Submitted By Cape Coral resident Nancy Skarda
Looking for an authentic French coffee shop in Cape Coral? The French Press, located in Cape Harbour next to the tiki bar at the center circle, is that and much more. Their passion is to bring you the best organic coffee, as well as give you “happiness in your hands” by serving the tastiest, creamiest, homemade gelato, prepared fresh daily.
This cozy, friendly coffee shop serves breakfast and lunch, as well as tantalizing bites for tea time or any time. It’s their personal touch of service that allows employees to get to know their repeat customers on a first name basis. Dog owners may bring their pets inside, too. In this relaxing atmosphere, visitors may rest or dine in large, comfy wing chairs.
The shop is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Many customers finish their bike ride or morning walk at the shop. Here they enjoy their coffee, smoothie, or popular breakfast fare such as wheat tortilla wraps, the smoked salmon special, or a cream cheese bagel. I sampled some favorite breakfast and lunch dishes served—a delicious vegetarian, gluten free crepe and a tasty vegetarian panini. Both were served with accompanying shaved lettuce and cherry tomatoes over which a special dressing had been drizzled.
The French Press’ history began with friends working together in the hospitality industry on the small Caribbean island of Nevis. One couple, Timothy and Meredith Hoffman, wanted to move back to the United States for better schools. When this couple learned a restaurant (formerly The Joint) and a coffee shop (formerly Run Agrounds) were for sale together, they knew they would need another couple to help run the businesses. This couple chose their work colleagues, who were also friends in Nevis, Valeria and Benjamin Voisin, to join them in the venture and become business partners.
At the French Press, Valeria is in charge of marketing, project development, and advertising, while husband Ben is the talented chef who prepares fancy food creations. He also develops unique menus for special events at the shop. All menu selections are made to order; thus, some can be adjusted to be gluten free, dairy free or vegetarian.
This superb establishment takes pride in ordering fresh vegetables and fruits daily—many of which are organic and locally grown. Their focus is to create healthy selections and to accommodate the dietary needs of most customers.
Equally important to this coffee shop is to develop new food events. In January, they began offering a Sunday brunch (8 am-1 pm) which features endless bubbles, or “champs” (champagne mixed with lemon gelato) and mimosas with this meal. In addition to brunch favorites like eggs Benedict and omelets, the buffet features a sumptuous meat roast as well.
Creativity abounds at the French Press which features a “wink wall”—a red painted erasable section that awaits comments, sayings or drawings from its patrons. Music combines with art here every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 9:30 pm when Papa Tommy (a musician) comes in to emcee performances by song writers, guitarists and keyboard players.
For those who want to “sit a spell” after dining, there is free wi-fi service and a terrace overlooking the marina. To learn more about this unique dining gem, visit www.thefrenchpressfl.com. For catering requests or special party planning at The French Press, call manager Sue McCormick at (239) 542-0212.
