes and other communal gathering places, we do seem to be returning to some semblance of post-Covid normalcy. And a lot of those folks don’t simply seem to be sipping between swipes and taps of their device of choice; actual face-to-face conversations are taking place. Less screen time, more face time (versus FaceTime), more, well, community.
In that spirit, here’s a rundown of some of the top gathering spots for a quiet “cuppa” and perhaps a quick bite, while you have a chat, take in the streetscape, and peruse the latest edition of U.S. 1.
Our guide begins with an update on three establishments, two of which opened this spring, and of one venerable establishment which underwent a change of ownership earlier this year.
Whatever and wherever your favorite “cuppa” happens to be, go forth and keep on sippin’!
Ooika Matcha
I wrote about Ooika Matcha soon after it opened its doors on February 27. At the time I spoke to owner Joann Liu and Ooika’s master miller, Marc Falzon, about their commitment to serving beverages made with freshly ground matcha and offering the highest quality, single sourced matcha, grinders, and related gear from their online store, as well as membership in their Matcha Mill Club, giving subscribers the opportunity to “explore Japan’s rare, single-origin Matcha shipped to you within 24 hours of stone-milling every month.”
I frequently pass by Ooika in my travels and usually observe what appears to be a respectably sized gaggle of contented matcha sippers, both inside the shop and on the outdoor deck in warmer weather.
So, what’s new? When I last spoke to Marc Falzon, he told me of plans to install a second authentic Ishi-Usu stone mill, the only such mills in the U.S. “We did get a second mill,” Falzon confirms, “so we’re able to keep up with production. We’ve been much busier, very busy in fact.”
He notes that Ooika remains true to its commitment to only serve matcha that’s been ground 24 hours or less before serving. “And we’ve come out with new specials,” he continues. “Every month we feature a new drink special. This month (September) it’s Ube.” Note: Ube is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. With a sweet, mellow, slightly nutty, vanilla taste it is typically boiled and blended with condensed milk
According to Marc, the vibe at Ooika changes as the week segues into the weekend. “During the week it’s more relaxed,” he says. “People drop in to study (Ooika is across the street from Lawrenceville School) while they enjoy a bowl of matcha or a matcha latte. We have quiet music playing, so it’s a great place to talk or just relax. The weekends are a bit more crowded. We have people come in with friends or dates on the weekend; it depends on the day.”
What are the more popular items on your menu? Have your essential offerings remained the same? “It’s changed a bit,” he says. “Our most popular is the strawberry matcha latte. In addition to that we have drinks made with houjicha, a roasted green tea, roasted in a similar way to coffee beans that’s naturally low in caffeine, with a flavor profile that’s similar to coffee, with notes of chocolate. We also offer hot and cold black sesame lattes, which are caffeine-free.”
What about online orders? “The online business is a big part of our company,” he says, “but the online business focuses mainly on our single origin matcha, much like the single origin coffees used to prepare a pour over or an espresso in a coffee shop.”
Why should people who have not liked the matcha they’ve tried elsewhere give it another go at Ooika? “Tasting freshly ground matcha versus off-the-shelf matcha is like the difference between tasting a freshly made, baked croissant in an artisanal bakery versus a mass-produced croissant made weeks or months ago,” he explains. “It may have croissant-like elements, but I wouldn’t call it a croissant. Matcha begins to degrade within hours after grinding, so people who have not tried freshly ground matcha have never really tried matcha.”
L’Annexe de Mamie Colette
I probably wouldn’t have included French bakery L’Annexe de Mamie Colette on Route 29 in Titusville on my list of venues for a quiet cuppa, had I not read a brief reference to the establishment in a Bucks County newspaper that lead me to the detailed May 29 profile of the business (“L’Annexe de Mamie Colette brings Brittany to Central NJ”) by Community News Service’s Joe Emanski. I recommend that you read it for a detailed lowdown.
Emanski’s article on the offerings at L’Annnexe led to a few visits to sample them myself, and then a follow-up conversation with Isabelle Noblanc, co-owner of L’Annexe and Mamie Colette in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and with Lisa Raezer, one of L’Annexe’s friendly and helpful staff, to find out how things are progressing.
I asked Raezer how she would describe the vibe at l’Annexe. “It’s a very welcoming environment,” she enthused. “As you walk in you savor the delicious aromas. It’s a place where it’s comfortable to sit, relax, and talk for a while, while you enjoy your morning or afternoon treats.
