Espresso yourself
European-style café Zebu opens new location in Holmdel Commons
BY KAREN E. BOWES
Staff Writer

Above: the new Zebu, located on Route 35 in the Holmdel Commons shopping center, serves up fresh bread, made on-site daily. Left: the new Zebu is larger than its sister location in Red Bank, with free wireless Internet throughout the cafe-style eatery.

HOLMDEL - Suburban sophistication can be found at the new Zebu, the popular downtown Red Bank eatery's new franchise location, now open for business at Holmdel Commons on Route 35.

So what, exactly, is a Zebu? Co-owner Michael Gallicchio said it's a French word for a type of baby ox once used to carry large bags of coffee beans out of the jungle.

"They were very strong," Gallicchio said. "They could hold 200-pound sacks and they had short legs and could go down hills."

The new Zebu is larger and sunnier than the Red Bank spot, but still prides itself in serving up the same high-quality European-style bakery goods, gelato and sandwiches as the original.

Gallicchio is especially fond of the five-bean blend coffee, which is sold by the cup or the pound. He encourages customers to linger over dessert or conduct informal business meeting at the café.

"It's a community gathering place," Gallicchio said. "That's what Zebu's all about. We don't flip tables. If you want to sit here all day on your laptop and work, it's very much in [contrast to] the big corporations that want you out. This is certainly not a corporate atmosphere."

With free wireless Internet access throughout the establishment and four TVs, customers will find plenty of spots to work or relax.

The walls are covered in oversize murals of famous artists such as Frida Kahlo and Edgar Degas.

An overwhelming variety of bread is baked every morning on sight. Customers can call ahead to place special bread orders, or simply stop in starting at 7 a.m.

Pastries are also made on site, with the blueberry turnover a popular choice. There are over 10 choices of gelato, the most popular of which is stracciatella, an almond-based vanilla.

Breakfast customers enjoy the overbaked omelets, while bruschetta remains a popular light meal choice throughout the day. Panini sandwiches and pizzas are also quick and affordable options.

Zebu is located at 2130 Route 35 South at the Holmdel Commons. The store is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Call (732) 796-9200 for further information.