There’s a fun concept behind the name of Defying Gravitea in Pequannock. As Owner Gina Cassese explains, it’s first a play on the word tea. It also illuminates that baking is a science requiring specific measurements and techniques for items to rise and set correctly. Finally, it is a reference to the song “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway show Wicked.
Defying Gravitea is a cafe that offers drinks, breakfast, lunch, and fresh-baked goods. The 1,775-square-foot space seats 49 guests indoors, and features their own proprietary tea line. The interior offers a “warm, comfortable environment,” according to Gina. “From custom river tables, cozy nooks, our Sakura tree, and a hand-painted mural ‘treebute’ to our supporters; it is really a space designed to welcome people in to relax and unwind.”
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No Time Like Tea Time
A quick-serve concept, customers can order their items from the counter or place their orders online in advance. Tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. “We offer a warm environment, focusing on friends, family, and community, where everyone can eat without restrictions,” Gina adds.
The Defying Gravitea menu includes farm-fresh fare for breakfast (available all day) and lunch. “We are a gluten- and dairy-free space, but you’d never know it!” Gina says. They also offer baked goods made in-house daily with gluten-free flour. These reinvented recipes are based on five generations of chefs in her family.
Popular items include the breakfast crepe and banana bread ABJ sandwich. Likewise, their scones are a hit, and they introduce two new seasonal flavors each month. Gina loves the Defying Gravitea Chicken Salad Sandwich. It’s made with Goffle Farm chicken breast, coconut yogurt, lemon juice, fresh tarragon, and currants. Patrons can order it either on a gluten-free house-baked brioche bun (made daily) or over greens.
About the Cafe
Early response to Defying Gravitea has been huge. “We have had all the seats filled recently and a line out the door,” Gina says. “It’s such an amazing, humbling feeling to see people enjoying the space, their community, and the food.”
Besides their sit-down dining, they offer an event space for large parties by reservation. They also do catering for on-or-off site. Additionally, they accommodate custom orders for all occasions including cakes, cupcakes, pies, and loaves.
After years of struggling with body-image issues, Gina learned she was intolerant to gluten and dairy. (She has been gluten free since 1993). She now tweaks her family’s recipes and treats to create gluten- and dairy-free versions for all to enjoy. The song “Defying Gravity” is about pushing the limits and breaking boundaries, and that really resonates with Gina.
Visit Defying Gravitea at 211 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock. To learn more:
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All Photos: © Defying Gravitea / Instagram