New Moon opens
at 150 Cherry Street

BURLINGTON VT, July 20, 2007 – Burlington’s newest breakfast and lunch café, New Moon, opened its doors on Sunday, July 15, executive director Eileen Schonbek Beer announced today.

The restaurant’s mission statement describes New Moon as: “A place with a life giving atmosphere in which to enjoy creative eating and authentic espresso.”

Although New Moon offers a unique menu of extravagant salads, sophisticated sandwiches and homemade soups, patrons are also encouraged to orchestrate their own meals.

You can design your own salad from 25 fresh ingredients and 10 salad dressings. And there are 30 fresh ingredients and 7 types of bread for the daring do-it-yourself sandwich designer. If your ideal is grilled salmon, cranberry chutney and spinach on a cibatta roll, you can get it at New Moon.

“Freshness is key,” said Beer. “We’re using fresh produce from local farmers and cheese makers. We make our own pastries and quiche every day. Even the herbs in our salad dressings are fresh.

“Coffee is hugely important at New Moon. Frankly we had a lot of nostalgia for espresso the way it’s made in Italy, and we couldn’t find that in Burlington, so we decided to make it ourselves. Our espresso machine was handmade in Florence. When you sip our espresso, you’ll think you’re sitting in the Campo dei Fiori. There’s no difference in the taste or texture. This is the authentic experience.”

Coffee zealots will have a choice of espresso in traditional and nouveaux forms: latte, cappuccino, mocha, white mocha, Americano, macchiato and café con panna.

The tables and benches at New Moon are made of salvaged wood from a 150-year-old barn. But despite the barn board, New Moon is more urban than rustic, with a surprising décor that includes a massive Schonbek crystal chandelier, crystal wall sconces, imposing brick fireplace and oversized leather love seats. The chandelier, inspired by the Tree of Life, is ornamented with rock crystal and cabochons of colored crystal.

Breakfast at New Moon has a continental flavor, with homemade breads, muffins and scones, muesli and homemade granola with yogurt and fruit. Coffees and exotic teas provide the caffeine. Caffeine-avoiders can always enjoy juices and smoothies.

New Moon offers free WiFi. “We want you to linger over your espresso,” said Beer. “That’s what it’s all about. On the other hand, you can take out, as well as hang out.

“In the next couple of weeks we’ll be offering Burlington workers and residents free bicycle delivery within a one-mile radius of New Moon. We can deliver a feast for a lunch-hour meeting, or just one meal to console you for working at your desk. We’ll take orders by phone at first, but eventually you’ll be able to order online.”