Chapter 1 Cafè is dedicated to offering the very best in service, so you can place your order over the phone so that it is ready when you arrive for lunch. Alternatively, you can ask for a table to be reserved for you, or you can take advantage of its very popular take-out service.
At lunch time, the cafe has a bustling, lively feel with a good mix of clientele.
The cafe itself can seat about 40 people and comprises two main seating areas.
Chapter 1 Cafè has a large window ensuring that light always streams into the main seating area, giving it a bright and airy feel. In addition, fresh cut, flowers on the window ledge give the cafe a welcoming, homely touch.
Chapter 1 Cafe was opened in May 2005 by Grainne Hourican. After spending 10 years in America, Graínne wanted to bring a taste of the States to county Cavan.
Chapter 1 therefore specialises in delicious New York-style bagels. Made from the finest ingredients, bagels have no fat or cholesterol, so they are the perfect, ‘guilt-free’ treat.
In addition to a fabulous selection of bagel fillings Chapter 1 also offers an excellent selection of sandwiches, fresh salads and homemade pies, scones, and freshly prepared soup.
It's a bold operation that takes on the name of one of Ireland's premier restaurants, albeit accidentally, and while Chapter 1 café may lack the 'richesse' of its big city namesake, it's certainly not lacking in reputation. It's the bagels that everyone comes here for; Grainne Hourican, who opened the 40-seater café in 2005 after spending ten years working in the States, is an expert in New York-style bagels, and the 15 or so varieties on offer here are refreshingly experimental.
We recommend the Cuban (chicken strips, guacamole and brie, €6.25), or the Bermuda (crispy bacon, melted cheddar and mozzarella, cream cheese, chive and more guacamole, €5.75).
Popular with students, tourists, or just those seeking solace from the soup and sandwich offerings elsewhere in the town, Chapter 1 also doubles as an internet café; make sure you bounce an email to the cousins in Long Island saying it's not just New Yorkers that can do bagels...
Cafe culture has reigned in Cavan for (so far) three wonderful evenings this summer, thanks to the Cafe Sessions at Chapter One. For the last show of this season, Blue Valentines presents Ballyhaise singer/songwriter, Lisa O’Neill (below). Lisa, who played at the Electric Picnic with her band last summer, will do a solo acoustic performance at Chapter One tomorrow (Thursday, June 4). Her music and song-writing have been described as “contemporary, folk, quirky, alternative and even very, very good”, says Joe Keenan, of Blue Valentines.
Joe has been “really pleased” with how the first series of Cafe Sessions has gone so far. The sessions got off to a great start with Poetry Me Arse – recitals to music performed by the Poetry Chicks from Derry and their special guests. Well attended and entertaining, it set the high standard for the acts to follow.
Joe hopes they will be able to raise funding to keep the sessions going for another season. “It’s hard enough to find alternative stuff that’s worthwhile putting on and you really have to raise the bar to sustain interest,” he says. He hopes the sessions are a welcome alternative to pub culture, also providing an early evening social outlet. Lisa O’Neill starts at 8pm and the cafe is open 6-9.30pm.
