Opening the doors to Caffé Aurora on a chilly November afternoon you are greeted by the sweet smell of canoli and patisseries. The chilly autumn breeze dissolves into the foam on top of your cappuccino and you are instantly transported to an Italian wonderland.
Caffé Aurora, just a mile and a half from Marist College at 145 Mill Street, was established on December 3, 1941 by Paolo Strippoli. Strippoli immigrated to New York in 1935 bringing with him authentic and delicious Italian recipes to create his own pasticceria. The shop originated on Main Street, Poughkeepsie and now resides nestled in the Northern section of the city also known as “Little Italy” for many residents.
“We’re on our second generation now,” says Louis Strippoli, carrying on the tradition of his parents Paolo and Filomena.
“We have all worked here over the years, my brother, sister and I. We bake everything here, all pastries, gelato, cakes, cookies, everything is sweet. There are no breads. As the seasons change so do our specialty treats. Gelato is not as popular as the snow starts to fall,” says Louis Strippoli as he wipes his flour-covered hands on his apron.
The café, voted Best Italian Bakery by Hudson Valley Magazine, has several display cases filled with enticing genuine Italian deserts. Countless handmade sweets are created here that range from pignoli, nocchette, quaresemali, ice cream canoli, marzapani, to black and white cookies and apple turnovers. Behind the beverage counter one can order espresso, cappuccino, hot cocoa, café latte, colombino, coffee or tea.
Small tables fill the shop with glass tops to protect newspaper clippings from yesteryear illustrating the cafés’ remarkable history. The shop emits a relaxed, vintage, homey feel – with family knick knacks scattered around and an original soda fountain. Even on a Wednesday afternoon the seats are filled with clusters of older men and women sipping cappuccinos and espressos while chatting in fluent Italian or leisurely reading.
Robert and Marlene MacDonald, a retired Poughkeepsie couple has been coming to the café for 6 years now.
“The cappuccinos here are 100 percent better than anywhere in the area,” Robert said. “Not only are they the best, but they’re inexpensive at only $2.75 for a small.”
Not only do the MacDonald’s enjoy the reasonably priced beverages and the occasional treat of an ice cream or slice of cake, but the overall ambiance and environment of the café.
“You can find these guys in here every day. We’re all retired, why not come as often as you can.”
Caffé Aurora is a rarity in our fast-food nation. The shop allows you to relax your mind and body as you enter. Your soul and taste buds are sent on a journey out of Poughkeepsie into a delicious and entrancing world created over 60 years ago; a time when people came together for a steaming drink and some enjoyable conversation.