“We specialize in crepes here,” she continues. The Newtown location doesn’t do crepes, they specialize in all varieties of croissants, which are made there, brought here under refrigeration, and baked fresh. We take some of our brioche and breads over to Newtown.” The crepes, a regional specialty of Brittany, are made with buckwheat flour and are prepared to order with a variety of either sweet or savory fillings.
Raezer also spoke about her connection with Tabletop Games (titusvilletabletopgames.com) next door. Described on its website as “An independent tabletop game store featuring a cozy play space, a stately game library, a private Role Playing Game room, and a host of special events,” the shop is owned by Razer’s spouse, Robert Thompson, and features hundreds of board games; there are no electronic games whatsoever.
The tempting scent of baked goods wafting from L’Annexe often draws its patrons next door. “Gamers love to snack while they’re gaming,” Raezer notes. “People stop in and buy their treats and then go to Tabletop and play games for hours.”
What are the challenges and plans going forward? “This side of the river is very different from the other (Pennsylvania) side,” co-owner Isabel Noblanc says. “People don’t get their news from social media as much, so it’s been a process to figure out how to get the word out. Getting the word out by word of mouth takes a little longer, so we’re still becoming known. I’d like to get more feedback before planning the next phase, but so far the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The comment cards we ask our customers to fill out have been very helpful.”
What’s next on the agenda for L’Annexe de Mamie Colette? “We’d like to provide a small quantity of artisanal breads to local restaurants,” Noblanc says. “We’re not a volume bakery. We don’t have a machine that turns out thousands of loaves; we have a baker who makes bread by hand.
“The main driver is to bring good food, healthy food, to the community,” she continues. “I grew up in Europe, where you go to your local bakery because it’s part of the soul of your community. That’s what we’re working to achieve here.”
Rojo’s Roastery
It’s been 14 years since celebrated restaurant reviewer, local radio host and food writing legend Pat Tanner wrote about Rojo’s Roastery, then a four-year-old establishment in an industrial space in Lambertville. A pioneering operation in its day, Pat reported that owner David Waldman’s cafe and small-batch roasting operation “was determined to go ‘beyond fair trade’ to source the very best beans directly from small, independent producers in every coffee-growing region in the world.”
Nowhere was Waldman’s dedication to managing every phase of his coffee brewing operation more evident than in his choice of equipment to roast the beans. Pat Tanner reported that “The heart of the space, though, is the red painted, gas-fired commercial roaster, vintage 1956. It is one of only 16 still in operation and Probat, the German manufacturer, once offered to buy it from Waldman to put in their company museum.”
Fast forward to March of this year, when David Waldman not only announced his retirement, but revealed that ownership of Rojo’s, now ensconced in Princeton’s Palmer Square, had been passed on to Joanne Canady-Brown, owner of Lawrenceville’s wildly popular Gingered Peach Bakery and the Purple Cow ice cream shop.
The change in ownership was a natural segue. The Gingered Peach had been supplying pastries to Rojo’s Roastery for nearly a decade, and Canady-Brown has been brewing Rojo’s coffee at her bakery.
And she has apparently carried on with the commitment to overseeing every phase of the bean-to-brew process that was the hallmark of David Waldman’s tenure. The 1956 Probat UG-15 roaster is still hard at work, its roasting temperature and time continuously monitored. To ensure freshness, coffee beans are roasted daily.
Rojo’s also does a brisk online business, offering a frequently changing selection of beans from small-batch fair-trade producers, such as Midwives Moonshine (“dark chocolate, caramel; robust, snappy, balanced, full body”), Mexico Chiapas (“medium bodied with notes of tamarind, golden raisin, brown sugar, and dark chocolate”), Rojo’s Signature Espresso Blend (“lots of crema; bittersweet chocolate, caramel, fruity, nutty, sweet, complex, balanced, full body. Suitable for all brewing methods”) and more. Purchases via weekly and monthly subscriptions are also offered.
And the “Coffee 101” section of Rojo’s website offers a deep, deep dive into the ins and outs of brewing your favorite cuppa at home; types of coffee grinders, a tutorial that delves into the optimum PPM TDS (Parts Per Million of Total Dissolved Solids), advising that “you might consider investing in an inexpensive TDS meter,” use of a gram scale to weigh out your beans, use of paper versus mesh coffee filters, choosing the proper setting for your grinder, and proper storage of your beans.
A bit geeky? Ya think? Hey, do you want a good mug of java, or what? And don’t even think about storing the pastries from the Gingered Peach. They’ll disappear before you can say “David Copperfield.”
That said, what follows is a highly subjective selection of places to enjoy your quiet cuppa. Explore! Sip! Enjoy!
