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Pelham Resident Opens Vegetarian Cafe In New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- Neither Maria Cisneros nor Judith Weber are restauranteurs -- and admit they never thought they'd be in the restaurant business -- but three months later, here they are: With a sprawling dining room in the back of their sustainably created boutique, recologie, and a place that not only serves gourmet vegetarian fare, but doubles as a performance space for poetry slams, live jazz, songwriter series events, private parties and more.

Owners Maria Cisneros, left, and Judith Weber.

Owners Maria Cisneros, left, and Judith Weber.

Photo Credit: David Dallow
A soup dish at Vistro Cafe.

A soup dish at Vistro Cafe.

Photo Credit: David Dallow

Vistro Café, which for now is BYOB until the two get their liquor license, accommodates up to 65, and fits in with the two women's mission towards sustainability and creating a healthier environment. Whenever possible the Café uses local, seasonal produce.

The restaurant officially opened in September 2014 but is just now hitting its stride. There is also a smaller cafe in between the boutique and the formal dining room where folks can enjoy more casual fare such as salads, sandwiches, coffee and tea.

Weber, a lifelong New Rochelle artist who recently moved to Mamaroneck, likes to think of the cafe and store as a multi-purpose venue that supports the community and the art world in particular.

What makes it more unusual: You can shop before, during, and after an event, in the recologie shop in the front. "If the back is open, we're open," said Pelham resident Cisneros who also pointed out that everything in the restaurant, from the hanging paper lights to the flickering votives are for sale.

“We really wanted to be offbeat and edgy and offer folks more of a community experience,” said Cisneros.

They are also big into events. On the docket for January: Jazz pianist Isaac Raz Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Spoken Word performer Joseph "Sun" Hernandez Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m., the Glenwood Acoustic Trio Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Jen Chapin (Harry Chapin's daughter) Jan. 31 at 8:30 pm. Go here for more information.

Recologie is located at 49 Lawton St., (914) 278-9350, www.recologie.com.

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