Walking into Mon Vert Cafe on Central Street in Woodstock, one can’t help but notice the artwork and the convivial atmosphere. Indeed, many of the cafe’s current and former employees have their work proudly displayed (and for sale!) on the walls, and according to cafe owner Sam DiNatale, it truly is the employees and the community that make Mon Vert Cafe such a special place.

Sam has worked in the service industry for most of her life, so the hospitality industry is in her bones. She has deep roots in Woodstock and says she couldn’t imagine opening a cafe anywhere else. In addition to being a business owner, she’s also served on the school board for eight years running. “I volunteer in the ways that I can because the community has given so much to me and my life,” Sam says. “It has supported me and my family for years. I’ve been here through two floods, and we try to take care of each other. It is a very special place.”

Launching the Cafe

With her mom Sandy, Sam purchased Mon Vert Cafe in 2015. The cafe itself already existed. As Sam settled in and started to make the space her own, she realized the cafe was quickly outgrowing the space, and longevity became a question as the owners were trying to sell the building. Armed with a desire to be able to invest in and grow her business, she ultimately couldn’t justify remaining in that location.

The current location was built in 1805 and has been home to many ventures, including Mooney’s gas station and repair shop. In fact, the lift remains in the garage in back of the cafe and Sam honored that history in part by naming a breakfast platter Sunrise at Mooney’s, which consists of two eggs with home fries, choice of meat (bacon, ham, or sausage), and toast. Sam now has a long-term lease at the current spot and has been there since 2017. The cafe has been in business for more than 12 years, and Sam will celebrate a decade in business this December.

The People Make the Cafe

Aside from the delicious, fresh, and largely local food, what makes Mon Vert Cafe stand apart is the people. Although Sam is the sole owner, she notes that she “would never say it’s just me running this. It’s successful because of the community and the people who work here, now and in the past.” The cafe has 24 full- and part-time employees during the busy season and closer to 18 during the slower months. Her partner of 13 years, Sam Smith, not only offers great support but is also the chef and has been running the kitchen for eight years. Erica Smollar, the front of the house manager, has been there for more than four years and, according to Sam, “never forgets a face. Someone could have come in six months prior, and she will remember them. That just adds to the feeling that the cafe truly is Woodstock’s living room.”

Fresh and Local Food

“The food—it’s delicious,” according to Sam. “There is an art to a really good sandwich, and we make really good sandwiches and salads. We always toast good local bread from Red Hen Bakery or from Klinger’s, which is delivered fresh daily and includes classic crusty baguettes.” Most of the meats are local from North Country Smokehouse and from Black River. The brisket is rubbed with a house marinade that includes coffee grounds, tying into the cafe component. All the cheese is local save for the Swiss, which is imported from a German company.

Staff and customer favorites include Gobble It Up (roast turkey breast, avocado, chipotle aioli, Cabot cheddar, tomato, and red onion on a whole-wheat wrap), the Salmon Club, the Cobb Salad, the Breakfast Burrito, the West Coast Sando (two over-medium fried eggs, avocado, Roma tomato, and basil aioli), and the Lox Schmear (smoked salmon, capers, red onion, tomato, and your choice of plain or fresh herb cream cheese on a plain or everything bagel).

The keys to making the menu shine are the fresh ingredients and the attention that goes into creating each component, from the homemade dressings to the house-made scones. While certain items like the chicken salad sandwich have been in place since the beginning, others have been added more recently such as the Popeye the Fungi (sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, baby spinach, pickled red onion, and basil aioli on a spinach wrap).

Don’t forget about the sweet treats, which are made by the cafe’s longtime employee, graphic designer, and baker Will Sterling. These include scones, muffins, croissants, cookies, bars, and brownies. There is also a local bakery, Violetta’s Creations, that makes vegan and gluten-free items exclusively. But if you come for one thing, Sam says, “Our scones are top notch. We are known for them!” Enjoy one with a Vermont Coffee Company espresso drink and you have the perfect pairing.

The Coffee Trailer

When one visits Mon Vert Cafe, it’s hard to miss the trailer across the street, which launched this summer as a coffee and small bites spot. The trailer offers drinks and some nibbles not available at the cafe. There is a “Build Your Own Charcuterie Boat” where you can choose salami or prosciutto; lox; cheeses from Plymouth Cheese, Springbrook Farm, and Vermont Creamery; a spread such as house-made date walnut, olive tapenade, or fig jam; and crackers.

The idea for the trailer was born from customer feedback noting that they loved the cafe but during the busy seasons, the lines can become quite long. The trailer launched in June and will be open until the end of October, Thursday to Monday from 10am to 6pm.

Sam understands the comforting role cafes can play in establishing a sense of place for someone new in town. “I wanted to create the space where you can meet people—the cool, local coffee shop I was always looking for when traveling in my 20s.” She has clearly achieved her aim with Mon Vert Cafe.

 

Mon Vert Cafe

28 Central Street

Woodstock, VT

(802) 457-7143

monvertcafe.com