Scenes From The Soft Opening Of Church Cafe
Before its official public opening on Saturday, Friday night was the soft opening of the long-awaited Church Cafe Wine Bar (416 Church Avenue between E 4th and E 5th Streets). Friends and family of owners Irma and Mateo Pulido filled the warmly lit dining room, sipping from a selection of wines and tap beer and enjoying sandwiches, salads, and rich desserts.
The restaurant sits about 25-30, with several tables for two or four and bentwood barstools for more casual dining. The sconce and pendant lighting and mirrors make for a thoroughly tavern-esque romantic spot, and the wine doesn’t hurt either.
When we stopped by, Irma offered six or seven bottles to choose from — several reds and whites, plus a Prosecco if you prefer something bubbly. On tap for now, they’ve also got an IPA and Sixpoint Sweet Action.
We noshed on delicate panini including one with tuna and artichokes, as well as one with beautiful roasted peppers and a spring mix salad with light tangy citrus vinaigrette, and capped the evening off with fudgy truffles.
An experienced chef who cut her teeth in upscale NYC kitchens including those of Lucien and Bar Tano, Irma’s challenge with the Church Cafe menu was condensing her skill set across a broad range of cultural cuisines to make the most of the restaurant’s small open kitchen.
In fact, Irma’s original vision for the space was an eatery like her favorites in Mexico City, but she realized the minimal prep space available meant she’d have to get more creative with fewer ingredients. We have to say, we’re glad not only that this forced her to innovate and craft a menu that defies most labels — but also, selfishly, glad she decided to open on a Kensington street that needed delicious, wholesome food and a comfy seating area the most.
Irma and Mateo, who live in Kensington, were also nice enough to take a moment out with us during the hectic evening for a quick chat and family photo, along with their 18-month-old daughter who, as you can see, is quite the trooper. Irma says she plans to open the cafe for dinner from 4-11pm Sunday-Thursday and 4pm-12am Friday and Saturday, plus 10am-4pm for lunch on weekdays and brunch at the same hours starting next weekend. For now she is offering takeout and hopes to have delivery available soon, and the restaurant will be taking credit cards.
If you didn’t get a chance to stop by this weekend, you can check out Church Cafe’s full dinner menu below — and be sure to swing in soon and meet Irma and the crew, too.
Church Cafe is located at 416 Church Avenue (between E 4th and E 5th Streets). You can stop by from 10am-11pm Sunday-Thursday or 10am-12am Friday-Saturday, or give them a call at 718-435-2574.