Es Ok Cafe Opens In Stamford's The Lila Rose with Breakie, Lunch & Gorgeous Lattes

Restaurateurs all over the CT are pivoting in response to the new pandemic reality facing both restaurant owners and diners, and while we all wish we could go back to 2019, smart entrepreneurs continue to reinvent themselves in unique and interesting ways. The team behind Taco Daddy and The Lila Rose, John Nealon and Morgan Machette are doing just that. With diminished dine in capacity, this duo, with the help of partner, Juan J Henao, have expanded the reach of their new dinner spot, The Lila Rose, into an all day breakfast and lunch affair with their new, ‘Es Ok Cafe’.

Located in Stamford’s Harbor Point area, The Lila Rose was already closed during the day, except for brunch on Saturday and Sundays, so it was the perfect spot to house the cafe that this group had dreamed of creating pre-Covid.

“Machette, Henao (JJ), and his brother, Juan Camillo Henao, have always been passionate about coffee and tea, so putting the concept together has been really fun. I also just like saying Sexy Lattes and Slutty Paninis,” says co-owner Nealon.

”Both of the Henao brothers, were a part of rolling out the ‘Granola Bars,’” Nealon continues, but we had no idea how talented they were on the drink making side. We want the drinks to be fun, not unlike our other drink programs at Taco Daddy and The Lila Rose.”

Hot damn…They so are.

This day-time cafe will be serving up traditional coffee & espresso drinks, gorgeous and unique tea lattes, alongside Chef Mo Major’s menu of paninis, pastries, cookies & breads. Open from 7am to 3pm, they have a beautiful and expansive covered outdoor space, as well as grab-n-go from the bar.

We now need to spend some time talking about the tea latte program as I was consistently blown away by both the beauty and flavor profiles for all of their offerings, which can be ordered either hot or iced. The TEA Latte menu is small, but mighty featuring my personal favorite, the Cardomom Chai Tea Latte, a subtle (and never too sweet) Blueberry Lavender, Green Tea Matcha, and a Ginger Lemon. Of course, there is also straight up tea, but why would you order an Early Grey when you can enjoy the aforementioned treats? Espresso drinks, drip, French press, and cold brew are also available, and beautifully executed.

Chef Majors has come up with a European street food inspired Sandwich & Panini menu including: Jamon & Cheese, Caprese, BEC, Mojo Chicken and Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant.

Check it out. Grab a snack. Grab a latte. Enjoy the pink and gold splendor that is The Lila Rose by night, and by day…Es OK Cafe!

Es OK Cafe is located at The Lila Rose, 121 Towne Street in Harbor Point.

Follow them @TacoDaddyandthelilarose