Places to Enjoy a Quiet ‘Cuppa’
Bordentown: Turtle Beans Specialty Coffee Roasters
225 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown. 609-853-3029. turtlebeanscoffee.com.
A welcoming oasis in the center of Bordentown, Turtle Beans’ website invites coffee lovers to “…slow down and savor the moment…” with the goal of “…fostering a community where every visit feels like coming home.”
A recent visit confirms that Turtle Beans is meeting their goal. Surrounded by a mix of parents with young children meeting up to share the news of the day, folks absorbed in work at their laptops, service workers in search of a caffeine fix, and a stream of people grabbing a cuppa to go, the vibe is decidedly cozy and convivial. Check the website for workshops, music, coffee tastings, and other special events aimed at bringing people together.
The extensive menu of beverages includes a range of classic coffees, loose leaf teas, specialty tea preparations such as Tumeric Strawberry Fields Matcha (Organic Matcha and Strawberry) and London Fog (Earl Grey Tea & Lavender), “Lotus Seltzers” that include Cotton Candy Cloud (cotton candy flavored bubbly seltzer) and Dragonfruit Lemonada (dragonfruit and lemonade), and an extensive selection of seasonal specialties, like Blueberry Bliss (Iced Americano with Blueberry Cold Foam).
A selection of pastries and includes “Croffels”; a waffle-like pastry with a selection of sweet and savory fillings. A Croffel with avocado, feta crumbles, pistachios, ghost pepper honey, and pepper flakes? Oh, yes!
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Princeton: Chez Alice Patisserie
5 Palmer Square West, Princeton. 609-921-6760. chezalicecafe.com.
Chez Alice Patisserie’s comfortable and comforting location on Palmer Square is a great place to go for good selection of carefully prepared coffees (hot and iced), tea, tasty pastries, cooked breakfast dishes, and more, including an ever changing selection of French-themed merchandise for those looking for a special gift.
The menu includes bagels, breakfast sandwiches, a seemingly endless array of specialty cakes (Taramisu, Chocolate Rasberry Torte and Carrot…), tarts, tartlets, and a slew of “individual desserts” (Opera Cake, Mango Mousse, Tres Leches…), a delightful assortment of macarons, croissants, breads, and rolls.
Seating inside and outdoor seating when weather permits makes Chez Alice a popular gathering spot.
Hours: Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Princeton: Maman
43 Hulfish Street, Princeton. 609-285-2974. mamannyc.com/locations/princeton
I featured Maman in the U.S. 1 Spring Dining issue as one of the newer additions to Princeton’s dining scene, and see no reason to change my impression of this charming, light-filled destination. I would still be hard-pressed to dispute the characterization of the Princeton location posted on its website: “This café feels like something straight out of a hallmark film … grab a cup of coffee or pastry while you amble about town. Our spacious & sunlight-filled interior also makes the perfect study or lunch catch-up spot. What’s not to love?”
In addition to “Maman Classics” like Smashed Avocado Tartine, Farmhouse Granola Parfait, and Brenda’s Belgian waffles, a selection of pastries, soups, salads, and beverages are on offer. Calorie counts for each item are provided, and gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available. Maman also offers a kids’ menu, with sure-to-please classics like grilled cheese.
In addition to an extensive year-round selection of coffees, teas, juices, kombucha, and more, Maman offers seasonal beverages. For fall, they’re its signature pumpkin pie latte, mademoiselle’s brown sugar & sage latte, papa’s pecan pie latte and centre st’s whipped cinnamon honey cappuccino.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Princeton: Rojo’s Roastery
33 Palmer Square West, Princeton. 609-924-7600. rojosroastery.com.
Rojo’s features an espresso bar, coffee drinks (cappuccinos, lattes, and more), coffee beans and coffee equipment. The shop has recently undergone a thoughtful renovation. When weather permits, many patrons do their sipping at the picnic tables in the Palmer Square courtyard.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Princeton: Sakrid Coffee Roasters
20 Nassau Street, Princeton. 609-516-2444. sakridcoffee.com/princeton-nassau-st.
Sakrid Coffee Roasters sports two locations in Princeton, each with its own personality. The location at 20 Nassau Street offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
The original café across from Princeton University on the corner of Nassau and Chambers streets bills itself as “a great space to stop in and hang out,” and friends of mine who meet there regularly agree, although if you’re really seeking the “quiet” with your cuppa they suggest arriving early, especially if you’re meeting up with a larger group.
