Moss Café: Revisiting A Kosher Farm-to-Table Find in Riverdale, New York
Kosher Café in Riverdale, Bronx, New York ✈
During my recent visit to Moss Café, I reflected on my first time there back in 2015. Moss Café, located at 3260 Johnson Avenue in the Riverdale section of the Bronx in New York City, is known for being a farm-to-table kosher restaurant. They’ve made it their mission to support local farmers and artisans, with an emphasis on community, sustainability, and quality ingredients. Over the years, Moss Café has established itself as a popular neighborhood spot for those seeking creative, seasonal kosher dishes with a focus on organic produce.
Moss Café was founded by owners who saw a gap in the kosher dining scene in Riverdale and wanted to introduce a restaurant that combined gourmet food with ethical practices. The menu features a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and many ingredients are sourced from farms within 200 miles of New York City. They also serve coffee from local roasters and have a variety of fresh pastries and baked goods available daily.
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“My visit to Moss Café, nine years after my first visit, was a delightful reminder of what makes this Riverdale establishment special. The warm ambiance, fresh farm-to-table offerings, and commitment to community create a welcoming space for diners.”
Their commitment to sustainability is seen in everything from the menu choices to the café’s decor. The owners take pride in minimizing waste, recycling, and supporting local agriculture. This focus on community has helped build a loyal customer base over the years, with patrons appreciating the unique blend of quality, ethics, and flavor. Since my last visit in 2015, I noticed how much they’ve stayed true to their original mission, while also evolving with more menu options and a stronger presence in the neighborhood.
Since it had been nine years since my last visit, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to order at the front or if the waiters took orders at the tables. Upon entering, I asked a waiter for clarification, and he informed me that I needed to order at the front, and they would bring the food to my table. I think it would be helpful to have better signage explaining their serving procedures, as this would prevent customers from needing to interrupt the waitstaff while they are attending to other diners.
The Menu
Moss Café offers a diverse menu focused on breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with a variety of choices that emphasize fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.
For breakfast, the "Good Morning" section features items such as chia pudding layered with blueberries and topped with toasted coconut, house-made yogurt with granola and fruit, and a farmer's plate that includes eggs, sautéed greens, and roasted potatoes. Other breakfast choices include shakshuka, an egg sandwich on a croissant, and a sweet grain bowl with macerated strawberries.
In the "Bread & Things" section, there are creative dishes like the tofu banh mi with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce, avocado toast with feta and harissa, and a house-made salmon burger with tartar sauce. The café also offers sides such as avocado, tofu, salad, and toast to complement the meals.
Dinner options, available after 4 PM, include fish tacos with battered fried hake, a sesame ginger salmon salad, and skillet-baked mac and cheese. For pizza lovers, there are options like the classic margherita and seasonal pizzas with fresh, local toppings. The café also offers build-your-own bowls, where you can choose a grain, two veggies, and a sauce, with the option to add proteins such as salmon, farm eggs, or tofu.
For children, the "For Kids!" section offers customizable plates and kid-friendly items like grilled cheese or pizza. Moss Café’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients shine through in the variety and thoughtfulness of their menu offerings.
Salads like the Moss Kale Salad or the Peak Summer Salad combine fresh vegetables with ingredients like roasted beets, quinoa, and tomatoes. You can also opt for seasonal soups or one of their signature bowls, such as the Bibimbap Bowl, which features basmati rice, vegetables, and gochujang sauce.
Moss Café offers an extensive and thoughtful drink menu, featuring a range of coffee, tea, and specialty beverages. Their coffee selection covers the essentials, including drip coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes, as well as seasonal lattes and cold brew options for those seeking something more unique. For those who prefer dairy-free alternatives, they provide a variety of non-dairy milk options such as oat, almond, soy, and coconut.
The tea menu includes both herbal and caffeinated varieties, offering something for every preference. Options range from herbal blends like "Le Hammeau" and "Lancaster Cold Care" to more robust choices such as Earl Grey, Breakfast tea, and the exotic Afghani Chai and Majorelle Mint. They also feature oolong and rooibos teas, providing a diverse selection for tea enthusiasts.
Moss Café also serves a variety of other drinks, including kombucha, freshly squeezed orange juice, and rosemary lemonade. Specialty drinks like the matcha latte, turmeric latte, chai latte, and hot chocolate add a creative and cozy touch to the menu. For something more refreshing, their iced tea is also available.
Additionally, during breakfast, Moss Café offers a range of vibrant smoothies. Each blend incorporates fresh fruits and nutritious ingredients like kale, spirulina, and chia seeds. Options include the "Green Dream," a health-packed kale and spirulina smoothie, and the "Good Morning Sunshine," a tropical mix of mango, pineapple, and peach with yogurt. For something more indulgent, the "Chunky Monkey" combines cocoa powder, banana, and oat milk for a rich and satisfying treat.
Farm to Table
"Farm to Table" refers to a movement in the food industry that emphasizes sourcing ingredients directly from local farms and producers, rather than through large-scale industrial systems. The core idea is to create a direct relationship between farmers and restaurants (or consumers), ensuring that the food served is fresh, seasonal, and often organic or sustainably grown.
In a "Farm to Table" approach:
Local Sourcing: Ingredients are procured from nearby farms, reducing the time between harvest and consumption. This typically leads to fresher produce, meats, and dairy.
Seasonality: The menu often changes based on what's in season, highlighting produce at its peak flavor and availability.
Sustainability: There is usually a focus on sustainable farming practices, such as reducing the use of pesticides, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring the well-being of animals.
Minimal Processing: Foods are minimally processed, allowing natural flavors to shine, and avoiding preservatives or artificial ingredients.
This approach supports local economies, reduces the environmental impact of food transportation, and fosters a greater connection between people and the source of their food.
Nearby Things to Do
Riverdale is a residential neighborhood in the northwest Bronx, known for its leafy streets, historic homes, and proximity to the Hudson River. It offers a mix of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, attracting families, professionals, and students from nearby Manhattan College. The area has a tight-knit community feel, with parks, schools, and places of worship blending into the neighborhood’s character.
Visitors to Moss Café in Riverdale can enjoy several nearby activities:
1. Wave Hill – A beautiful public garden and cultural center, perfect for a peaceful walk, garden exploration, or outdoor art exhibits. It offers stunning views of the Hudson River and Palisades.
2. Van Cortlandt Park – One of New York City's largest parks, offering hiking trails, a lake, golf courses, and historical landmarks like the Van Cortlandt House Museum.
3. Riverdale Park – A lesser-known gem, this park provides a quiet riverside setting for a scenic stroll or bird watching.
4. Shopping on Johnson Avenue – The main commercial strip where Moss Café is located has a variety of local shops, delis, and markets to explore.
These options make it easy to pair a visit to Moss Café with some outdoor activities or a bit of local exploration.
My visit to Moss Café, nine years after my first visit, was a delightful reminder of what makes this Riverdale establishment special. The warm ambiance, fresh farm-to-table offerings, and commitment to community create a welcoming space for diners. The quality of the food and service remains exceptional. I left feeling satisfied and eager to return, knowing that Moss Café will continue to be a cherished spot in the neighborhood for years to come.
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