A song, a vision: Mom and daughter prep to add Moon River Cafe to Melbourne arts scene
For more than 20 years, Kate Broderick and her mother, Mary Broderick, have strolled the streets of historic downtown Melbourne with a vision in mind. They even had the perfect location picked out.
When the space finally became available, at 728 E. New Haven Ave., these two determined women decided it was time to enact the dream: Moon River Cafe & Curiosities.
A cafe with space to welcome all, Moon River is expected to open later this fall with a rotating art gallery of poetry reading, live music and workshops and book signings, complete with a local author's book section. The Brodericks are aiming for an October launch, if all goes well.
“Downtown Melbourne is in a period of growth and we're excited to become a part of it," said Kate Broderick.
“People are thirsty for coffee and afternoon tea but also for community."
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What was the vision for Moon River?
“Not only does the downtown area feature a thriving restaurant culture, it's also a quiet haven for the arts, with two world-class theaters, two major arts organizations, and a host of independent artists and studios,” Broderick said.
“We hope to provide a creative space for people of all backgrounds to mix and mingle, exchange ideas and inspire our generations’ thinkers, creators and doers by providing a cozy and inspiring atmosphere.”
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What type of food and libations will be served?
While hours are not set, plans are to be open into early evenings and later on weekend nights.
In this corner nook of downtown, gatherers will be able to sip afternoon tea and craft coffee.
"In a special nod to the Space Coast, we’ve partnered with Lavazza, the first company to make espresso in space, sipped by astronauts aboard the International Space Station,” said Broderick.
You'll want to take a look at the hand-painted wall mural, errr, menu, based on the Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums. That's where you'll find what Moon River Cafe will be serving: sandwiches, pastries and other homemade treats. Very notably, carefully curated "mocktails" will be available for those who want a night out, on a sober journey.
Where did Moon River's name originate?
Actress Audrey Hepburn sang "Moon River" in 1961's "Breakfast at Tiffany's." And Mary used to sing the tune to Kate, as a lullaby. In honor of her mother, Broderick chose this song to represent how important her mom is in her life. Broderick also thinks the song is a perfect tribute, an homage to their location near the Indian River on the Space Coast.
Think of them as "two drifters off to see the world" — at the very least, to bring change to this space in downtown.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY's food and dining reporter. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: What's the story and song behind Moon River Cafe, coming to Melbourne?