One step into One Shot’s new home on American Street and you realize just how great the new digs are. The small counter on the right, lit by the sun through the large glass windows, begs you to have a seat and chat it up with one of the familiar barista gals, all of which have made the move to the new locale.
The execution of the concept and the space has been in the works for over a year now, explained Owner, Melissa Baruno. “I always found comfort in reclaimed materials. It’s always something I’ve gravitated towards. I really don’t want some stark place. I really want it to be very welcoming.”
And it is. Plus, the entire atmosphere was reclaimed, from one place or another, apart from the shiny new pastry case / cold box.
The feel? Farmhouse. Americana at its very best. The added plus of the soon to be gone stable across the street really drives home the feeling. Exposed brick, plaster walls, pipes and wood frame the space making it feel like the corner property was always meant just for this purpose.
Swank couches, round tables and a few chairs hug the wall opposite the counter that’s lined with old time treats, gourmet chocolates from Brooklyn and glass jars which by tomorrow, Friday December 3, opening day, will be filled with biscotti and other delicious coffee inspired treats.
But if you think that’s the end of the tale, you’re sorely mistaken. The space seats about 80 in all, upstairs and down. There’s a whole second floor and it just gets better. Upstairs, the farmhouse continues with iron based wooden tables, old school metal chairs and tucked away in the rear of the room, “The Library,” couches and chairs, bookshelves and books, coffee tables and a whole lot-a-come-sit-n-chat-vibe.
From 7am – 7pm, 7 days a week, One Shot will serve an ongoing menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and Chef Michael Thomas’ style of refined brunch including eggs, bagels, cornbread grilled cheese, oatmeal, waffles, sides and some house made pickles. Chef’s favorite on the menu? The vegan edamame hummus served open face on a bagel.
The pair of Baruno and Thomas? Well that goes back to Thomas’ days at Bar Ferdinand.
“I always loved the way he presented food,” said Baruno. “He’s always taking risks, and I though we had a lot of similarities as far as that went. Were sort of fearless when it comes to trying things. I think that this environment gives him a lot of creativity because the sky’s really the limit when it comes to café food. You can go from wild boar to poached eggs.”
Sounds good to me. No reservations in this I’m-sure-will-be-packed-this-weekend brunch hot spot, but the well trained staff will be taking orders and delivering food to tables by the number – think Cosi style. And the take out business will be just as good with daily soup specials and five different salads in the grab and go box near the register.
Since moving to Philadelphia five years ago, Baruno has helped to grow her neighborhood. And in its new home she will continue to make NoLibs a better place, one shot at a time…da du du.
Seriously, the space looks great, everyone already knows the coffee’s good, brewed special by Oregon’s Stumptown Coffee and Chef Thomas is a solid bid when it comes to the menu.
Why the switch from Kraftwork? With the addition of baby Thomas, the hours were just better for the new family man. Congrats to all.
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