CAFÉ WITH A CACHET: “Everything here is gourmet, and it is all European inspired. We even play European music during the day.” Adriano Didonato, director of operations, is very enthusiastic about the new Bon Appetit Café in Princeton Forrestal Village.

Bon Appetit in the Princeton Shopping Center is a Princeton tradition. Established in 1964, it has always represented the finest quality in gourmet items from around the world, prepared food, and more than 250 different kinds of cheeses.

Now, owner Bill Lettier has extended its reach to Princeton Forrestal Village with the new Bon Appetit Café. “We had wanted to establish a new location, and we felt something was missing at Forrestal,” explains Bon Appetit director of operations Adriano Didonato. “There is the food court and full sit-down restaurants, but nothing in between. We thought there was a need for healthy gourmet food in a different setting. We could offer a café where you can get the best food, but not have to spend too long. It’s something different.”

The café, which opened last December, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with most of the food brought over from Bon Appetit’s flagship store in the Princeton Shopping Center.

“We already have a loyal group of regular customers, including lots of Forrestal office workers and store employees at lunch time,” says Mr. Didonato. “We get people from the gym, also shoppers, and many from Princeton. On Saturdays, we have a lot of families and kids, including many repeats.”

Big Draw

Bon Appetit’s popular sandwiches, salads, and pastries are a mainstay, but the café offers something new that has proved to be inspired.

“The really big draw is our crepes,” Mr. Didonato reports. “We make fresh crepes, and we’re the only ones in the area doing it. We wanted to offer something warm in the morning, and they have been a big hit. The inspiration for them really came from New York. We went and checked out a lot of restaurants that served crepes there. And we also wanted them to be reasonably priced. We offer both sweet and savory.”

Customers love them all! “These are the best crepes ever. They have wonderful flavor and taste great,” reports an enthusiastic customer.”

“The Classic” with two eggs, ham and Gruyere cheese, “The Monterey Jack”. including scrambled eggs, pepper Jack cheese, tomato, sour cream, and avocado; and “The Southwest”, with roasted chicken, cheddar cheese, avocado, tomato, and chipotle sauce are all big sellers.

Those with a sweet tooth have even more choices: “Italian Banana” with Nutella, fresh sliced bananas, dusted in powdered sugar, and topped with whipped cream and strawberries; “Spanish Treat” with dulce de leche sauce, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with whipped cream; also “White Strawberry”, including white chocolate sauce, fresh sliced strawberries, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with whipped cream are all specialties.

Other equally irresistible choices include “Belgian Classic” and “Fresh Exotic”.

Signature Sandwiches

Also popular are the café’s sandwiches and salads. Classic sandwiches feature bread, wraps, croissants, and foccacia. Signature sandwiches are served on baguettes. Classics range from the ever-popular BLT to chicken curry or tuna salad to ham and cheese to turkey and lingon berries to grilled portobello, hummus, and roasted red peppers on a spinach wrap.

Signature sandwiches include “The Italian” with mortadella, ham, salami, provolone, lettuce and toasted red wine vinaigrette; “Grand Bleu” with smoked turkey, caramel, red onion, blue cheese, arugula, and arugula mayonnaise; classic club; and turkey, brie, and mayonnaise chutney, among many other choices.

Bon Appetit’s fresh baked bread is available, and the wide variety of muffins, cookies, Danishes, and also chocolate croissants are other treats.

Beverages include coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate, and chai tea, as well as organic juices, special sodas, such as Dr. Brown, and also Coke.

Corporate and box lunches are also offered.

A variety of items can be purchased, including teas, nuts, cookies, and candy, such as chocolate-covered espresso beans and chocolate-covered dried fruit.

Prices include $5.99 for classic sandwiches, $6.49 for salads, and $5.99 for sweet crepes.

Down-to-Earth

The café, which can seat 24, with its attractive, uncrowded setting, offers a friendly down-to-earth ambiance. Pictures of artisan cheeses and bread highlight the walls, and large baskets are filled with assorted products, such as Bon Appetit coffees. Windows face the large fountain across from the Westin Hotel, and outdoor tables will be available in the spring.

“We think we are set apart,” points out Mr. Didonato. “Everything we offer is made fresh every day, with fresh ingredients, and some items and sauces are exclusive to Bon Appetit. Our ambiance is different, with an artisanal European feeling. We have sponge-painted walls, and we definitely didn’t want to be crowded.

“We have a really good staff, including general manager Erin Miller, and we have all worked together to make this happen. It has been a real team effort. The original idea was Bill’s, but we all helped with ideas and the decor, etc.”

Mr. Didonato’s own Bon Appetit career began when he was 15. “I did everything and over time, I learned every aspect of the business, and did every job. The greatest thing I can say, as director of operations, is that it’s a big treat to put your own stamp on things and feel you can really have an influence on what happens.

“I try to plan carefully, and we want to keep on improving and expanding what we offer. We will have an ice machine in the summer, so we can have iced tea and coffee. It’s exciting to be involved in a new venture and to keep adding new ideas and items for the customers.

“We are very encouraged. We’re off to a great start, and we look forward to becoming a destination place.”

The café is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 to 6. (609) 454-5683.