With Irvington’s restaurant revitalization along its waterfront, it’s easy to overlook the smaller food shops that dot its downtown area, like Le Moulin, a French-style café at 75 Main St. Owner Josyane Colwell opened Le Moulin in 1991 as a two-pronged business: a café and an event planning and catering company.
Colwell and her catering staff work busily out of their Irvington kitchen, creating elegant menus for weddings, corporate events, and parties. And they provide full service event planning, handling everything from flowers, wine and music, to photographers and equipment rentals.
At the cozy café, shelves are filled with specialty food items like vinegars, candied lemons, and basil toasts. The café offers a large selection of freshly brewed espressos, coffees and teas, and fresh breads sit in large baskets on the counter. Colwell prepares a daily selection of soups and prepared dishes, including tarragon chicken, roasted eggplant and vegetables, and ratatouille. During the holidays, such as Passover, expect homemade kugel, brisket, and tzimmes, a refreshing mixture of carrot, sweet potato, pineapple, and prunes, slightly sweetened with brown sugar.
Gourmet sandwiches are available on a variety of organic breads, or as panini. Don’t miss the grilled salmon with tomato and cucumber on pumpernickel with dill aioli, or the prosciutto di Parma with vine-ripened tomato and goat cheese. The café is currently offering weekday specials: $5 for all sandwiches and $18 for a full dinner takeout that includes a main course, starch, and a vegetable.
Colwell also has plans for French language and cooking classes this spring, where she’ll demystify French food terminology and teach basic cooking techniques. Passionate about her food, she points out that food is more than just about eating—it’s about connecting with nature and family, and making people happy.
Le Moulin is open Tues through Sat, 10 am to 5 pm.
Le Moulin
75 Main St
Irvington, NY 10533
914-469-6762
lemoulincatering.com