Today we’d like to introduce you to Liza Shirazi and Nookie Postal.
The idea for Crema sprouted while owners Liza and Marley Brush were studying and traveling abroad together in Europe. It wasn’t the grand museums and palaces, incomparable shopping, or even the thumping disco-tecas that made them most excited in each new city; it was the cafes – the little neighborhood spots, the ones that had freshly made pastries and perfectly steamed cappuccinos.
During their post-college-what’s-next journey, a prime piece of real estate at 27 Brattle Street came into the picture and it seemed like fate had stepped in. Liza and Marley saw a void in Harvard Square that needed to be filled; the Square needed an independent, neighborhood café where people could come together and enjoy hand-crafted beverages and fresh pastries. In April of 2008 they turned 27 Brattle into Crema Cafe.
In 2016 Chef Nookie Postal of Commonwealth Market & Restaurant joined the Crema team as a business partner. While Liza continues to grow the nationally recognized coffee program, Nookie’s focus is on all things savory and sweet. For almost a decade now, Crema has been busting out homemade goodness and crafting caffeinated (and decaffeinated) beverages. In just a couple of months Crema will be celebrating ten years of business in Harvard Square! In addition to this awesome accomplishment, Liza and Nookie are embarking on a new adventure together: two cafes called Revival due to open this spring.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall the road has been smooth, but as anyone in hospitality knows, there are and will always be bumps! Just when you think you’re staffed appropriately and the cafe is humming, a pipe will burst, or a piece of equipment will break. Rarely can you predict these bumps, but fortunately, when you have a great team, the bumps aren’t so terrible – they’re just normal.
Please tell us about Crema Cafe.
Crema Cafe is Liza and Marley’s definition of a “third place” – a place between home and work where people can feel relaxed and comfortable, yet also connected to the community and the outside world. Crema’s commitment to quality extends into every aspect of the cafe – from the beverages and food, to the service and atmosphere. This commitment is the reason they serve MEM tea, George Howell coffee & other select specialty roasters. It is also the reason that all the pastries are produced in-house and made in small batches using artisan methods.
Crema Cafe specializes in items that are prepared from scratch, using fresh ingredients. The Crema Grilled Chicken and Sweet Potato Sandwich are timeless favorites found on the lunch/dinner menu. For a sweet treat, the Flourless Mudslide cookies, as well as monthly rotating cupcake flavors are a Crema tradition.
Staff pick: Ginger Steamer with a shot of mate, Roasted Turkey Jicama Sandwich, and the Zucchini Cardamom Muffin (vegan).
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Liza: Visiting her grandmother in Milwaukee, WI and eating pecan cinnamon buns at La Boulangerie and Nookie: Age 8. All-You-Can-Eat-Prime Rib in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Pricing:
- Coffee & Tea: $2-5
- Breakfast: $3-7
- Lunch/Dinner: $8-11
- Bakery: $2.50-5
Contact Info:
- Address: 27 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 - Website: cremacambridge.com
- Phone: 617-876-2700
- Email: hello@cremacambridge.com
- Instagram: cremacambridge
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CremaCambridge
© 2017 Galdones Photography
© 2017 Galdones Photography
Image Credit:
Huge Galdones
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