This Month’s Featured Article

Above: Espresso at Twisted Sisters Coffee House.

Here at Main Street, we love our coffee. It keeps us going both in and out of the office, and a morning at work for us feels utterly incomplete without a little caffeinated kick, whether that be a classic iced caramel latte, a foamy vanilla cappuccino, or even a non-coffee refreshment like a toasty chai or sweet hot cocoa. On some mornings, especially the chillier ones, I’ll even opt for a decaffeinated Harney & Sons tea and rely on the placebo effect (and the cozy feeling of a warm drink) to energize me gradually.

It’s no surprise, then, that the idea arose to explore cafes in the region and write all about our top picks. Indeed, we talk about coffee so much during our day-to-day office chats that it was truly inevitable, and the perfect opportunity to discover – and revisit – coffee shops in the area that have made a special impression on us.

The greater Hudson Valley, as well as Berkshire and Litchfield Counties, is rich with venues for delicious java. We’ve chosen to focus our attention on those cafes where we feel we’ve gotten the full experience, instead of rushing our way through 30+ shops and making hasty judgments based on brief experiences. This is not an exhaustive list; rather, we’re highlighting a selection of local gems that truly stand out to us, and places we keep going back to for more of their tasty treats!

With all this thinking about coffee, we’ve had to consider the time, effort, and steps it takes to bring us our favorite drinks – the fuel that keeps us going throughout the day and the very energy-filled delight that’s certainly helping me write this article! What better place to start than by learning about the baristas who work their magic and make our orders a reality?

Learning how our delicious coffee orders get made

The idea for this particular investigation did not appear out of thin air. No matter where I go, whenever I’m waiting for a coffee, I like to watch intently as the barista does their thing. It’s always amazed me how my iced vanilla lattes come together with such ease and effortlessness, typically as the barista juggles a number of other orders as well. The task always seemed like something I could never accomplish myself. But for the sake of our coffee exploration, and to more fully understand the process required to put a cup of coffee in my hand, the time felt right. I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”

The lovely Cassie and Heidi over at Twisted Sisters Coffee House in Hillsdale, NY, were kind enough to welcome me one Friday morning so that I could try my hand at being a barista and learn the ins and outs of the job. Admittedly, I was quite nervous going into the experience, but once we had a little conversation behind the counter and I asked some initial questions to get my bearings, I was able to focus on the tasks at hand and start getting to know the role.

After explaining the intricacies of espresso beans, including the distinctions between regular and decaffeinated varieties, how coffee grinders portion out the espresso, and how drink size correlates to the number of shots in a drink, Cassie got to work. First, she showed me how to fill the portafilter (the part of the espresso machine that detaches and holds the coffee) with espresso grounds and use the tamper to pack them into the portafilter basket evenly. From here, you put the portafilter back into the machine and, according to how much espresso you have, you press the button for the corresponding number of shots.

While the espresso is in the process of brewing, you then have to think about whether the drink is hot or iced, and collect all the milk, syrups, and add-ins you need. Iced drinks are fairly straightforward, but a hot drink often requires steaming milk for that warm, frothy, and foamy effect. I found this step oddly daunting, but ultimately fulfilling once you get it right, and Heidi was kind enough to walk me through the process many times while filling actual orders.

The most important takeaway from the whole experience truly came down to a focus on the little details; we covered everything from keeping the temperature of mugs warm and preventing burnt espresso to pouring the steamed milk just right depending on the style of drink and adding iced components in the correct order to avoid a watery finish. As Cassie and Heidi showed me, it’s this attention to crafting just the right experience for customers; promoting a comfortable atmosphere; and staying welcoming, attentive, and ready to help that stays with patrons long after they leave a cafe.

And now … a selection of our personal favorites!

With this understanding of how to be a barista and what it takes to make a positive experience for customers, we thought about our own favorite cafes and what makes them special to us.

Camphill Village Coffee Shop

From the moment you step into the Coffee Shop at Camphill Village in Copake, NY, you’re sure to be greeted with the ambience of friendly chatter and a vibrant, inviting setting. I visited Camphill Village Copake, which is the oldest and largest Camphill community in the United States, for the first time earlier this year to learn more about this dynamic community and all of the opportunities it has to offer. I wrote about what I learned in an article that appeared in our March issue. Since then, the energy, thoughtfulness, and importance of Camphill Village has continued to inspire me, and when it comes to the magic of this community, the Coffee Shop is no exception.

