Caffe Roma

Mulberry is my typical route, leaving Chinatown bound for Union Square. Passing through Little Italy, I always make a promise to myself that I will stop at the cafe on the corner of Broome and Mulberry. Because there is just something about Caffe Roma.

Toting my bag of treasures from Chinatown, beautiful weather sealed the deal. Today is the day I would keep the promises. Because sometimes, you just gotta’ stop and do something beautiful.

“Mocaccino.”

I chose a seat under the Audrey Hepburn mural, respectfully distant, but across from a masked man. Exchanging pleasantries gave way to conversation, and I learned that Vincent was looking after the cafe for his father who was distancing himself due to the threat of COVID-19.

I discovered that Caffe Roma has been in the family since 1881, that it had first been a bar before it became a cafe in the 1950s. I also learned that Vincent has a new puppy who eats everything off of the ground, just like my Charlotte. And that he loves the cold. Of course, business has been slow since the pandemic. But both of us admitted to looking on the bright side of such difficult times, and confessed to appreciating and enjoying the city minus the tourists. Trading stories, I realized what it was about Caffe Roma.

History. Humanity. And good coffee. It was the server who so graciously received me from the street. The barrista who took the time to discuss and prepare my coffee to perfection. And Vincent, a very pleasant conversationalist who reminded me of a certain truth that always seems to find me on the road…

We are all connected.

And exploring that connection is the highlight of my travels, whether near, far, or somewhere, anywhere, in between.

With indoor dining shutting down on Monday due to rising COVID-19 case numbers, restaurant and cafe owners are scrambling to make the most of their outdoor spaces. Livelihoods are at stake, businesses hang in the balance between creatively staying open and closing up shop for good, and futures are uncertain. And yet while we are in the throes of turbulent times, even perilous times, there was something comforting about sitting there on the street today with my mocaccino and Vincent.

It was simple, grounding. It was an anchor on rough, rough seas. There was something comforting about sitting there at Caffe Roma, like sitting at the feet of your elegant grandmother, whose stoicism gives you courage by association, whose eye is on you all the time so harm won’t dare come near, and whose wisdom hangs over you, quietly, gently, accompanying you on your way…

Cheers.

Take care out there.