Convito Cafe & Market

Specialties

The Market

The sienna-​red brick floor, two-​toned cream-​colored walls and handsome arched windows provide the backdrop for the European-​style market. Sparkling deli cases are brimming with imported cheeses and meats, hot and cold prepared foods, freshly baked bread, pastries and sweets, fresh pasta and 22 different Convito sauces. At the far end of the market is a handsome wine department containing a distinctive collection of Italian wines and a smaller selection from the best producers elsewhere in the world.

The Café

The café is a combination of the best of both original restaurants. On the menu, Bêtise’s famous Onion Soup Gratinée shares the limelight with Tuscan White Bean Soup and Convito’s signature pasta dishes stand along side such French bistro specialties as classic Escargot and Steak-​Frites. The café décor shares the same French and Italian sensibility. The main dining room, whose centerpiece is a warm and inviting fireplace, evokes a strong sense of artistry and humor.

History

Established in 1980.

Convito* Café & Market is a new incarnation of two prior businesses, named Convito Italiano (formerly across the parking lot from 1982 to 2006) and Bêtise (which was in this location from 1992 – 2006 and renovated for opening in January 2007).

The Market’s mission is to foster enjoyment of fine wines, good foods, gourmet cooking and entertaining for all customers from the everyday chef to the seasoned gourmand.

The Café’s mission is to offer its customers unpretentious food featuring classic regional Italian and French dishes served by a friendly and informed staff in art-​filled surroundings.

*Convito is an ancient Italian word, not used in the current Italian language that signifies a banquet or feast with family and friends to eat and drink.

Meet the Business Owner

Nancy B.

Business Owner

Nancy is the founder Convito Café & Market. A long time interest in Italian food blossomed during a three-​year residency in England. Nancy made frequent trips into Italy, becoming increasingly enchanted by the regional wines, cuisine and character of the country.

She decided in 1980 to open Convito Italiano, a shop that would be part-​grocery, part-​pasta and sauces, part education, part wine-​center and part deli.

By 1982, the shop was too small to contain all of her ideas, so she moved Convito to Plaza del Lago, with three times the space and three new features, hot foods, an on-​the-​premise Italian bakery, and a 28 seat Italian café.

In 1992, Nancy opened a new, casual Riviera-​style Bistro, Bêtise, in Plaza del Lago which is the location of the new Convito since 2007.

She serves on American Airlines’ Chef’s Conclave, and is president of Les Dames d’Escoffier, an international food & wine organization.