Sky's the limit: Downtown's Northern Light continuously expanding offerings
May 17—Scranton doesn't have to look towards the sky to experience the Aurora. They can visit Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe.
Aurora, the shop's house-blend, is served up daily at the downtown Scranton staple, which sits at 536 Biden St. and first opened in 2002.
Today, owned by Jenn Saunders, the coffee shop sells a variety of loose leaf teas, homemade bakery items, salads, sandwiches and more. It also will hold its second "Northern Nights" small plate pop-up at the shop on Saturday, May 20, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Chef's Table chatted with Saunders, who gave a sneak peek of some of the dishes that will be available during its pop-up as well as its other offerings that guests have come to love over its two decades in the city.
Q: When did you open and what is the history of the coffee shop?
A: November 2002. We just celebrated 20 years in business. Our small plate (pop-ups) are very new, and May will be our second event. Over the 20 years we have expanded our products and food selections. As the fourth owner, I like to keep to our traditional-style espresso drinks and keep an eye on the trends to ensure all customers have choices.
Q: Describe the food you serve and what is available for people with special diets?
A: We have a grab-and-go atmosphere with freshly made baked goods, wraps, salads, fruit cups, parfaits and quiche. We recently partnered with Bread Services PA — a sourdough company. We use a variety of their breads in our sandwiches and offer their sourdough English muffins, amazing Nutella and Cinnamon Babka bread and enjoy their cakes. We try to include vegetarian and vegan as well as gluten-free options as often as we can. We also offer milk alternatives.
Q: How did your menu come to be?
A: Many years ago a small selection of pastries was offered. In time, a full baked good and lunch menu was created. We have some best-selling items. Our kitchen staff and I decide what goes on the menu. Our cookies, scones, biscotti and muffin flavors are all ideas by the kitchen staff. Our small plate menu was created based on what I would like to enjoy and like to cook myself.
Q: What are your most ordered menu items?
A: Our most ordered item for drinks is coffee. We offer locally roasted Damiani Coffee Roasters coffee. Our house blend, Aurora, is brewed daily as well as a single-origin alternative. Our lattes are the second most popular drink followed by our Chai. Favorite breakfast items include our Blueberry Crumble muffins, Bacon Egg and Cheese on a Croissant Sandwich and Quiche. Our Caesar Salad also is a longtime favorite, and customers love our house made dressing. Our Chicken Salad Wrap is a popular item, created from seasoned baked chicken, apples, celery, mayo and a secret ingredient with greens on a wrap. Our wraps, bagels and some rolls all come from Anthony and Sons Bakery in New Jersey.
Our customers also look forward to our featured sandwich and salad, which changes monthly. This month it's a Roast Beef Wrap (sliced roast beef, Swiss cheese, and greens on a wheat wrap with horse radish aioli). Our salad is the Mathematician's Delight (a recipe idea from one of our favorite customers). It has cucumbers, tomato, provolone cheese, hard boiled egg and red onion on a bed of greens with a light balsamic vinaigrette.
Lastly, I cannot forget our Energy Bites. These sell out daily and are gluten free.
Q: How would you describe the restaurant's atmosphere?
A: We are a casual, fun environment. We are a great spot to meet a friend or have a casual meeting. I have a great staff that are customer-focused and welcoming. Our clientele is very diverse. We see businessmen and women, students, families, other business owners, etc. We often have local vendors come into the shop for pop-up events as well.
Q: What type of seating do you have?
A: We have table seating both on the main floor and our loft area. There are a few casual chairs on both levels also. Earlier this year, we installed a computer bar to create more space for those working from the cafe for the day or studying. In the nice weather, we have tables outside as well.
Q: What entertainment and specials do you offer?
A: We participate in First Friday Scranton and often have local musicians along with our featured artist. We have a few permanent artists that sell their items here in our Artisan Corner including Vessels for Danu-pottery, Tea Bag Art by Keith Renard, Occasionally Handy Woodwork, and Feathers and Fringe jewelry by Holly Yorkonis. We offer a 5% discount when you "Bring Your Own Mug" as well as offer a customer loyalty program.
Q: Do you offer catering, event space, etc.?
A: Yes, we offer catering in either our space or yours. The cafe also is available for small gatherings such as showers, birthday parties and rehearsal dinners to name a few. We will continue with Northern Nights and have a fall event scheduled with Jennifer Kozlansky of High Horizons Farm.
Q: Where is your favorite spot to eat in the area and why?
A: I love to cook so I eat at home mostly, but when I do venture out my downtown favorites are the 16th Ward and Bar Pazzo.
Q: What's your favorite meal to make at home?
A: I love cooking Italian and trying any new recipes.
Q: Where do you see the restaurant headed?
A:I have a portable espresso bar being built, which will allow me to expand our catering by offering our brewed coffee and espresso drinks. I would like to continue with our small plate pop-ups as well as promoting our space for others to use.
Contact the writer:
lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, x5228
