Nutella fans go nuts over new Village cafe
PHOTO BY GABE HERMAN
Some of the offerings at the Nutella Cafe.
that propelled us to open another Nutella Cafe
and continue to showcase the uniqueness and versatility
of this beloved product.”
Fossali added, “As a multicultural epicenter, New
York gives us the opportunity to explore and offer new
ways for our local fans to enjoy Nutella, while reaching
millions of tourists visiting the city.”
The Chicago shop immediately featured long lines
out the door, and Wednesday’s grand opening promised
more of the same. A long line formed along 13 St.
shortly after 11 a.m., ahead of the noon opening. Normally
the cafe will open at 7 a.m. on weekdays. People
seemed cheery in 40-degree weather, and were helped
along by free samples of biscuits and Nutella.
“I had walked by a lot and saw the signs for the
opening today and thought, ‘How could I not stop by,’
” said Zoe, a New York University student waiting in
line. She didn’t know what the cafe would offer, saying,
“I’m curious what they have available.”
Farther up in line was Erina, visiting the city from
Japan.
“I love Nutella a lot and eat it in Japan,” she said, “so
I wanted to come for the opening.”
She also didn’t know what to expect inside but was
happy to take the leap of faith.
“Some people in Japan don’t like Nutella because it’s
too sweet,” she noted, “but I think it’s great, in smaller
amounts.”
Once inside, she would order the chia hemp seed
parfait, with Nutella generously drizzled on top, and
was very happy with the results.
Small groups were allowed to trickle inside shortly
after noon, leaving scores of Nutella devotees to keep
enduring the chilly winds for their turn.
“It’s very good,” said one woman as she left, offering
encouragement to those still waiting to get in.
Another woman walked up to the entrance and
asked the guard what was going on. After being told it
was the opening for the Nutella Cafe, and it would be
open every day, she wasn’t eager to join the line.
“I live and work in the neighborhood,” she said. “I
have a little chocolate problem, so I’m getting away
now.”
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12PM AND 4PM
$14 UNLIMITED MIMOSA’S & BLOODY MARY’S
OR MARGARITAS
Eats
BY GABE HERMAN
If you’ve always felt a nagging need for more Nutella
in your life, good news: New York’s fi rst Nutella
Cafe is now open for business near Union Square,
on University Place at E. 13 St.
The menu is full of items featuring the chocolatehazelnut
spread, including grilled banana bread, a frozen
Nutella pop, and a hazelnut blondie. You can also
create your own dish, with base options like a pancake,
waffl e or crepe, fruit choices to go with it, and toppings
such as whipped cream, chopped hazelnuts or gelato.
Nutella spread is included in all varieties, of course.
The shop also offers espresso drinks and a lively atmosphere.
The place’s entrance is shaped like a Nutella
jar and a wavy ceiling evokes the look of the rich dessert
spread. And don’t worry, there’s a corner of the shop
with merchandise, including coffee mugs and Nutella
jars that say “New York” across the front, which were
also given away as free samples for the grand opening
on Wed., Nov. 14.
This is the second Nutella Cafe in America, after the
success of the fi rst in Chicago, which opened in May
2017.
“There truly is nothing like the taste of Nutella hazelnut
spread,” said Rick Fossali, vice president of operations
for Nutella Cafe, in a June press release when
the New York cafe was announced. “With the overwhelmingly
positive reaction to Nutella Cafe Chicago,
we know our fans feel the same way. It’s their excitement
We are now accepting reservations for Thanksgivings Day and Holiday Parties
24 November 15, 2018 TVG Schneps Community News Group
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