At Caffe Doppio in Pennsville, guests feel like they’ve stepped into a small shop in Sicily. The cafe takes its name from “Doppio,” the Italian term for a double shot of espresso. Besides coffee, the cafe serves imported espresso, freshly baked sweet and savory pastries made in-house, and more.
Caffe Doppio is run by Michelle Padalino and her mother, Marina Lentini. Michelle runs the front of the house and coffee, and her mother handles the back of the house and food. The small space holds about 25 seats, and is meant to feel like a “home away from home.”
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Authentic Italian Espresso
The espresso beans at Caffe Doppio come directly from a microroaster in Sicily. Espresso shots are hand measured, made traditionally and without shortcuts. Cold-brew grinds are steeped in filtered water for 24 hours. Their traditional coffee beans are sourced from a New Jersey micro roaster and roasted in small batches. They use these beans to make fan-favorite drinks such as the Shaken Tiramisu Latte.
Besides classic coffee options, they offer beverages like a virgin limoncello spritz. Michelle points out that all recipes have been handed down from generation to generation from Palermo, Sicily.
As for the food menu, Caffe Doppio serves up a popular cannoli doughnut as well as sfincione. (Sicilian style tomato pie with caramelized onions.)
About the Owners
Michelle was born in Sicily and moved with her parents to Pennsville when she was young. She’s been a resident in town nearly her whole life, attending middle school and high school in Pennsville. She worked at her parents’ pizzeria, Franco’s Pizza, during her childhood.
In fact, her new cafe is in the same exact place where her parents once ran that pizzeria. Michelle even kept the original interior to pay homage to her family roots.
Prior to opening Caffe Doppio, Michelle dabbled in retail after high school but always dreamed of opening her own cafe. Initially, she thought she’d have to wait until retirement to follow her dream. But she was inspired to take action and chase her happiness, bringing a piece of Sicily home to Pennsville.
Visit Caffe Doppio at 157 North Broadway in Pennsville. Look for them online to learn more.
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Top Photo: Tina Turner Photography (Additional photos by Caffe Doppio)
