A gathering place that feels world’s away from the suburbs.
A few years back, we adopted our wonderful pup Grace from an amazing dog rescue group, Peace4Paws, which hosts adoption events at different venues throughout Bergen County. A recent event was held at Roots Cafe in Closter, a simply magical vegan,gluten free restaurant. It is oh, but so much more. Roots is the creation of Jodi Sardanis and Dean Orfas who are also two magical people. This Is a super wonderful, welcoming place, a little bit art gallery, a theater, a place to sit as long as you like and drink the best healthiest smoothie ever. Or you might sit next to someone you didn’t know you really wanted to talk to. You will be transported. No more in a New York suburb but in a venue you might have been searching for since you left the city. Honestly, It is difficult to remember where you are!
The cafe is such a remarkable place.They feature different artists of all stripes. The stage is there. You just have to take it. Original plays, music, lectures, whatever your thing is, you can live it here. We all benefit. If you are an artist, a ceramicist, or a photographer, they might just display your work.
Not to forget, this is a cafe, and the food is beautiful and delicious. Examples are: ‘top nach guac,’ guacamole made with pico de gallo and lime and an array of pepper, carrot and cucumber, served with pepper and pumpkin seed ‘nacho cheese.’ Some other dishes are heart beet salad, beyond good burrito, been here now burrito.There are so many other choices. Roots serves many delicious coffee drinks and teas and as mentioned above, special smoothies.
In the beginning they took Roots on the road. Their food truck went to street fairs and music festivals across the region. bringing real food to lucky people and building a loyal following. When covid came, and at a time when everything stopped, they opened up. Outdoor music, fresh air, a place where people safely gathered. It was a way to feel better at a time when we all believed the world might end. The people who found their way to Roots were doing better mentally and physically than most of the population. Roots became a lifeline and their community grew.