Jay Paul
Sarah Der
Café @ St. Stephen’s adapts to continue serving our ‘village’
In good weather, outdoor seating; in all weather, curbside service and new take-home suppers
T
he Café @ St. Stephen’s has continued to be a central part of our “village green,” welcoming all to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, a made-toorder espresso drink, a delicious breakfast or lunch, and now, take-out suppers.
Since it became permissible—and safe—to do so, our café has been offering outdoor tables and seating. This option has been a huge hit, allowing people to see friends they’d been missing during the earlier days of the pandemic. As the weather becomes less hospitable to outdoor coffee and dining, we’ll continue to offer online and phone ordering for curbside pick-up. The online ordering site has been refreshed and reorganized for easier navigation. Have a look at cafeatststephens.org. You can place your order there and pay online, or call in your order to 804.288.3318. S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H
After a long, hot summer, during which the café was open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for drinks, breakfast, lunch, and snacks, the hours expanded to include a twohour after-school period when students, parents, and teachers could order coffee, tea, espresso drinks, and grab-and-go snacks from 2 to 4 p.m. In November, the offerings expanded further. The café began opening on Saturdays so that vendors, volunteers, staff, and patrons of our farmers market could order coffee and other drinks, as well as grab-and-go breakfast foods. Saturday hours are 7 a.m.-noon. Also in November, the café began selling take-out suppers for two, offering different entrees, soups and salads each week. Orders are placed online or by phone (no later than 1 p.m.) for pick-up
between 2 and 5 p.m. With shorter days, inclement weather, and unpredictable schedules affecting us all, our hope is that this will be a welcome convenience. Stan Barnett, director of kitchen ministries, and Tabitha Venditti, café manager, have been making healthy, warming soups— but those are not only for café customers, but also for those who use our food pantry to help feed their families. Remember that when you and your friends and colleagues support our café, you’re supporting our food ministry. In October, the café welcomed Phin Generelly to the staff. Phin is a true café artist who will be familiar to Rostov’s customers, where he was not only a barista but the teacher of choice for new employees there. After a time outside café work, he’s returned, and we’re thrilled he’s joined our team as head barista. ✤
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2020
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