Just Opened In Sandy Hook—

‘You Can Taste The Bean’ At Mocha Coffeehouse

By Dottie Evans

Slow down, roll down the window, and smell the coffee as you pass by.

Whether you are a commuter driving through Sandy Hook or a local resident out to run errands, there is a new coffeehouse destination called Mocha at 3 Glen Road that merits at least one 15-minute stop.

We predict one visit will lead to many others because Mocha, owned by local entrepreneur Michael Palumbo, has raised the bar among coffeehouses in all ways that really matter.

Starting with the beans themselves, they are premium varieties roasted locally in Bethel and ground fresh daily to ensure “a brewed coffee that is of superior quality –– that’s what the name Mocha means,” according to Mr Palumbo.

Moving right on to desserts and accompaniments, consider the full array of cakes, tarts, brownies, cannolis, and cream pies baked by local pastry chef Michelle Grillo. Then order up a super-sized muffin or cookie baked by Karen Yacovelli. These are carbohydrates to die for. Suddenly, your resolve to start the South Beach diet today fades into tomorrow or maybe next week.

Décor and ambience? As soon as you walk in the door, you’ll notice the muscles at the back of the neck and shoulders begin to loosen up. There is a wing-backed chair in which to escape behind a newspaper and a couch for relaxed lounging. Small tables and chairs invite couples or a group of friends to spend time together while enjoying their coffee. Colorful rugs scattered across the polished hardwood floor add color to an otherwise muted decor.

A few black-and-white photographs decorate the walls and a few antiques are placed here and there for a homelike touch.

“The Flexible Flyer belonged to my wife’s great-grandmother,” Mr Palumbo says of the weathered sled displayed in a sunny front bay window.

On Friday and Saturday nights there is live music, “mostly acoustic guitar and small local bands that provide great entertainment,” he notes.

And if you really must stay for a bite of lunch after you’ve finished off your elevenses, there are sandwiches, salads, and soups freshly prepared each day.

Mr Palumbo has plans to extend the ambience to include his scenic surroundings, as soon as the weather moderates.

“In the spring we’ll build a deck overlooking the Pootatuck and there will be a stone patio below so you can eat your lunch outside,” he adds.

A graduate of Western Connecticut’s Ancell School of Business with a major in finance and marketing, Mr Palumbo gives all his time, effort, and expertise toward making Mocha a success. But he credits his wife, Tracy Palumbo, for being the “backbone” of the business.

“She does the ordering and makes the decisions about the décor. She’s my inspiration –– along with my dog, Willis. I couldn’t do it without the two of them.”

 

The Vision Within The Vision

Since opening Mocha in November, Mr Palumbo says that the customers have been coming nonstop.

“It’s almost too busy,” he jokes, but adds that Mocha’s location in the hub of Sandy Hook Village is exactly right.

“Even before I opened, someone was driving by and saw me working out in front with a cup of coffee in my hand, and they asked ‘Where can I get some of that?’ That was already a good omen.

“I’m a believer,” he adds, in Sandy Hook businessman and property owner Mike Porco’s vision of a revitalized town center where families can go to shop, eat, and enjoy themselves along the scenic riverbank.

It is Mr Porco who originally purchased many of the then-vacant buildings on the north side of Church Hill Road a decade ago, and he has encouraged new businesses to come in after establishing his own Karate Academy.

This was followed by a children’s haircutting salon called Kids Cuts, and then the Toy Tree owned by Mr Palumbo opened two years ago. During the summer of 2004, Mr Porco introduced the Sandy Hook Village Farmers’ Market, which runs Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.

In the fall, a Subway franchise moved into the building next to the bridge, and Mr Porco is currently renovating the brick building (that was a dry goods store in the 19th Century) with plans for a restaurant opening in the spring.

“I totally support his vision for Sandy Hook Village as a family destination, and I knew the coffeehouse would be a success,” added Mr Palumbo, saying when the restaurant comes in, he’ll keep the coffeehouse open until midnight to accommodate late diners.

Beyond the convenient location and the desire to be a part of Mike Porco’s vision, Mr Palumbo is a hard-working young business owner who is also a discriminating coffee-drinker. There is no doubt he values a great cup of Joe, and during the February 4 interview for this story, his eyes kept returning to the impressive coffee menu posted over Mocha’s glass pastry display counter.

“I love the Breakfast Coffee,” he said, “because you can really taste the bean.”

“But my favorite mixed brew is Caramel Cloud Espresso steamed with whipped cream on top.”

Nothing to argue about there.

And no reason not to stop by Mocha and sample a cup for yourself.

Mocha Coffeehouse, 3 Glen Road in Sandy Hook, is open seven days a week from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, and there is live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10:30 pm. For more information, call 364-9200.