New Haven Independent

Posted by: I Scream | August 10, 2009 2:53 PM

A lot of the local neighbors would actually love a later closing time, closer to 9 pm than 7 pm. Foot traffic after dark is important to a neighborhood like East Rock that relies on eyes on the street for safety. And for those of us who use local stores for last minute take-out or a walk to the local store for dessert, we value and would take advantage of the later hours. I can understand objections to being open til 11 but I can't see why anyone would object to these places being open til 9 or so.

And, it's been said before and it'll be said again: people in East Rock eat all sorts of food! Not just Italian! Hopefully someone will come in with upscale Asian or American food at some point rather than more paninis and sausage! I love our gourmet Italian but we need some variety!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 10, 2009 4:41 PM

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrate's guys!!!!! I will be heading there!!

Posted by: good advice | August 11, 2009 8:22 AM

I Scream: neighbors should make sure to come to Board of Zoning Appeals meetings to share their views. That way the BZA knows what the neighborhood wants/will be best served by. Without that feedback, the BZA can only be restrictive on businesses, not supportive.

If any issues bother you--if a new development is happening in your neighborhood--definitely take the time to attend the BZA. They meet on the second tuesday of every month at 6:30 in the Hall of Records at City Hall.

Posted by: JackNH | August 11, 2009 10:11 AM

Another cafe? I miss the hardware store, which sold EVERYTHING and got my business for years and years. This is not progress.

Posted by: eddie | August 11, 2009 10:25 AM

I'm with you on the hours, Scream. The neighborhood is active until well after 7, particularly during the summer. And in this day and age, there are more people than ever working nontraditional hours; we should be encouraging business to expand their hours to serve them.

Posted by: juli | August 11, 2009 4:00 PM

i couldn't agree more with the comments on extended hours. as long as they are mindful about noise, i think it would be great.

and jacknh: yes, new haven DESPERATELY needs a hardware store. it was sad to see the old one go. maybe one even more conveniently located downtown would be more successful, as far as accessibility?

Posted by: me | August 12, 2009 11:29 AM

I live on Pearl and have been waiting patiently for this place since they put up their "Opening Spring 2009" sign. It's been a long spring! I have to say I am a little disappointed in the cheesy sign. It seems more Crown St than East Rock. But oh well. Please make up for it with good coffee and vegetarian/vegan food options!!

As for hours, I think 9pm would be great! Being open later than 7pm could serve a lot of people who cut through from Whitney walking or riding home from Science Hill labs and Hillhouse depts after work/study.

And in contrast to Nica's, I hope this place has long Sunday hours. It seems like it would be a great place for long brunches and lazy afternoons with friends.

Posted by: Clark Street Resident | August 13, 2009 1:47 PM

Another strong vote for 9:00!

(Nica's, that goes for you, too! I'm just starting to think dinner at 7:00 when you close.)

Posted by: Lady J | August 13, 2009 6:49 PM

While we certainly miss Bunnell's, it's nice to have a coffee place that we can enjoy during the winter.

By the way, if you want Chinese, Mexican, Thai, American, or even more Italian food, there's plenty of diversity in East Rock. Just take a walk over to State Street.

Posted by: me again | September 9, 2009 2:02 PM

Is there a date set yet for the opening??

They are wasting opportunity with the back to school lull in activity--not to mention the fantastic weather for their outdoor space! What is the ETA Romeo?? I want some espresso!

Posted by: Sam | September 29, 2009 9:03 AM

How could I apply? A job here would be perfect for me! ...just writing this incase management may see.