First established in 1961, Camphill Village Copake has a rich and extensive history in the region centered around fostering meaningful connections with “volunteers from all over the world that live and work hand in hand with people of different/all abilities in the Hudson Valley,” Alena Roberson and Laura Meza Assia explain.

Sharing the Village Green building with the Cafe, Bakery, and Gift Shop, the Coffee Shop serves up an array of coffee and espresso drinks using freshly roasted coffee beans from Barrington Coffee Roasting company. They also offer hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea, and more!

When it comes to flavored syrups, they use organic ingredients and strive to incorporate seasonal fruits and spices. If you’re hungry, you’ll be sure to find some tasty options, including grilled sandwiches, focaccia sandwiches, soups, and salads, all of which use seasonal ingredients produced in Camphill’s Cafe and Bakery. Be sure to grab one of their scrumptious sourdough brown butter chocolate chip cookies – they are amazing – and a loaf of bread from the Bakery!

While the Coffee Shop has existed at Camphill in several iterations since the 1970s, Alena and Laura point out that it was thanks to donations and fundraisers that the shop was able to open its doors. “As Camphill Village grew and developed, people within the community saw the need of creating a space where they could showcase Village products, become a social hub for the whole community, and welcome people in so they can get to know where we are and what we do,” they describe.

“We love to be a space where we can build relationships with the wider community, and we are happy to provide the opportunity for some folks in our village to have a meaningful work experience and create relationships with those outside the village.”

Camphill Village Coffee Shop can be found in the Village Green at Camphill Village, which is located at 84 Camphill Road in Copake, NY. For more information, please visit camphillvillage.org/visit-us and find them on Instagram @camphillvillagegreen.

Hudson Roastery

If you’re looking for an elegant yet comfortable, sleek yet inviting spot for a cup of coffee and bite to eat right off of Hudson’s Warren Street, Hudson Roastery is the place to be. Warmly lit spaces, a rustic yet modern feel, and bright, fresh flowers at every turn add to the cafe’s stylish farmhouse aesthetic. Whether you take a seat at the bar, grab a table indoors, or find your way to the outdoor seating that looks out on the public square, you’re sure to be greeted with friendly and attentive staff and enjoy the lovely vibes of all Hudson Roastery’s spaces.

You can take your pick from a variety of daily, fresh baked pastries and muffins or choose from the all-day breakfast and lunch dishes on the cafe menu. Naturally, you’d be remiss to skip out on a delicious coffee drink or other beverage, which pairs perfectly with the food options! Ashley (the magazine’s director of advertising) loved her chocolate muffin, and I really enjoyed the way the banana bread complimented my iced vanilla latte.

Hudson Roastery is located at 4 Park Place in Hudson, NY. For more information, please visit hudsonroastery.com and find them on Instagram @hudson_roastery.

Twisted Sisters Coffee House

One of our go-tos on a weekday morning, Twisted Sisters Coffee House brings a cozy, whimsical essence – and fantastic coffee – right to the center of Hillsdale. The atmosphere hits you right away with enchanting purple walls, quirky artwork, and an overall witchy energy complete with two indoor tables and a cozy outdoor patio area. When it comes to service, I truly learned from the best at Twisted Sisters, as you’ll always feel welcome from the moment you walk in, and they’ll work with you to ensure your order is being fulfilled just the way you want it.

Providing a variety of freshly baked scones, muffins, croissants, cookies, and breads each morning, and an array of breakfast and lunch menu items, their food offerings perfectly complement their delectable espresso drinks, teas, and other classics, including lemonade and smoothies.

I personally love a lemon scone and iced latte here, while Abby (one of the magazine’s other writers) opts for the “Twisted Hammer,” a delectable combination of chai concentrate and espresso, to which she adds almond milk and caramel syrup!

Twisted Sisters Coffee House is located at 329 White Hill Lane in Hillsdale, NY. For more information, please visit facebook.com/TwistedSisters-Coffee and find them on Instagram @twisted_sisters_coffee_house.

The White Hart Provisions

The go-to destination for my book club’s monthly meetings, The White Hart Provisions is a comfortable space for truly any casual occasion, from more focused and work-oriented activities to casual chats with friends and time to unwind. Provisions manager Sam DeGiacomo explains that a little over eight years ago, The White Hart’s then-executive chef Annie Wayte, with the help of Lucas Smith (who is now owner of Ilse Coffee with Rebecca Grossman), launched Provisions with this exact purpose in mind: offering a relaxed setting where folks can gather during the day.

