One from the Vaults by Caitlin Hawke featuring Cafe Amiana

One from the Vault: May 1999

5/18/2016

Café Amiana & Au Petit Beurre -- The Ghosts of Toast

By Caitlin Hawke

Jock Davenport is back. This time it is with a restaurant review from the eve of Y2K, May 1999. How many times have I thought of this big, Bohemian space and missed it. It was Jesse Sehla's gift to our neighborhood in the form of a place where you could sit, converse, brood, write, read, play backgammon, and nibble away the hours. It was the anti-chain coffeehouse which then morphed into a more upscale restaurant briefly. Read more about it in this one from the vault!

1 Comment

Hind Salha

6/11/2016 07:53:58 pm

Dear Caitlin,

I want to thank you for bringing to light the ghosts of Toast: Cafe Amiana/Au Petit Beurre. You have brought tears to my eyes. My father, Jessie Salha, was the owner of Cafe Amiana/Au Petit Beurre for at least 2 decades and after all these years, it seems like it was yesterday for him. Cafe Amiana and the ever so special, Au Petit Beurre, had been his favorite of all his restaurants. Jesse Salha, now 82 years old, still recalls so many special and wonderful times. His memories include the wonderful students and professors from Columbia University that shared their special times and moments especially at their luncheon graduations at his restaurant, the filming of the Equalizer, the many, many books that have been written there, his memories with the amazing chef, Mr. James Beard, the famous actors that would dine there, the music videos made there, and all his customers and the many celebrations that took place. He still recalls his wonderful workers. I remember how delicious the food was and his special secret blend of his gourmet coffee was served not only at Au Petit Beurre, but at his other locations as well. After reading the article to him, he told me tonight that he is so grateful to have been involved and part of the community's growth and to be remembered. This was our family's favorite hangout under the weave of greenery of the beautiful plants. We have so many photos and I so miss it! Our family reminisces about Au Petit Beurre. To us, there will never be another! Thank you for bringing from the vault the Jock Davenport article. We sincerely appreciate it! Jessie gives his warmest regards and continued best wishes to one of the most wonderful neighborhoods in New York City! With all our love, Jessie Salha and family!

One from the Vault: May 1999

Café Amiana & Au Petit Beurre -- The Ghosts of Toast

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