Hip nightspot opens doors in Farmington
By Samantha C. DePoy
Staff Writer

FARMINGTON – For many, the perfect sundae is topped with a cherry.

But new restaurateur, Hedy Langdon, thinks Cherries is the perfect way to top off your Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and of course, your Sunday.

Less than a month ago, Langdon, of Phillips, opened Cherries, a hip nighttime café specializing in hot drinks, juices, smoothies and ethnic foods.

Formerly Phillips’ public library’s full-time librarian – a job she held for for 15 years – Langdon is new in the food and drink business. A sign on the cafe’s door provides a disclaimer to that effect.

“Welcome to Cherries. Relax. We are a ripening fruit,” the sign reads.

Located next to Narrow Gauge Cinemas, Cherries is intended to be a place conducive to good conversation after a long day or a good movie.

“I saw a niche for an evening place, especially because of the movie theater and the college scene,” Langdon explains. “You need a place where you can sit down and meet people that’s not the bar scene. Sit and stay a while. Feel comfortable.”

Train to tropics

Turquoise blues and reds create a funky fresh Caribbean feeling, with glistening crystals and party lights hanging from the ceiling and mellow music from Norah Jones or John Meyer rolling from the speakers, casting a warm glow over a set-up of plush couches, a glass chess set and intimate tables.

“My dream is to live in the Caribbean some day and if I can’t go there, I’ll bring it to me,” Langdon says about the décor, which she and her daughter, Marina, a student at Bates College, decided on.

When the snow begins to fly and the air becomes icy, Langdon hopes the atmosphere of her café and a hot drink will transport those inside to the tropics.

When the grand opening comes in early December, so will the live tunes. Langdon has already booked classical guitarist Todd Garfinckle, from Rhode Island, and blues singer Eddie Kirkland, of Georgia. Kirkland toured for years with John Lee Hooker.

The café, which seats 20, has wireless Internet access so people with wireless connections can bring their laptops and log online. Those without can plug into the four net connections. There is also a house computer for public use. The whole system was designed by her son, Max, a student at the University of Maine at Orono.

The menu, which changes so often Langdon decided to just display it on a chalkboard, is purposefully small, as are the portions.

Langdon knows economically, these are tough times for most in the area and wanted to make a place that was inclusive for everyone, including those on a small budget.

“I want to give people that nice treat of going out, without hurting their pockets,” she says.

Small servings mean that people with bigger appetites and budgets can sample a few dishes and a few cuisines from Middle Eastern to Mediterranean, Polish to German – entries uncommon in area eateries, she says.

Last week the menu included spicy bean dip served with crackers, meatballs with feta cheese and olives and Tex Mex hot dogs slathered in salsa and rolled in a tortilla.

Langdon is impressed with the already existing eateries and wanted to make sure not to compete, but instead compliment.

75 percent of the menu consist of coffees, teas, hot drinks, juice and blended fruit smoothies.

“When people leave, I want them to feel satisfied both in their palettes and that their mind is a bit expanded.”

Langdon signed a three-year lease, and plans to stick around for a while. If the café is a success, she hopes to expand the hours and the space by adding an outdoor patio.

“It’s a great idea,” she says proudly. “Now we just need to make it work. It will take a while to catch on. We have to have all these tables filled to make it. Like a cherry, I think it will blossom, it just takes time.”

Cherries is in the brick building next to the Narrow Gauge Cinemas. Hours are Monday, Thursday and Sunday from 6 p.m. till midnight and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. till 1 a.m. For more information, call 778-2720.

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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