RESERVATIONS

 The story of how the Pandemic affected a small 18-year-old cafe in the hudson valley, and what the owners are doing to change, grow and stay in business. 

Something Sweet Dessert Cafe opened its doors in March 2004. Under the direction of Anna Madden, with her degree in pastry arts from the New York Restaurant School, Something Sweet began as a dessert shop featuring some light lunches. As the cafe grew and Downtown Middletown became a magnet for young professionals to live, Anna and her husband, Dave, found a need for a more expansive menu. Lunch became heartier. Dinner was added. An additional dining room was added. Something Sweet was committed to offering scratch-made meals and desserts, served in a warm and inviting atmosphere in historic Downtown Middletown.

 Also dedicated to the rebirth of the community, they created an annual run - the Run 4 Downtown - in 2006, where the proceeds went back into the beautification and revitalization of the area. When the pandemic hit- all of that had to change. 

As we all can sadly remember - at first it was takeout only, in which Something Sweet stayed open but shortened their hours- providing food and sweets curbside, with safety in mind. Then as regulations shifted they eventually opened the restaurant back up full time - but now, had lost their staffing. After Anna had to receive foot surgery at the end of 2021 - they could never quite get back on their feet again. 

They officially closed the doors to Something Sweet Dessert Cafe on April 23rd, 2022. Several months before closing Anna and Dave sat down with a local restaurant consultant to see what to do- how to continue. He suggested BIG changes. If the world around you changes, so must you. What has come of that is an entirely new concept, layout and business model. 

That new venture will be opening up at the end of May 2022, in the same building, on the same street, where Something Sweet resided for 18 years. The name of the new restaurant is Piccolo - Cucina e Vino. In Italian, it means Small - kitchen and wine. The concept behind the business was developed by looking into Anna’s past and upbringing. Anna is a first generation American, whose parents immigrated from Naples, Italy in 1970. Piccolo is her maiden name, also meaning small- which is a perfect descriptor for the space and the plates. The inside of the building of 17 North Street in Middletown, which was built in 1888- has been renovated to now include a 12 seat copper bar with offerings of over 20 Italian and local wines. The Solarium- a room with three exterior walls of glass- that looks out onto the Downtown Park- will be aglow with live plants and bistro lighting. The menu has completely changed to focus on small plates, fresh italian pasta, handmade mozzarella and specialty sandwiches - made to order behind the counter. 

It will be a great place to meet new friends or drink with the old ones, grab a sandwich during your lunch hour, or have a quiet evening with a loved one. Support small local businesses. Support change and growth. Support something small and something sentimental. And something still.. pretty sweet