By: Addy Gorton and Diana Bienstock
After Buunni Coffee Shop tragically closed last year, Fieldston students were at a loss for words and hope, but far more importantly, coffee. Although the cafeteria endeavored to achieve what the Riverdale staple accomplished, without the proper tools, recipes and expertise the staff simply could not measure up to the legendary status Buunni received. Students were left stranded. However, this fall, as the hill school communities began their hikes back up to their respected institutions, they were not without espresso-induced relief. Sometime between the end-of-school-chaos and beginning-of-fall-madness, a new refuge was born:, Savor.
Since Savor’s opening in late July, people have flocked to the trendy little café. At the outskirts of Riverdale, it is home to a wide variety of inhabitants. Customers range from lifetime Riverdalians scribbling away at a crossword, to young families accompanied by crying toddlers, to chatty Fieldston students. The restaurant has comfortable chairs, good coffee and so long as you don’t shy away from an alarming number of 2017 pop hits, an overall inviting atmosphere.
But, Fieldston students frequent Savor for more than just a cup of coffee to go. Student Lili Hacking (IV) said “I don’t like coffee at all” but comes to Savor because she can “eat and get her work done without the stress of being at school.” Whereas Sophie Basner (IV) visits because it’s “a convenient place to come during frees.” While some stop by Savor to sit and study, others, like Zoe Williams (IV), “come to eat and hang out with friends.”
After many interviews, much deliberation and trial runs of our own, we have come out with the top Savor orders. Lilli Hacking’s order is the strawberry banana smoothie and a pesto chicken sandwich. However, after testing out this so-called “must have” smoothie, we might recommend against it, that is unless you enjoy flavorless banana mush. Zoe Williams’ go-to, is a matcha latte with vanilla syrup. Needless to say, all our interviews led us to misguided decisions, so we must give you our picks. The lattes are good, the warm cappuccinos are to die for, the carrot cake is simply breathtaking and the croissants are even better.
Finally, the cardinal question. How do you pronounce the name? Many bets have been taken but don’t worry; we have the answer for you. To answer this school-wide debate, we had to interview the owner herself, Tina. Despite the “Savor The Moment” sign, the name is in fact pronounced “Sah – vor,” not “Save – ver.” Tina explained that this name choice has meaning behind it. Savor’s name partially comes from the word savory, while inspiration was also drawn from the Italian word “savour,” meaning relish and enjoy. Tina, described how in Kosovo, where she is from, everyone “sits down to relax and enjoy their coffee.” She emphasized how Savor was designed to mirror that norm and create a place where people can relish their food and enjoy their time. Hence the slogan, “Savor The Moment.”
