Deliciousness Guaran-tead

Defying Gravitea offers gluten- and dairy-free treats that nourish the body and mind without compromising on taste.

BY ANGELA TETA KOHLE

Gina Cassese, owner of a new cafe in Pequannock called Defying Gravitea, hopes it will be like your home away from home. Her menu features abundant gluten- and dairy-free baked goods along with farm-fresh eats, coffee and tea.

Regardless of whether you have food sensitivities, you’ll find something fabulous to try. Cassese aims to attract people of all ages to enjoy delectable treats like her banana bread with almond butter and house-made jam, sweet potato ricotta salad, lemon coconut scones and so much more. At Defying Gravitea, the possibilities seem endless, and everything is absolutely delicious.

Cassese is a fifth-generation chef who learned the food business firsthand, primarily in the kitchen of her dad’s Florida restaurant. After working in many food settings, she decided to come home to Pequannock and share her culinary skills with the community. She has tweaked some family favorites and is thrilled with the results.

A Gathering Spot

Cassese loves when her family gets together for meals and envisions her new place as a hub where the community can gather in a similar way. Defying Gravitea has a warm, relaxed, homey feel, offering several cozy places to sit, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and experience the variety of mouthwatering goods.

“I want my shop to be a place where friends and family gather around food, relax and find balance,” Cassese says. “Here, everyone can eat without restrictions in an intimate setting. I just want to spread the love and make the world a better place, and if that world consists of the people who come into my shop, it’s a start!”

Defying Gravitea also provides catering and offers a warm, relaxed space for people to host events. The cafe’s website describes several options, but reach out if you would like to plan something special. Cassese already has ideas brewing for ways to expand her offerings in the future and continue to wow her customers. As she says, “Together, we are limitless.”