Everything about Seven Stones Cafe gives off a welcoming laid back vibe. Set back along the Plum Street Mall, away from the bustle of State Street, this small cafe serves up La Colombe coffee, sandwiches, quiche and a variety of baked goods. From the ever-changing art on the walls to the lack of wifi (they encourage conversation!), Seven Stones is a gem in Media.
At lunchtime, the place is packed. Men and women in suits walk over from the courthouse for sandwiches and iced coffee on the hottest day of the year. Sitting outside, a young unshaven twenty-something picks a song on his ukulele. In the dining area, one wall is painted a vibrant yellow with a series of dramatic fantastical paintings. A few months ago, the cafe featured paintings of several Philadelphia Phillies. The back wall, painted orange, features more paintings. White lights strung high across the wall provide ambiance. One man is reading the newspaper, a family eats lunch and couples sit at small tables conversing.
I sat down with owner Nick Yocco to chat a bit about the cafe. Nick’s daughter Natalie Graham manages the cafe but was off on the day I recently visited. Nick explained that what makes their cafe so special is the employees.
“They make this feel like family,” he told me. It’s true. Each time I’ve visited, they staff has been friendly, efficient, and as laid back as the cafe itself.
First opened in 2005, Seven Stones Cafe started with just a few baked goods and an espresso machine. Over the years, the cafe has grown. In 2011, they broke through some walls to expand their kitchen.
The display case is filled with a tremendous array of baked goods, including Biscotti, cannolis, cookies, tiramisu and tarts. For breakfast, they offer a variety of egg sandwiches, including the Power Egg, which is two scrambled egg whites with spicy black bean salad, cheddar and salsa on a bagel. Diners also can choose from diverse items such as quiche, a tuna melt, a garden burger, or even, a hummus melt. They also offer gelato, sorbets and milkshakes.
Nick is excited about the Summer of Peace 2012 Concert Series, which is sponsored by Seven Stones and the Media Business Authority. Set on the Plum Street Mall, the monthly concerts run through September. On Friday, July 6th, the series features poetry with the theme “Peaceful Relationships” and a musical performance by Anna K Jarosz. In August, “Community Peace” will feature a musical performance by John Galla. The final event will be Friday, September 7th. Entitled “World Peace,” the finale will feature storytelling, and musical performances by Christine Campbell and John Swara. Also the Trolley Stoppers will perform. All concerts start at 7 p.m. The concert series is celebrating the 30th year of of the International Day of Peace.
Seven Stones Cafe is open Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.,; Fridays, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are located at 22 South Plum Street in Media. Call them at 610-627-2077.
Photography credited to Nina Lea Photography.
