[acx_slideshow name="Caffe Museo"]

It’s rare when you discover a great coffee shop with equally delectable scones and biscotti.

Even better is coming across 17th century coffee grinders, lush plants, and paintings by local artists. In the heart of downtown Clifton Forge is Caffé Museo: Museum of Antique Coffee Mills & Coffee Bar. Since opening in October 2019, this business has become a local favorite (5-star rating) and is the only museum of its kind in the United States. Throughout the caffé, hundreds of coffee grinders are exhibited along the walls, dating back to 1690. Owner Judith Sivonda and her husband have collected these grinders for more than 30 years and even wrote a book about their collection.

It’s difficult to choose just one of anything. So don’t!

This caffé/museum also offers a plethora of Italian biscotti, homemade scones, cookies, and surprise menu items! It’s difficult to choose just one of anything. So don’t! Order ahead for family, friends, and coworkers this winter season. Make sure you order the “Queen’s Own Scones.” This is Judith’s specialty pastry and is based on a recipe from Queen Elizabeth II’s own kitchens. It is well known that her majesty loves nothing more than a scrumptious scone with a cup of afternoon tea to tide her over until dinnertime.

Judith tells us, “The scones, which I make in the shop in a couple of varieties, are much smaller than the American scone. American scones contain all of the sweets and are sometimes difficult to eat in one sitting. The British scone is only 2” diameter and contains a minimum of sweet ingredients.  When we prepare a Queen’s scone for you, we place the sweets on top. The Brits use coddled cream and jam. We specifically use a French jam.”

There are more than two dozen varieties of Italian biscotti.

In addition to the scones, there are more than two dozen varieties of Italian biscotti, which is an Italian cookie that is the ideal shape for dipping into a coffee beverage. Gluten-free customers are not disappointed. Four of the biscotti varieties are truly gluten-free and Judith also makes Gluten-free scones. She says she takes dietary restrictions seriously and offers alternative milks, as well.

Complement your visit with a cup of tea or award-winning coffee

Your visit might be complemented by a cup of tea or award-winning coffee from K&F Roasters in Portland, Oregon. Premium loose teas are offered in black, green, and herbal blends. All tea is sold by the cup or in take-home pouches. There’s also chai tea and familiar commercial favorites like Bigelow and Twining brands. Judith tells us her favorite is an Earl Grey White Tip loose tea.

You can order a 96oz coffee box for the office or an event!

Coffees are offered as espresso, brewed coffee, lattes, flat white, cappuccino, macchiatos, and affogato. Affogato is more traditionally known as “affogato al caffé” and is an Italian coffee-based dessert topped with gelato and drowned with a shot of espresso. Sugar-free syrups are available as well as caffeine-free coffee. There are also chai lattes and hot chocolate. BONUS: You can order a 96oz coffee box for the office or an event!

Caffé Museo is located at 500 East Ridgeway St. across from the CFVA Bicycle in the 1905 Alleghany Building. Hours are Monday – Thursday from 8a-1p and Friday-Saturday from 8a-3p, and Sundays from 10a-3p. Judith often stays open later than the posted hours so call ahead at 540-968-3639. Follow on facebook @doublegrinder or visit caffemuseova.com.

– Hashtag Lewisburg City Paper #129. December 2020.