Ah, to get away from the horn beepers! Last Wednesday, while my daughter conducted a newspaper interview in Montclair center, I visited nearby Montclair Book Center, from whom I purchased quite a few books in the past to "beef up" our home library book count. After I was done with searching the stacks, I sought a peaceful refuge after crossing busy, loud, and "populated by a few impatient, obnoxious, continuous horn beepers" Bloomfield Avenue, and made my way to an old favorite of mine, the Simit House Bakery & Co. (2 Church Street, 862-283-3181), for a quick cup of coffee and a snack. The "quick" turned into an over 2-hour reprieve, I escaping a busy writing desk and really, just really taking it easy. There is inside seating for 12, and also outdoor seating for the upcoming warm weather. You have to love the front window decorations -- especially the books -- and the tiny plant that called my table "home" was a sure de-stressor. Bear in mind that my stop was just for coffee and a treat, but Simit House Bakery & Co. also offers yogurts, specialty rolls, a meat pie that kept staring at me from the display case, and more. My snack, pictured below, cost me $6.41, perhaps a bit steep. However, it wasn't just about the coffee and chocolate chip cookie. I considered the price paid also going towards my respite and my calm, feeling comfortable to stay the distance as my daughter toiled at her assignment, I enjoying some nice conversation with the team on duty, as it always should be. The visit also reminded me of my first visit to Simit House Bakery & Co., when my wife Lucille and I stopped in a few years back while walking Church Street, shielded that night from the busyness of the main road. We were treated well that night, the owner offering to let us try Turkish coffees and some fresh bread.
So, Simit House Bakery & Co. is the definition of where it lives, then and now: comfort on a comfortable street. Thanks, folks, for bringing me peace. Steve
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AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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