FOOD FOR THOUGHT
“The Ladies who Lunch” have devoured the swans and are pure lionesses roaming the midday food establishments of the suburban and urban plains. Strutting their fashion finery with blown out manes or opting for the casual serengeti look, these single, married, committed ladies are fiercely proud of their family, their community and their accomplishments. They lunch to forge bonds, to laugh, to kvetch, to share their innermost thoughts and to cry, all while consuming their midday meal. Business plans, mergers and artistic visions have been sketched on the back of luncheon napkins resulting in leaders, creators and visionaries. So rise up lionesses, you are strong, devoted, compassionate, selfless individuals who deserve more than just a kit-kat break (and we are pretty sure that you are the one responsible for the evening meal) and don’t apologize for how you lunch, who you lunch with and where you lunch! Just make it yours and make it delicious!
NEWSFLASH FROM WWD (WOMEN WORNOUT DAILY)
Seen and overheard in Wellesley, The Co-Rockers have returned to their local establishment with an unidentified guest. Ms. Tsagaris stepped out in style to meet her friends in a short, fitted ruching black skirt, orthotic flip flops and fuschia shirt emblazoned with, “You do you and I’ll do me.” Ms. Gelb on the other hand chose a more relaxed style with flowing lounge pants covered in a striking print of every Peanuts character, along with a boxy white t-shirt and vintage Keds that appeared to be splattered with paint (or dirt) we couldn’t tell. The threesome appeared to be enjoying their meal and conversation as evidenced by their cacophonous laughter and a few guffaws.
STEPPING OUT WITH THE CO-ROCKERS
Wellesley Bakery: 542 Washington Street, Wellesley (781) 235-1171
Tucked away on Washington Street in Wellesley, there stands a modest cafe and bakery whose sign, Wellesley Bakery, is barely visible to those who walk past the entrance. Enter this small 15 seat cafe and you are greeted by big delectable aromas and big hearts, and Mara Nuon and his family who have owned and run this specialty cafe for 30 years. The Co-Rockers began “lunching” at Wellesley Bakery 19 years ago, when we happened upon it during a Boston Marathon training run. At the time, WB only accepted cash and we didn’t have enough “dough” to cover our quick bite with water. No matter, it was simply “please enjoy” as we promised to repay them as soon as possible. That run cemented our love for this specialty cafe, that unbeknownst to us had already been there for 10 years. Mara’s delicious baked goods, quiche, salads, sandwiches and soups are made with absolute love and soul. His story as a refugee from Cambodia to Stoughton, MA epitomizes bittersweet: working as a chemical engineer he decided to open Wellesley Bakery for additional income to provide for his family, which is the heart of this cafe. Family -, the family behind the counter and the family he has created among his passionate customers who stream through the doors, who call to ask “What’s today’s soup special?” and who are treated with an extra cookie in their take out order. This idyllic place has sustained us on our way to work (before OOR), spurred our creativity over bowls of chicken lemon-rice soup, served as our office and is always the go-to for “ladies who lunch”. Thank you, to the Nuon family for 30 years of sweetness and love.
MUST READ - to learn more about Mara’s journey by Naz Hassanein: The Untold Story behind the Wellesley Bakery
Wellesley Bakery receives the OOR Lovin’ It Seal of Approval status from The Co-Rockers.
Food: You had us at soup. Every day is a different rotation and we’ve tried them all! Terri’s favorite: Chicken-Lemon Rice and Nanci’s: Carrot Ginger. If soup isn’t your jam, then try their homemade spring rolls, decadent quiche (spinach feta is sooo good) and did we mention the baked goods? Nanci is a sucker for the carrot muffins, made with shredded carrots and just the right amount of nutmeg and cinnamon. Oh, and the blueberry scone and the chocolate croissants that we have to bring home to family. Did we mention the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie that isn’t super sweet, but super moist and crispy and buttery at the same time? There are salads, wraps and we almost forgot…the chicken tarragon sandwich on their specialty whole wheat bread….shall we keep going? And you can have it your way - they don’t mind substitutions (Terri never met a menu option she didn’t want to change up.)
Staff: The Nuon family is behind the counter whether you are embraced by Mara’s wife, Socheat or sister Sam, who by the way has a fabulous business herself, Sambo Beauty as a hairstylist and makeup artist. (Sam, we loved your nails the other day!) At the end of the day you might find Mara popping up to say hello and greet you with his warm smile! There is always a “hello”, “thank you” and a sense that the Nuon family truly loves having you there, making every individual who walks through the doors feel special.
Ambience: The space is small, the lines at the counter are at times long (but service is fast and friendly) and the aroma delicious. The ambience is about the individuals behind the counter and the patrons who meet to reconnect, hug, share and dine.
The pour: Pour your heart out at the tables and enjoy your meal on your own, back at home, with colleagues or friends.
Portions: There are size options for everyone for specialty foods and salads. Soup is available in small, medium, large and quarts to take home and freeze (did we mention that the soup was a COVID elixir) and the baked goods are just right.
Bottom Line: If you haven’t been, go. If you are in need of baked goods to bring to a friend or meeting or event, call and order. Holidays: They make the best pies and full size quiche. Say hello to the Nuon family for us, no need to tell them we sent you, just tell them Thank you for being in business for 30 years and that we are grateful.
THE ROCKIN’ BANDWAGON: OFF THE BEATEN, NOT STIRRED PATH
Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t …worth going to! The Co-Rockers have found a few lunch spots that are seemingly hidden from view!
Saxonville Burrito Company: Did you even know there was a town called Saxonville? Yup, in between Natick and Framingham, you’ll find this small takeout spot across from the Saxonville Mills, which has become a suburban artist haven. SBC serves up handcrafted delicious burritos, bowls and salads that are super filling and great for take out! The Burrito with homemade tater tots was delicious!
Cafe Yafa, Natick: This cafe is located in a small strip off of Route 9 in
Natick headed westbound and offers delicious Middle Eastern fare with a variety of salads, sandwiches, desserts and enticing options like chicken, beef or lamb shawarma and homemade falafel. The owner and chef, Mo Alghool will greet you right away and despite appearing to be a take out spot, if you sit down to eat they serve you and make you feel right at home! We haven’t tried their homemade desserts but have heard they are great!
Rifrullo Cafe, Brookline: Another spot off of Route 9 headed Eastbound is this small cafe that we often made our go to after early morning work days (5 am folks) and a need to sustain ourselves. Colleen Marnell-Suhanosky is the owner and chef with a culinary background that clearly shows in her creative and absolutely delicious farm to table offerings. The homemade, creative and absolutely fabulous salads, soups and sandwiches are worth returning every time. There is a rotating menu with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. We highly recommend this spot, but try going on an “off-time” to fight off the crowds and parking in the area is tough!
SOMETHING TO CHEW ON
“There will always be ladies who lunch. Always, and apparently they live a long time.” Elaine Stritch, Broadway actress
We leave you with Patti Lupone’s rendition of Sondheim’s “Ladies who Lunch”, pure class and sass and will take you back in time. Lupone truly rocks!
Bingeworthy: Feud: Capote vs. The Swans Love the story, the acting, the scenery, the salacious drama and the fabulous fashion.
And Enjoy Every Morsel! XOXO The Co-Rockers