Since I first wrote about La Cave du Grenier in February, I have been extremely interested in what Chef Jean Dupon is up to for that space. I think this is one of the changes I am most excited about for Vineyard Haven. Even the name is clever, cave meaning cellar and grenier meaning attic. Though a big fan of upstairs, I have a feeling that La Cave du Grenier is going to steal my heart away.
Thoughts of French Pastries
La Cave du Grenier will be opening in mid-May, and will be serving breakfast and lunch with the possibility of adding dinner as well in June. Chef Jean Dupon is well known for his French culinary delights upstairs at Le Grenier, and he’ll be bringing his signature style to the bistro as well. Imagine the croissants that he will make for us, true French croissants, with 8 – 9 flavors to chose from, in addition to fresh baked baguettes, and his signature French Toast. Paired with a cup of delicious coffee, I can see myself enjoying a lazy sun-soaked breakfast on the porch. Chef Dupon is currently working on the menus that will be featured, but those items are a sneak peak into what we can expect from what will be offered for breakfast.
In a Past Life
For those of you who may have visited the bagel shop that was there before, you may remember that it was not the nicest of places. I admit that I did go to the bagel shop a couple of times, but I usually grabbed my bagel and high-tailed it out of there. The squishy faux grass carpet on the porch was a serious turn-off. No longer is that the case. The old space is being completely transformed.
Soaking Up The Sunshine
Let’s start with what’s happening with the outside porch which is being completely redone. One crucial change, the stairs that were off to the left are being replaced and re-located. The new stairs will be parallel to the front door – which makes perfect sense and will offer the opportunity for the perfect corner table space with a great view down Main Street. There are attractive, simple lights on the ceiling, speakers for soft music to enjoy while sipping your coffee, and the colors on the walls are calming.
Soon there will be a beautiful French inspired mural on the large wall, where you used to enter the bagel shop, and flowers and plants will be added. I don’t know about you, but I am so happy have outdoor dining space in downtown Vineyard Haven. There is something so special about eating outside, especially during the Summer, and that space has a very relaxing feel to it now.
A French Bistro In The Making
When you walk into the building, which is still undergoing renovations, you are immediately charmed by the new space. The colors are engaging, the black and off-white floor is classic, and I am particularly fond of the details on the ceiling. Though the chairs, black and beige cafe chairs, and tables, dark brown with black trim, are still en-route, you have a good sense of what to expect – a warm, welcoming Parisian bistro smelling of fresh baked bread.
When you look at the photos, it’s really easy to imagine how its going to come together. I am looking forward to perusing the glass counter that will display all sorts of goodies, and everything, including the appliances, is brand new. The space has an obvious personality, and I think that’s important for a place you chose to dine in. How wonderful it is going to be for us to have our own little French bistro to enjoy.
The only unfortunate thing is that we have to wait a bit longer before we can enjoy La Cave du Grenier, but I guess May is not that far away. One thing Chef Dupon did mention was that this space may be open year-round instead of the upstairs space, depending on how things work out. Either way, it is nice to have a new fabulous place to visit, even if it’s only breakfast and lunch to start with. I wish Chef Dupon much success with this new endeavor.
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