Even after being voted best coffee shop in Napa by Napa Valley Patch readers last year, Molinari Caffé is not sitting on its laurels.
Since opening its doors a year ago, owner Rick Molinari has been adding new features to his downtown Napa coffee/espresso and deli caffé at 515 Main St., across from Veterans Park.
The newest edition to the popular eatery, where locals go to sip an espresso, latte or other special coffee concoctions, enjoy a fresh pastry, salad or sandwich, is the big screen TV on the wall next to the food and coffee service bar.
“The first Monday of every month we will show a movie. They will be older movies — classics and flicks like the “Breakfast Club,” Molinari said. “We will have weekly rotations of the old TV sitcoms such as “All in the Family,” “Good Times,” and “I Love Lucy.”
The flat screen TV will also be used for art shows from artists all over the world, Molinari added. “For example, we will present the works of Tibetan photographer Alister Benn.”
Since its beginning, the caffé has displayed works of local artists. The displays change each month.
“Anyone can show their artwork. They just need to contact me at the restaurant,” Molinari said.
Open mic on Thursdays has been a hit since its debut at the caffé last March. Anyone of any age can take the mic to recite poetry, book/play readings or just rant or rave about their pet peeve or favorite topic.
Also premiering at the caffé is Molinari Private Reserve coffee.
“The raw coffee beans are infused with wine,” he said.
Molinari was tight-lipped about the details of his new blend, which sells for $14.95 for a half pound and $24.95 for a pound.
“I have a trademark and I am working on a patent,” he said, adding, “I don’t want to get into the details right now.”
However, according to a Feb. 1, Aspen Daily News article, reporter Drew Stofflet upon sampling the unique blend, wrote, the first taste “was of truck stop coffee. Then a little wine flavor fades in and out before the two essences fuse with an obvious Italian theme: dark, acidic, a little fruity and with a bitter, distant woody hints that definitely evoke northern Italian wine or bitter liqueurs.”
Molinari Private Reserve is sold at the caffé, some Napa Valley wineries and along the East Coast, Molinari said.
Since its opening, the top cup of java has been the Nutella Mocha made with a heaping of the famed hazelnut-milk-cocoa spread.
Since then, Molinari has added his Ghost Chili Spicy Mocha, which has a definite kick. The spicy blend edged out the Nutella Mocha becoming the new top dog.
Molinari Caffé is open Sunday and Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
