Líkhâ Means "Creation"
come to the colorful cafe and make it so
There’s a world of color at the Líkhâ Art Cafe. And a world of heart and soul.
It begins with Emma Songalia smiling behind the counter, making you feel like you are not just a customer but possibly a person who can create or appreciate the creations of others.
Emma herself appreciates art, and the art-bedecked walls of Líkhâ inspire. This feels apt, since the word líkhâ means “creation” in Filipino. (Emma and her family originally hail from the Philippines. Now she and her co-owner husband live in White Plains.) Another Filipino couple also shares the business, making it a foursome endeavor, where everyone splits responsibilities (Emma Songalia, Eddie Manongsong, and Ruel & Aileen Jusi). You can just sense the camaraderie. The store simply has a vibe of come be together, happily.
It might be the line dancing, on Mondays.
Or it might be the art workshops.
Perhaps it’s the occasional book clubs led by outside groups.
Or maybe it’s the cheery groceries meant to provide otherwise hard-to-procure snacks and comfort foods from the Philippines. Emma notes that the shop is especially wanting to share many of the coconut products that her former country is known for, since it’s a major producer of the fruit.
There are also fabulous baked goods (we want to go back and try more!) Our first foray was the Ube Basque cheesecake, a wildly purple dessert featuring an unbelievably bright purple yam that’s often used in Filipino cooking. The coffees and teas we had leaned towards the confectious side (for something more earthy, go to First Village).
We went to Líkhâ not knowing what to expect and left with a sense of new possibility and joy. Not every coffee shop can boast such an expansive effect. Besides the beauty of the art, and the totally warm hospitality, the place bursts with life. Emma is also an avid gardener and has brought many of her house plants to the shop. Flowering succulents. Little leafy towers everywhere. Fresh bouquets. It all feels like life. You can’t help but feel hopeful and buoyed.
We hope you give it a try.
Líkhâ is at 363 Elwood Avenue, Unit F, in Hawthorne • Park on Elwood in front of the shop (non-metered street parking).
Directions from Ossining
Take 9A South to the Hawthorne exit and continue towards Hawthorne on 141. Go through the light, pass under the Sprain Brook Parkway, and continue up the small hill where you’ll take a left at the fork. That is Elwood Avenue. Líkhâ is on the left quite soon after you turn.
(315) 936-3324
Hours
Monday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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