Student volunteers from Franklin’s Rock Church School sang “Feliz Navidad” with the radio as they painted Christmas decorations on the windows of Gingham Bakehouse. Owner Czaja “CJ” Silvasi and her staff moved about the kitchen prepping lunch. Her cafe and bakery opened last month inside an office building, near Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk.
Mostly everything is made from scratch. Customers can get breakfast items and pastries such as scones, muffins and croissants. Sandwiches and salads are also available. The bestselling item is the Big B.L.T. on house-made brioche with a double portion of bacon.
Silvasi, a self-taught baker, started doing farmers markets and pop-up events about a year ago with her quiche, brioche and cookies. They were a hit and continue to sell out on Saturdays at Shore Drive Farm Market. An opportunity came about to start the restaurant and the Virginia Beach native went for it.
Eight tables, a sofa and two wicker chairs add to the eclectic decor: Green and white checkerboard wallpaper, framed pictures on the wall of ghosts, a glass bookcase displaying pastries. I placed my order at the counter and waited for my fare to arrive.