Issue Four

Walking into CiBon is like falling in love. At first glance, you’re attracted to the physical: the old-fashioned outdoor awning, sidewalk tables, airy café curtains and antique wood doors. But it’s the elusive energy that dances inside the café that really gets you hooked. Amidst the huddled coffee lovers, readers, students, and spellbound couples, is an otherworldly buzz that’s one part West Village, one part Champs-Elyseés. And the most exciting part is that this buzz is happening on Park Avenue in Rochester.

“I wanted to open a place where you could get good coffee, good wine, and good champagne–an alternative to a bar where people can meet and have a conversation,” says Mike Calabrese, the café’s owner. And that they do. A simple cup of coffee–served with a saucer, spoon, and individual side of creamer and sugar (all rare in the rushed, disposable, to-go world)–invites patrons to slow down and enjoy the European art of doing nothing. Beyond the excellent coffee and espresso drinks is a menu of light but flavorful eats including fresh fruit salad, toasted baguettes, grilled panini sandwiches, a cheese plate, an olive and artichoke plate, and, of course, desserts: cookies, muffins, cakes, pies, croissants, and other sweets. “I kept the menu small on purpose,” says Calabrese. “Each dish as a treat–something to savor–not just a bunch of food for someone to fill up on.”

That said, the café’s name couldn’t be more appropriate. Calabrese happened upon the moniker during a visit to New York City. “I saw this cool old sign hanging on the outside of an antique shop that said CiBon, so I went inside and asked the owner if it was for sale. After a little haggling, I got it. I didn’t know what CiBon meant, but I liked the design of the sign. Then he told me that it was French slang for so good and I immediately knew it would be the café’s name.”

The sign, which now hangs inside CiBon, is a simple reminder to Calabrese, and all who visit, to take the time to relax and enjoy life for it truly is so good.