HAVE A LITTLE Italy ANYWHERE!

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Espresso has its roots in Italy, where simple, quality ingredients are revered. In Emilie Clements’ Italian family, appreciating great coffee paired with foods straight-from-the-earth is a tradition that has been passed down for generations. In 2021, Emilie co-founded Close Ties, a mobile bar that has people everywhere saying, “Si, grazie!”

Interesting Grazing Options

Emilie and Pepe, the photogenic Brew Cycle, a black and white tricycle from Portland, Oregon, were first seen providing cold drinks at area markets. Then, Emilie, who is based in Albany, fell in love with Camilla, an iconic 1964 Piaggio Apé. By importing the small but mighty three-wheeled powerhouse (it was used for hauling logs up and down the mountains of Palermo until 2019) from Sicily, Emilie has given Camilla a second life. Now, she is putting the cute in char-cute-rie by providing hors d’oeuvres, desserts, treats and more at special events and celebrations.

Able to fit in almost anywhere (indoors or out) Close Ties’ ultra-fresh Brunch Bar features a generous selection of delicious artisan meats, hand-crafted Cheesy Traveler cheeses, fruits, veggies, local honeys, and breads (served with homemade butters). Perfect for autumn weddings, the Dessert Bar features cider donuts from Kinderhook, sweet pastry skewers, pretzels, and more.

Close Ties’ most popular add-on, The Cigar Bar, offers unique night caps, such as their signature bourbon and hard cider drink. The bar includes divided humidors, cutters, ashtrays, matches – all the accessories for the groom and his guys to finish off the evening.

Connections That Keep The Wheels Rolling

Emilie prepares crop-to-table fare inspired by her two-acre garden and flock of 60 chickens, including yummy bites like egg salad sliders and bitingly-fresh tomato bruschetta.

Italian culture is known for being wonderfully social and hospitable, so when this summer’s weather left Emilie with an abundance of some produce while ruining others, Emilie naturally adopted a barter system with neighborhood farmers …to the benefit of all!

Bookings are still available for the 2023 season. For more information go to closetiestwo.com