Views from the Shore
By Brian Cahill
Last month, I got a notification that a new member joined the Somers Point Business Association, Somers Café. As an SPBA member and a coffee lover, I knew I had to stop by and check it out. So, I went down to Somers Café, and as I walked in, the first thing that caught my eye was the floor-to-ceiling chalkboard. Yeah, you heard it right, a chalkboard. I haven’t seen one of those since third grade!
This wasn’t just a random board, though. It’s a collection of moments captured and shared in a variety of colored chalk.
After a quick glance around the place, I went closer to the chalkboard, and what I saw was truly something special; names would be the least of it. A conversation between a mother and daughter, positive messages from between strangers; it was beautiful. I even spotted a tic-tac-toe matchup. Side note: Poor Jimmy needs to step his game up; his buddy Marcus beat him back-to-back!
I turned around and saw two customers enjoying their morning beverages. One was there for the first time and the second had already become a regular.
Virginia Montecalvo enjoys taking walks, visiting the library, and enjoying a good cup of coffee, especially from a local business. After taking her first-ever sip at Somers Café, she said, “Brian, I love the place; it’s cozy and inviting, and I’m glad to have it in Somers Point.” She went on to mention how Somers Point always has something going on, which she said she appreciates.
After my chat with Virginia, I approached Neil Caldwell, who was being brought his favorite drink, a Dirty Chai. In fact, he didn’t even have to order it because the staff already knew what he wanted. Neil shared he moved back to Somers Point two years ago and how he enjoys the social aspect of coffee culture, which he appreciates as a bartender at Gregory’s.
My first visit to Somers Café was a great one. I had a delicious cup of coffee and got to meet Virginia and Neil while experiencing firsthand what a neighborhood coffee shop should be. If you’re in a hurry but want something fresh and flavorful, stop by Somers Café for a grab-and-go meal. That said, I personally recommend you and a friend go for breakfast or lunch and enjoy some buttermilk pancakes or the Bayou blaze chicken. They also have vegan and gluten free options. And while you’re there, take a look at the chalkboard; maybe you can teach Jimmy a thing or two about tic-tac-toe.
Somers Cafe is located at 746 Shore Road in Somers Point. It is open 7 a.m.-3 p.m., seven days a week. Outdoor seating is available.
Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.
