The long-vacant Washington Irving Trust bank has been given new life as Dahlia's Song, a florist, café and event venue opening July 30 in Tarrytown.
The soaring space, which dates to 1900, preserves many of the building's original architectural details, including its marble interiors and more than century-old copper teller and receiving signs. It's all part of owner Linh Hoang's vision of transforming the historic structure into a welcoming gathering place that blends two of her favorite passions — coffee and flowers — under one roof.
As the mother of a 9-year-old, Hoang also wanted to design a destination for the kinds of events she and her daughter enjoy.
"I just haven't seen a place like this, which is why I wanted to create it," she said.
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Flowers are, as its moniker suggests, the heart of Dahlia's Song where a long counter behind the cafe station is reserved for flower arranging. Hoang specializes in dahlias and grows approximately 400 varieties in her home garden, many of which are now front and center upon entering the building. She's also featuring a few other flowers like hydrangeas, zinnias and strawflowers.
The space, however, is about more than flowers. Plans include workshops for all ages — from flower arranging and candle making to watercolor painting — as well as children's birthday parties and other community gatherings.
There's also a piano, a nod to another of Hoang's loves. Above it are the words "Here Comes the Sun," a tribute to the Beatles song that was a favorite of her late husband.
"I want anyone and everyone to come and play," she said. "It's very positive and I want people to be happy."
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A native of Saigon, another highlight of the space is the "Vietnamese Cafe Phin Experience" featuring traditional slow-drip coffee served tableside in either hot or cold versions. Hoang is relying on coffee from VietFive as well as beans from Port Chester's Path Coffee. There are also pastries, muffins and croissants along with various teas, juices and smoothies. To come: salads and sandwiches along with bánh mìs and spring rolls.
The space, with plenty of seating and lush greenery (including two coffee plants Hoang grew herself), includes a rustic communal table Hoang sanded by hand. Look closely into its cracks and you'll spot coffee beans and dried flowers tucked inside — a small detail that reflects the care she poured into every corner.
She's self-taught on everything — the dahlias, the coffee and the events — even the design of the place which she was careful to keep to its original ambiance. "I love history and I respect this space so much," she said. "I'm happy to bring it back to life."
Address: 25 North Broadway, 914-222-3132, dahliassong.com.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday with hours subject to change after the grand opening.
Grand opening: Dahlia's Song is in its soft opening phase with a grand opening, with more food to come (think salads, sandwiches, banh mis and spring rolls), set for Aug. 29 (watch her social media for details).
Good to know: Workshops will start in September after her grand opening. The space is available for rent for private events.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New hybrid florist/cafe/event space opens in Westchester