The Debut Of Cuppa Cuppa: ELK Cafe
There are few things more satisfying than having a morning cuppa cuppa. Of course, that cuppa cuppa can be coffee, tea, or whatever beverage you prefer to get your day started. In this series, we’ll have a chance to simply have a cuppa cuppa in all sorts of places. A cuppa cuppa doesn’t only refer to the beverage. It’s the conversation, the place you’re at, and the atmosphere. Cuppa cuppas are never rushed. We’re not limited to cafes. So follow us as we enjoy the neighborhood, our neighbors, background chatter, and a cuppa cuppa.
I ventured out on one of those rainy days that confirms the season is in fact changing. ELK Cafe (154 Prospect Park Southwest, between Vanderbilt and Seeley Streets) has quickly become a staple of the neighborhood, a spacious and comfy place sitting just across the street from Prospect Park.
Eugene Perekrostov, ELK’s friendly manager, was training Chris Salau because it was his first day. They took time to talk about The Clash with a customer. It was an interesting, thorough conversation about The Clash.
ELK is relaxing, and it works for any season. The outdoor space manages to be both expansive (relatively speaking) and intimate. And the artificial turf makes me grin.
The kids love this place, because there’s a “playhouse” towards the back of it filled with blocks, an oven, and two elks. In the spirit of honestly, they may be moose (I really would like to write “meese”), but we’re going to stick with elk for obvious reasons.
As the colder weather comes, it’s going to be easy to be inside. Perekrostov tells us that the fireplace will be up and running in October, so look out for it any day now.
They do a satisfying bagel and coffee. I kept it simple this morning, but could have gone for any pastry and felt satisfied. A perfectly toasted bagel with a cuppa coffee in a warm, minimalist environment makes ELK one of the joys of this neighborhood.
In addition to coffee from Stumptown, sweets from Colson Patisserie, Four & Twenty Blackbirds, and others, you’ll be able to grab exclusive sandwiches from Brancaccios Food Shop.
While I was having a cuppa cuppa, neighbor Emily Wark came in with her 12-month-old daughter Winnie. “Friday is my day off,” she said. “After we loop the park, this is our reward. I always get the croissant and we share it. I find this place super-friendly and I’ve been coming since it opened.”
Those familiar with ELK know about the equally wonderful Lark Café (1007 Church Ave at East 10th Street) in Ditmas Park. Both are owned by Kari Browne.
Feel free to talk with folks at ELK, the neighbors who come in, or just get lost in the good music playing. A song by Band of Horses was in the air when I finished my last sip.
I’ll be back here. A lot.
Do have a recommendation to have a cuppa cuppa? Email us at editor@southslopenews.com.
