You’ll never guess how Four Green Cats, a new cafe in Mount Laurel, got its name. The four refers to chef and owner Nadia Vasa, her daughter, and two granddaughters. Meanwhile, the green portion represents healthy cooking. And finally, cats is the translation of Czech slang for pretty girl. Put it all together, and you get Four Green Cats.
The 1600-square foot spot serves all sorts of European-inspired treats. Prior to having their own location, the team offered curbside pickup out of a commercial kitchen; they also sold products through local farmers markets. As for the décor, Four Green Cats resembles a log cabin, with cathedral ceilings and knotty pine paneling. Out front, you’ll also find a pond and working water wheel. The cafe seats 20 indoors as well as another 20 outdoors; the latter offers patio dining with umbrella-covered tables overlooking the water features.
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Czech Treats & More
Four Green Cats specializes in serving European delicacies from the Czech Republic and its neighboring countries. In particular, small, open-faced party sandwiches are a staple here. They serve these on sourdough baguettes, then top them with apple salad and your choice of ham, pepperoni, or provolone; plus some Polish pickles and cherry tomatoes. “If you don’t have an open-faced sandwich at a Czech party, you’re not having a party,” says Mila Vasa; who co-owns the spot with his wife. Click here to see their specialty items.
Bohemian donuts, a traditional Czech dish, are also flying off the shelves. These donuts start with silky smooth fried butter dough made from imported Czech flour. Next, they are filled or topped with various creams, fruit jelly, and sugar. Likewise, the kolache is a hit. This is made of soft pastry dough baked with a cream cheese or fruit-filled center; then topped with a butter crumble and vanilla sugar. Mila says customers get nostalgic when they see them, sharing stories of the kolache they used to eat.
But don’t forget about the cafe aspect of Four Green Cats. They serve coffee from local roasters as well as cappuccinos and fresh brewed iced tea. “We’re not just a bakery or eatery, we’re also a coffee house,” Mila says.
About the Owner
Nadia was born and raised in the Czech Republic, attending culinary school and even owning a restaurant there. She eventually came to the United States to be closer to her daughter and granddaughters. It’s here she met and married Mila, an American of Czech descent. After much time cooking together, they decided to start a food business.
You’ll find Four Green Cats at 118 Creek Road in Mt. Laurel. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more, click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
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Four Green Cats FAQs
No, they do not take reservations.
Four Green Cats does not have gluten-free options, no.
There are vegan and vegetarian options, yes
Yes, they offer takeout
They do not offer delivery, no.
No, Four Green Cats does not serve alcohol.
Yes, they have a kids’ menu.
All Photos: © Four Green Cats
