She was happy where she was at the Zen Kitchen, where she honed her culinary skills as a sous chef. It wasn’t until her partner, Danielle Guay convinced her to channel her energy towards something de Castro could call her own.
“She’d been putting so much energy into where she was before, I thought why not put that energy into her own spot,” Guay says. “So far so good!”
Now a little over a month old, Clover Food and Drink has quickly turned into a trendy place to have lunch on Bank Street.
“We’re packed from noon to 1 p.m., from Monday to Friday. It’s been great.” says de Castro
Clover’s lunch menu is full of delicious soups, sandwiches and pastas—most of which are vegan friendly, de Castro’s signature dish, corn chowder is an absolute delight.
A play on clam chowder, de Castro’s corn chowder trickles down your throat like heavenly, liquid bliss. The combination of corn, with smoked bacon, onions and other assorted greens—or “floaties” as de Castro describes them—create a sweet and salty experience that any soup lover would rejoice.
Clover’s menu is filled with similar delights and each is crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Juniper Organic Farms, Barkley’s Apple Orchard, Mariposa Farms, Seed to Sausage, Les Plaisirs Gourmands, Beking’s Poultry Farm, Apiary 613 and Whalesbone Sustainbale Oyster & Fish Supply are a few of Clover’s go to vendors.
“We try to keep it nice and vegetarian friendly,” says de Castro “I took a lot of what I learned at Zen kitchen and I was able to apply it here. We try and use as much local as possible, such as Whalesbone. They’re the little guys, we’re the little guys. It all works together.”
With lunch in the bag, Guay and de Castro’s goal is to create Clover Food and Drink into a spot to hang out after work, for dinner or casual drinks.
“The goal is to be able to not just have the Monday to Friday people here. It’s been great, but everyone comes in at noon! I’d like people to consider us a regular spot… for a drink and a meal.”
Clover Food and Drink is located at 155 Bank Street. They’re open Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
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