When it comes to beverage selection, Sakrid sticks close to the classics, like espresso, cappucino, americano, latte, et al. “Not Coffee” offerings include tea, chai, matcha, and hot chocolate, and a well-chosen selection of accompanying milks and flavorings is offered, as is a selection of pastries.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
300 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. sakridcoffee.com/princeton-witherspoon-st
Those desiring to sip, chat and savor away from the center of town might like to give Sakrid’s Witherspoon Street location next to the Princeton municipal building a try.
Sakrid Witherspoon invites patrons to “Sit & stay awhile. This is where you can settle down for an hour or more.”
While both locations offer cold brew, Sakrid Witherspoon offers their cold brew in bottles to take away, as both concentrate and ready-to-drink.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Princeton: Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street and 254 Nassau Street, Princeton. smallworldcoffee.com.
Small World Coffee first opened its doors in the center of Princeton in 1993. They upped their game in 1997, taking on new partner and head roaster Jon March and offering their own blends, like Grumpy Monkey and Joker Poker.
And yes, OK, it would be a stretch to categorize Small World Coffee, particularly its Witherspoon Street location, as a place to enjoy a quiet cuppa. But the appeal of Witherspoon’s pretty much constant buzz, whether generated by the hustle and flow of the constant comings and goings of its patrons, the sounds of bluegrass, jazz, pop rock, or funk music most Saturday nights, or the crush of art lovers attending an opening of its ever-changing exhibitions by area artists and organizations cannot be denied.
For a more subdued vibe, head on down to Small World Nassau Street.
Both locations offer an excellent selection of hot and cold coffees and teas as well as other beverages, a nice assortment of baked goods and grilled sandwiches, desserts, and coffee beans for purchase on-site and online. Small World is also standing by to cater your next event, supplying their locally roasted coffee, house-made beverages, and freshly baked pastries and desserts.
Witherspoon hours: Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nassau hours: Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grill closes at 2 p.m.
Lambertville: Chez Alice Patisserie
15 Bridge Street, Lambertville. 609-493-0154. chezalicecafe.com
In many ways, Chez Alice Patisserie in Lambertville is the twin of Chez Alice in Princeton, with a few notable differences. The similarities in menu offerings aren’t surprising given that both establishments sit under the umbrella of Genesis Hospitality, whose portfolio of restaurants, bars, historical inns, event spaces, bakeries, and boutique hotels includes the Peacock Inn, Bread Boutique, and Nassau Diner in Princeton, Lambertville Station in Lambertville, and the Washington Crossing Inn and Yardley Inn across the Delaware.
As a Delaware River town and a tourist destination, Lambertville’s vibe is a bit different from university-centric Princeton and tends to be a bit lower key during the week. In the warmer months, Chez Alice Lambertville takes advantage of its location next to Lambertville Station to offer a spot for outdoor sipping next to the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Then there’s the canal itself, its towpath providing an opportunity for a picturesque waterside meander with a hot beverage among the Fall foliage.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lawrenceville: Ooika Matcha
2661 Main Street, Lawrenceville. Ooika.co. hello@ooika.co.
To learn more about Ooika Matcha, check out the introduction to this guide and “Let’s Try… Ooika Matcha” in the March 13 edition of U.S. 1.
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note: Hours are subject to change
Pennington: Terra Momo Bread Company
15 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington. 609-688-0108. terramomo.com/terra-momo-bread-company
The Terra Momo Restaurant Group, which includes local favorites Mediterra restaurant and taverna, Teresa’s restaurant and wine bar, Eno Terra in Kingston and Albarino tapas and wine bar in Shrewsbury has relocated its Witherspoon Street bakery to what had been the site of Pennington Hardware Store, a short walk to Pennington’s downtown and across from the Pennington School.
In addition to a selection of coffees and other hot and cold beverages, an assortment of Terra Momo’s popular freshly baked breads and desserts are on offer to eat in or take away. Counter seating at the front windows offers a quiet spot to gaze out at the passing parade on Delaware Avenue. Limited outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Terra Momo Bread Company’s catering menu offers breakfast and lunch platters for your next special event. Visit their website for full details.
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Titusville: L’Annexe de Mamie Colette
Titusville Marketplace, 1460-1464 River Road, Titusville. facebook.com/MamieColetteBakery
For more about L’Annexe de Mamie Colette, check out the introduction to this guide, and Community New Service’s reporter Joe Emanski’s May 29 profile of the business, “L’Annexe de Mamie Colette brings Brittany to Central NJ” at communitynews.org.
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, closed; Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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