The Perfect Blend: Caffè de Martini
by Georgia Gibson
Right, so there’s an Italian and a Colombian in a café in New York… whilst this may sound like the beginning to some eye-roll worthy gag, I can tell you the product of these two people is in fact a place that merits a lot more than that. Let’s start by giving this scene a bit of context. Stefano from Torino was born to a family of chocolate makers and a grandfather with a coffee-bean roasting habit. Reared relishing in the aromas of the espresso and measuring out his life in coffee spoons, Stefano decides to pack up this tradition and transport it to the back-streets of Brooklyn. Not only does he fall in love with the city but also Camila, a graphic designer from Colombia, and the creative cream to Stefano’s coffee cup.
“Both Colombia and Italy have strong coffee cultures” Stefano tells me, but this was an away-game, “the New York palette is different, and we had to learn and adapt to the American way. Before coming here, I had never heard of a Cortado, a Mocca, much less a cold coffee!” This bubbling brew of cultures is at the core of this coffee shop, and unlike any other in the area. “We may serve avocado on toast for breakfast [My note: which for an Italian is the equivalent of a croissant for dinner], but the oil is imported from Italy, and the bread is home-made by Italian chefs and delivered in the morning.”
It is not just the munch that is a mix, but also the mood. A coffee shop in Italy is an extension to your home; it’s a family affair, it’s a ‘cornetto’ for the kids, and your strongest coffees for the rest of us, its a quick drink, one-shot hot espresso ritual with your best friends at the bar, it’s a go there for a sip and end up staying for the gossip, it’s as much about the community as the coffee.
In Colombia “it’s all about colours” Stefano tells me, “in Brooklyn many coffee shops are dark, and don’t think much about the inside feel”. Camila however wants to energise you with the interiors, not just the caffeine and sugars of the sweat treats. The outside is painted with bright blue and adorned with a bowing bougainvillea. Inside, there is thought behind every coloured cup, stool, mural, shelf, and plant and the amazing attention to detail envelopes you in the atmosphere as soon as you step in.
Like many small independent establishments, the lockdown hit them hard; “We had to stay open in any way we could to stay alive”. The café quickly adapted and maintained their menu as takeaway, giving all leftovers to the homeless. “We are foreigners and so didn’t get much help from the government. But we found support elsewhere, it was creating strong connections with the customers that saved us.”
And the future I ask? “Keep spreading joy and serving coffee” responds Stefano, “oh and we want to grow and set up other cafés too, this is just the beginning!”
Quickfire round:
Best Sip? “Our creamy Cappuccino”
Best Mouthful? “Our simple sandwich with imported prosciutto and milky mozzarella”
Stefano tells me being in the café “feels like a hug”. A hug and a coffee, sounds like the cure for just about anything, especially after the socially distanced saga of the last year!
Caffè de Martini, 609 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn.
Open every day: Weekdays 8–5, Weekends 6–9
Check out Caffè De Martini and other great little places on Bimble
