The Velvet Vine Café at 166 Great Rd. opened in January and, on Friday, February 14, they hosted a ribbon cutting celebration. Several Town officials congratulated Crystal Blais and Sarah Fitzmaurice on their new venture. The owners report that the operation has been going well and have found that the greatest interest, at least for now, is the cocktail lounge, and that is their emphasis.
The lounge/restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday, 6-11 p.m. The dinner menu features what they are calling “Small Bites,” with an interesting selection of small plates. One example is “Stuffed Peppadews”: peppadew peppers stuffed with goat cheese, drizzled with hot honey. Another is called, “Garlic Bread Steak Bites”: petite sirloin on a garlic bread crostini, topped with a hint of horseradish cream. There are also bi-weekly dinner specials. The “Sweet Tooth” page features several desserts including assorted cakes and a crème brulee. Of course, the bar is supplied with ingredients for fancy cocktails (Black Velvet Espresso Martini and Shimmy Champagne Punch are two examples) and wine and beer.
Beginning February 22-23, the Café will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a menu offering breakfast (egg sandwiches, burritos, and avocado toast) and lunch (sandwiches, wraps, and salads). For drinks they offer atomic coffees (hot and cold with flavor shots and an assortment of caffe lattes) and Boozy coffees (one example: Cup a Joe, raspberry vodka, crème do cacao, house made espresso, shaken and topped with a raspberry cold foam and chocolate drizzle).
Crystal and Sarah’s goal was to create a space “with a certain vibe” and it seems they have succeeded. Crystal says;” Ninety percent of people that have walked through the door have said, ‘I love the vibe’ and we look at each other and smile or giggle a little, because that is exactly the word we used while designing the space and the whole concept really.”
Jeff Brown is the business beat reporter for the Acton Exchange.