Kess Cafe: A Retro Chic Eatery In Plantsville, CT A Haven for Antiquing

Yesterday I visited my friend Tim at his restaurant called Kess Cafe in the Village of Plantsville in Plantsville, CT. Tim was making crepes for dessert for a Wine Dinner Extravaganza which was on tap for the evening. Tim has come a long way in the two years he has taken over this charming spot. He not only is a favorite among the shoppers who adore the antique shops in town, but he has also established a following of hip young couples and business diners who appreciate his reasonably priced upscale menu.

Kess Café, the relatively “new kid on the block” offers an innovative menu inside a quirky café which has successfully mixed together two different generations. The front dining area is decorated in what some might call “hip hop California inspired retro chic ”. The rear dining room is bit of a departure from the front end and is very much a marriage of classic Victorian style with a cozy forties look. During lunch and dinner, Jazz music is heard throughout the restaurant and service is provided by experienced waitstaff, many who are musicians.

Open for both lunch and dinner, Kess cafe is a perfect setting for folks who enjoy a day out hunting for antiques, art, collectibles or vintage furnishings. As you will discover when you visit Plantsville, the town is a haven for antiquing.

Michele's Cottage (tucked behind Kess Cafe) is the newest shop to open and features the best of Vintage Shabby Chic. Also behind Kess cafe is Plantsville Station Antiques a large multi-dealer shop featuring a large showroom of quality antique furniture and unique smalls.

Paula's Antiques and Consignments, sits right next to Kess Cafe and is a treasure chest of goodies. Paula will soon be moving her shop around the corner to take over the Planstsville General Store Antique Center (yes, Elaine is finally retiring). Paula's neighbor is Viva la Vintage, a retro chic boutique.

The best part of antiquing in Plantsville is how easy it is to find just what you are after at prices which seem to be rolled back to earlier times. Plantsville is one of Connecticut’s best kept secrets. Many shoppers are pleased to discover that the shops in town offer lots of furniture, china, jewelry, pottery, textiles, cottage collectibles, ephemera, glassware, kitchenware, toys and more with fresh inventory all the time.

Now that Tim Kessler has opened the Kess Café, Plantsville is seeing lots of new faces and local store owners are delighted. Tim’s easy going personality and outstanding food has attracted a big contingency of café loyalists who keep coming back and are always introducing new patrons to this “excellent eatery”......these by the way are the very same words that have become Tim’s logo and are printed on his storefront window.

When Tim isn’t at the stove, he is in his Kayak, making his way down the river which is right out the back door of his café. In warmer weather, the café backdoors open and guests of the café can enjoy the view and fabulous meal in this relaxing, informal restaurant which is becoming Plantsville’s very own hotspot.

You can easily access The Kess Café at 11 West Main Street Plantsville, CT - 860-276-8551 by taking exit 30, Marion Avenue off 84. For more information visit them on-line at http://kesscafe.com/Home.html. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday- Lunch 11:30-2:00 Dinner 5:00-9:00. Sunday Breakfast/Lunch 11.00-2.00 Dinner 3:00-7:00.



C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com


Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.