Look Up Cafe

Here we GROW AGAIN!
There are a number of new faces on Main Street in Mountaindale and we offer a hearty welcome to all the new people who have moved in. I am especially pleased to congratulate a new business who is growing right before our eyes. I have known local resident Louisa Pabon for a number of years now. She has always impressed me as a hard working woman with a powerful, entrepreneurial spirit. In August of 2008, she began a business which manufactures a gourmet seasoning which is a staple of Spanish cooking, known as Sofrito, (pronounced “so-free-toh.”) Although a canned version may be found on many store shelves, Lousia takes pride in making her natural product fresh, using only the best quality vegetables like peppers, onions, cilantro and other savory herbs & spices for Sofrito Verde. These are quickly processed while they are at their peak flavor and frozen so that they can be delivered to a store near you and enjoyed within two weeks. Another delicious product made by Louisa is 'Oooh That's Good Hummus' which can also be purchased locally at Catskill Harvest Market in Liberty, NY. She makes this product by starting with her own cooked chick peas to eliminate any salt or preservatives that might be found in canned versions.


Sofrito Verde Kitchen



For the first couple of years, Verde & Company operated out of a rented commecial kitchen. They were able to grow and produce quality products carried by a large number of supermarkets and specialty stores. However, they would not be able to fully reach their potential until Louisa could have a commercial kitchen of her very own. She needed a clean place where she could expand her production as well as experiment with new recipes for her loyal clientele. After several intense weeks of renovation, she was able to officially move in to 6 Main Street in Mountaindale.  This is the handsome brick building with a concrete porch that used to be the Rittberg Bakery in town. It is now a fully functional certified commercial kitchen with sleek stainless steel and soothing teal colors where Louisa can fill all of her wholesale orders.



Look Up Cafe Dining Room

When Lousia isn't making her delicious sofrito and hummus, she is able to indulge her long time dream of having a small breakfast and lunch cafe. The name of this new quaint establishment will be the Look Up Cafe. Why? Lousia said it is because people will have to look up at the building to see where she is. I visited there yesterday for lunch and think guests will only have to follow their noses for the delicious smells. I greatly enjoyed my chicken empanada which was seasoned just right and had a tender, flaky crust because it was baked and not fried. This was served with tasty homemade macaroni and cheese. Although I was stuffed, Lousia and Ralph, her husband and assistant baker, convinced me to sample a luscious bite of freshly baked carrot cake. Other people began dropping in for coffee and I heard that the brownies were delicious as well. You can find out for yourself tomorrow if you stop in for coffee or a meal between 7AM and 3PM in the sunny attractively decorated dining room. Whether you are there for a fresh muffin, eggs, or a Latin style lunch with strong Bustelo, you will enjoy your meal at the new Look Up Cafe!