Family Food

There is a little something new at Fresh Pot Café: here just seven weeks, but already sporting a full head of hair.

Recently, Gaby Garrido, who co-owns the café with her mother and father, gave birth to a baby girl
named Molly. Knowing the closeness of their family, I was not surprised to see Gaby with the infant
in her arms during my last trip to the restaurant.

Specializing in authentic Ecuadorian and American fusion fare, Fresh Pot Café is a true family eatery in every sense.

Gaby bounced the baby around the dining area. Her parents prepped food in the kitchen. There
was a sign taped to the front door, I noticed, that read, "Our mother/grandmother is turning 75! We are planning on family vacation and will be closed from May 28 to June 4."

"It's the first family trip back to Ecuador in 15 years," Gaby told me. When the café reopens on Sunday, June 5, it will introduce several new recipes: Two seasonal selections and one permanent addition.

Watermelon salad featured this summer at Fresh Pot Cafe

First, I am delighted to announce, Fresh Pot is bringing back its refreshing watermelon salad. The summer dish is made with fresh-cut watermelon, pine nuts, feta cheese, black olives, red onions, mint and house-made honey-lemon vinaigrette dressing, providing a sweet, citrusy blend.

The mint is sourced from Gaby's garden. Likewise, the family grows its own oregano, kale and
tomatoes, which it hopes to use in-store later this summer. But one vegetable that is back in season now is corn.

The café is expanding its popular fried pork entrée with a side dish of corn on the cob, in addition to its usual accompaniments of potato cake, naturally sweet fried plantains, fresh Pico de Gallo and avocado.

Finally, two new empanadas will be permanently added to the menu: chicken and cheese.

"A lot of people have been asking for empanadas," said Gaby. "Mom's been experimenting and finally found a recipe she likes."

Gaby smiled into the face of her daughter, who responded by puckering her lips and blinking her big eyes.

"She has been such a good baby," Gaby cooed.

Surrounded by the warm smell of herbs spicing the room and the comforting clink of pots from the kitchen, I got the feeling that Molly is not just a good baby, but surely a happy baby too.