Well hello! I grew up in restaurants, my grandfather owned several in San Francisco and most of my childhood was spent in those awesome spaces. I worked for Marriott for over a decade where I was given the opportunity to work at what was the largest hotel in DC- Wardman Park Marriott, and from there I was hired to open what is now the largest hotel in DC- the Marriott Marquis. I was in charge of all 7 food and beverage outlets and working in restaurants is my happy place. When life, as it does, took unexpected turns, I found myself in New Market. I am a big city girl who never thought I would thrive in a small town, but I have never been happier. When we moved here, our house on Main Street had merchant space on the bottom, and there has never been a truer calling in my life. So I decided to open a cafe. The original plan was a wine bar but when I observed the lack of breakfast and lunch spots, I knew I needed to start there. Everything on the menu has been carefully thought out and I take great pride in supporting local farms and businesses when possible. This is truly my dream come true and I am honored to start feeding this town!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am happily married to a fireman and first responder for Frederick County. I have 2 kids- Quinlan is our energetic, social and outgoing 6 year old and Callahan, our curious little guy, turned 1 in April. We love making dinner together, having parties, camping and traveling. We love adventures of any kind.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
It will be 4 years in August.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Ellen Pryzboki, she owns the Childrens Play Museum across the street and was my first friend when I moved here.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind, have fun, and don’t have any regrets. Those suck. Life is short and adventures are awesome.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to Japan
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
This was the antique capital of the world and is now coming back alive with a vengence. New Market is awesome.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Here. Running a cafe, a wine bar, and opening a speak easy in our hidden room downstairs!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am allergic to escargot. Learned that the hard way after spending the night in the emergency room in Paris. So much for trying to be Parisian! Also, I will always be a California girl at heart.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Florence Italy. From there I escaped to Tuscany and spent the night outside and woke up on a tractor with my best friend in the whole world. We moved to the east coast together and it’s best best 30+ years of friendship ever.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month- September. I love the beginning of Autumn and seeing the leaves change color was never something I experienced in California. Favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Because it’s all about family and food. Fave day on the calendar?? Ha- my birthday! Because I can celebrate ME!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
JetBlue Airlines, Aqua Al 2 restuarant in Florence, Coronado, CA, sea urchin nigiri, wasabi tobiko, the movie “A League of their Own, Shannen Doherty, and my family.
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
My Nonni. Coolest chick in the entire world. Grew up on a farm in Michigan and her stories from her past would make the NY Best Seller list. Always reminded me no one can ever take my place and you had to eat a peck of dirt before you died.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Where I lay my sleepy head, where I love to return to, and where so many more memories have yet to be made