Provisions head chef Gabby Rios has played a pivotal role in the cafe’s success for the past four years, meeting consumer demand with impressive quality and quantity.

“The mission behind Provisions is to provide our close-knit community with a higher level of hospitality to enjoy with an elevated menu. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you are passing through for one night, we want you to feel at home when you’re here,” Sam emphasizes. “There is no script in Provisions. Our staff brings their personalities with them when they clock in and forms genuine connections with our guests while offering efficient service.”

Indeed, from the moment you step into the cafe, you feel encompassed by this inviting and attentive atmosphere. Provisions’ offerings are delicious, and you’ll be sure to find whatever you might have a hankering for, including drip coffee and espresso drinks (using coffee from Ilse), tea, soda, kombucha, canned beer, wine, and cocktails. I’m extremely partial to a yummy vanilla cappuccino and Abby, my fellow book club member, adores the iced chai.

Provisions also offers all-day breakfast and a lunch menu seven days a week, along with plenty of pastry options, seasonal salads and proteins, and an a la carte menu, in addition to two-night-a-week dinner service, take-home dinner options, and catering.

Once you have your treats in tow, the building boasts an array of gorgeously decorated and welcoming rooms where you can grab a seat, or if you choose to soak up the sun, there are plenty of outdoor tables scattered across The White Hart’s front lawn when the weather is nice.

Provisions provides a uniquely versatile experience, with something for any vibe, mood, or time of day. “We want to offer the area a place to work, gather, and dine with friends and we want to offer young adults a good place to work,” says Sam. “This can be your favorite restaurant, your favorite place to do work or homework, or your favorite place to socialize.”

The White Hart Provisions is located at 15 Under Mountain Road in Salisbury, CT. For more information, please visit whitehartinn.com and find them on Instagram @whitehart_provisions.

Mountainside Café

Mountainside Café and I go way back, and it’s safe to say it’s just as delicious as it was when I was in high school, swinging by to grab an iced chai in the morning before class or rushing over once the last bell rang for a sweet treat to enjoy at a friend’s house. It’s no wonder why I loved Mountainside Café so much at the time: not only was it essentially right across the street, but the vibes are consistently sleek, comfy, and welcoming, and you’re sure to get a delicious experience every time.

Whether you have a hankering for a burger and milkshake, or a hearty omelet and good cup of coffee, you’ll find what you’re looking for and be helped by attentive staff along the way! Furthermore, as their website explains, the coffee shop gives those in Mountainside’s extended care program “the opportunity to work part-time to practice critical life skills as they continue to readjust to their new sober lifestyle.” After we all had Mountainside Café for lunch in the office recently, I fell in love with their streusel French toast, and Thorunn (the magazine’s owner /editor) was a big fan of the veggie skillet.

Mountainside Café is located at 251 Route 7 South in Falls Village, CT. For more information, please visit mountainside.com/cafe and find them on Instagram @mountainsidecafe.

Cafe Holli

From the moment I first tried the “Getting Figgy With It” crêpe from Cafe Holli, I knew I’d be returning on more than one occasion. With turkey, brie, caramelized onion, and fig spread, all enveloped in a light, golden exterior, you really can’t go wrong.

But regardless of your tastes in crêpes, coffee, and other delights, Cafe Holli has a ton of delicious options to choose from when it comes to both sweet and savory bites as well as tasty beverages. While they also have breakfast sandwiches and other options for those who aren’t huge on crêpes, some menu highlights include “The Sassy Walker,” a crêpe with roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, honeycrisp apples, candied pecans, hot honey, and chili flakes, and the “Scotty Doesn’t Know,” a crêpe with turkey, ham, scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese, maple syrup, and powdered sugar.

From the moment you walk into the shop, you’ll be met with a friendly, charming atmosphere that completes the experience. With two cozy tables inside, Cafe Holli also has an array of outdoor seating perfect for warmer months. We all know I love the “Getting Figgy With It,” especially with a hot latte, and Abby and Ashley really enjoy the iced chai here!

Cafe Holli is located at 200 Main Street in Great Barrington, MA. For more information, please visit facebook.com/p/Cafe-Holli-61563441201413 and find them on Instagram @cafeholli.

Thank you to Camphill Village Coffee Shop and The White Hart Provisions for sponsoring this article.