Page 15 - The Valley Table - Winter 2022

COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS
For a glimpse into the past and the experience of a centuries-old European tradition, step into Marcella Mazzeo’s Salonniere Coffee Bar on Broadway in Nyack— and plan to stay a while.
“The concept of the salon was created in Italy, and
the French gave it a name,” Mazzeo explains. In the 18th-century, high society women would host salons in their drawing rooms—eclectic gatherings of artists, musicians, writers, and philosophers—to foster discussion and oftentimes, innovation. These salonnières were essential to Enlightenment-age culture.
Although Mazzeo grew up in Rockland County, her entire family is from Italy. Sicily had a profound effect on her formative years: Mazzeo spent her freshman year of high school in the seaside city of Messina and returned for several summers. While exploring much of southern and central Italy, she learned about and was fascinated by salonnières, and the sense of community they foster.
These age-old traditions are alive and well at Salonniere Coffee Bar, Mazzeo’s dream venture. It encourages coffee and conversation with one main rule: If a discussion can be resolved over un café (one cup of coffee), then patrons
should sip and chat at the front bar. If a lengthy talk is warranted, head to the back room, park yourselves on a vintage sofa, and stay a while.
One important factor in realizing her dreams of opening a European style coffee bar was serving superb coffee. The “Parlour Roast” is a unique blend of Costa Rican, Guatemalan, and Colombian beans. It’s a smooth, elegant roast that Mazzeo dubs a double French. It’s sourced from NYC-based roaster Kobrick Coffee Co.
At Mazzeo’s slice of Sicily, customers can purchase imported olives and cheeses alongside baked goods from Balthazar Bakery like cornetti, cannolis, cherry danishes, and sticky buns. Italian treats like biscotti, bombolone, cannolis, and rainbow cookies are also available.
True to her Italian heritage, Mazzeo even has a bright blue piaggio ape named Ninett. This three-wheeled Vespa is Italy’s version of a food truck. When she was a little
girl, Mazzeo always joked that one day she would buy one and bring it back to the States. When the weather warms up, you’ll spot it at Nyack street fairs, serving up coffee, quick bites, and of course, encouraging conversation.
— Raphael Beretta
PHOTO BY LYNN COSCIA
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