Ginger & Clove Cafe
Less than a year after Cassy Vasquez moved to the Seacoast from the Seattle area to be closer to her family, she and sister Angelica Spinelli have opened their own breakfast and lunch restaurant. Ginger & Clove Cafe (881 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 601-6077, find them on Facebook) opened earlier this month in the former Wilbur’s Family Dining space, and it’s a true family affair — Vasquez and Spinelli share ownership, while their brother Anthony and sister-in-law Hannah helped build the bar. Both sisters have been in the hospitality industry for more than a decade, dating back to when they lived in New Orleans. According to Vasquez, the name Ginger & Clove is a nod both to her mother’s and her sister’s naturally red hair, but also to the menu’s elevated concept. Items include specialty or build-your-own omelets, as well as hash bowls, salads, sandwiches and wraps, and pancake or French toast entrees loaded with all kinds of specialty sweets. Ginger & Clove also offers a selection of breakfast cocktails like bellinis, bloody marys and mimosas, and works with Blue Harbor Coffee Co. for its coffees, which are roasted in Hampton. The Scene recently caught up with Vasquez to talk about Ginger & Clove’s concept and some of her personal recommendations.
How long has Ginger & Clove Cafe been around?
[June 7] was our opening day. I just moved here this past August. … This is our first restaurant and it has been a learning process, to say the least. We started with an empty space and we have since transformed it little by little into something we never thought would be possible.
What makes Ginger & Clove Cafe unique?
We really wanted to create a relaxing vibe that wasn’t so fast-paced … [and] serve a quality product that people are going to come back for. I like to say that we’re not just trying to sell food, but we’re trying to sell an experience where people feel special.
What is your favorite thing on your menu?
I have a sweet tooth. My favorite thing is the Praline French toast. [Praline is] a decadent candy that is commonly served in New Orleans, and we created a sauce to kind of mimic it. … The sweet potato hash bowl is another one of my favorite dishes. It has sweet potato, bacon and ham for a little bit of salt, and then mushrooms, peppers, onions and spinach, so it’s very colorful. It comes with two eggs and toast.
What is something everyone should try?
I tell everybody to try our corned beef hash, or to choose one of our sweeter options.
What celebrity would you like to see eating at Ginger & Clove Cafe?
Adam Sandler, only because he is from New Hampshire and I think that would be kind of cool to have somebody famous who is also local.
What is an essential skill to running a restaurant?
I really believe that being personable is really important, because one experience can make or break a place. You also need to be smart and pay attention to food costs and little details like monitoring portions.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?
I really like the small-town feel of this area. Everyone has been super supportive and wants us to be successful, which is awesome.
— Matt Ingersoll
Photo Credit: Courtesy photo.
