Chef Lori King and pastry chef Corrine Cherwin are women who savor the joy in details — from the fresh herbs sprinkled across sandwiches and soups, to the gorgeous arrangement of delectables in the pastry case, to the small candles and fresh flowers which accent each table. The food is not just delicious, it’s beautiful, reflecting the care and attention with which these gourmets approach their work.

The sitting area is a happy, inviting space, with exposed wooden beams. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday; fall hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Credit cards and take-out orders are accepted, and there is outdoor seating.

The owners clearly love seasonal ingredients so in addition to staples like waffles, omelets, soups and sandwiches, there are always new dishes to sample. In the warmer months you’ll find strawberry grilled cheese, organic tomato soup, raspberry lemon scones, cucumber tomato salad with apple vinaigrette, and bourbon peach crepes. As the air takes on a chill, warm up with a roast beef, Brie, and apricot panini with fresh thyme; turkey and goat cheese on toasted ciabiatta; a pesto, chicken, smoked Gouda and roasted red pepper panini; organic butternut squash soup, or some pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin scones.

If you’re there for lunch or dinner, make sure to grab a side dish. King’s handcut sweet potato fries and garlic fries are ridiculously good. The beer-battered asparagus has also gotten raves in online reviews.

And remember, this isn’t a drive-through. Each order is made to order; and fresh ingredients take a little more time. The Pantry Cafe is a place to stop and savor good food and good conversation.

Grace recently spoke with the owners to learn more about their creative partnership.

­ ­— Faye Parenteau

This seems like the perfect marriage of meals and pastry. Can you tell us how this came together?

[Lori King:] I had started a catering company called Two Chefs Catering & Event Planning in 2008 and hired Delights So Divine, Specialty Desserts & Pastries to handle many of the dessert items for my bigger events. It worked out so well and Corrine and I soon discovered that we had a unique culinary chemistry. We enjoyed working together and realized very quickly that we were an incredible force together. Finding the right place was a logical step in the process.

What sets your business apart?

Our food is fresh and homemade. We believe in using seasonal ingredients, going organic as much as possible. We have also created an environment where people feel ultra-comfortable. Our guests talk to each other, complete strangers will start conversations! People have told us that they love the food and the company. The place has a great vibe.

What has been the biggest challenge(s) you faced, getting the cafe up and running?

Getting the community to know we were here. Otrobando Avenue is slightly off the main road. People have a tendency to get off Route 2 and go straight onto West Town Street instead of taking the turn onto Otrobando. Getting the word out takes time, patience and creativity.

Were there any particular people who helped you along the way?

Our families and friends have been there from day one helping in any way they could, watching our children, introducing their friends to us, helping us grow our social media presence, and overall being super supportive. Our regular guests are the best! They are the reason we have been able to grow and flourish. They are amazing!

How has this venture changed your life?

Opening The Pantry Café and continuing to grow Two Chefs Catering & Event Planning and Delights So Divine can be a lot of work, but we love what we do and we get to go to work and spend time with remarkable, creative people. We get better every day.

Is there anything you think your town/community/state should be doing or could do better to help small business?

Whether it’s helping to pay for new equipment, aesthetics such as landscaping, or even certain operational expenses, grants are always helpful to small business owners.

Do you think businesswomen face any unique challenges in today’s day and age?

Not anymore than anyone else. You have to be focused and driven. When you have a thorough plan and surround yourself with dynamic people, anyone can succeed.

What do you love most about your work?

1. Creating dishes that make people smile and want to come back.

2. Catering events that are wonderfully memorable for people.

3. Creating an atmosphere within the café that is nothing short of magical.

Just the facts

To view the full menu and learn more about The Pantry Cafe and its affiliated pastry and catering projects, visit www.atthepantrycafe.com; call 860.383.4456, or find them on Facebook.