In the little hamlet of Croton Falls, you half expect Jimmy Stewart to come around the corner onto Front Street, tipping his fedora and checking his watch not to miss his train.
The restoration of the 1906 former Metro-North ticket office adds to the time warp feeling. Dawn Christopher and her artist husband Tom tore up floors and ceilings, revealing windows and turn-of-the-century detailing inside and out.
Christopher opened Front Street Cellar in half the building about four years ago, then, less than a year ago, opened Croton Falls Coffee on the other side of the wall.
Christopher has created a warm and friendly wine shop where people can feel comfortable learning more about her "less known, more unusual" personal selections, many under $20. Wines are arranged accessibly by style and varietal and from lighter to more full-bodied (with the exceptions of Italy and Spain).
Whether it's a food-friendly sauvignon blanc or a spicy shiraz for a barbecue meal, "It's easier to ask people what they are looking for. Crisper? Fuller?"
In the coffee shop, the shiny Italian Pavoni presses out espresso with fresh, custom-roasted coffee, ground on demand.
"There's nothing automated," she says. "We make each cup by hand." Very hot, filtered water and steamed milk make up her popular lattes, served hot or cold.
A daily selection of sandwiches, such as turkey with blue cheese or mozzarella-tomato panini, is served with salad and chips for a complete lunch. In colder months there are Hale and Hearty soups available. She recently added Mr. Shane's ice cream (try the toasted coconut), and promotes healthy breakfast suggestions, such as a breakfast wrap of apples or bananas with peanut butter, fruit smoothies and low-fat muffins.
Across the street, there's another place making lunch easy: Who's Cooking? Chef Alfred Hoffmann makes scrumptious prepared foods - just move down the line and choose fruit salads with papaya, mango and kiwi, portions of ceviche or antipasto, grilled chicken or portobello salads from the cold case. If you love sandwiches, Hoffmann and his wife Donna prepare wonderful combinations, such as smoked chicken, bacon and pepper jack cheese or ham and brie, on their signature garlic-rubbed grilled bread. Hot carving board specials with house-roasted turkey breast (grilled onions on that?) and another daily choice, such as corned beef or steak, are cut to order.
You can settle into one of the 12 chairs or hit the road. Line up again for a container of carrot-ginger soup, an Eli's Bread baguette and housemade sausages, hanger steak or a few crab cakes for dinner. Or make it really easy with a portion of already-hot lasagna. Owner Donna Hoffmann can arrange catering spreads for your next event as well. Her holiday menus include crown roast of pork, whole roasted duck or roast leg of lamb.
The Hygrade Market a couple of doors down is the more traditional deli in town. There are a few tables to the side where you can eat your pizza or meatball sandwich, a coffee-to-go-bar and a counter in back to order your favorite specialty sandwich. Maybe the Italian Combo or the Chelsea, turkey, cheddar and cole slaw? This is the only place in town to pick up the local fishing guide, a last-minute birthday card or a gallon of milk.
