By Bob Bumcrot

Onyx Orton (left) and Stepahnie Gouey present their new espresso machine at Station Place Cafe.

In an exciting addition to Norfolk’s growing fleet of restaurants, Station Place Cafe will open soon in the spot formerly occupied by Whole Latte Love. “We want to create a warm, friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome to grab a coffee or to hang out and chat,” said owner Stefanie Gouey as she served a visitor a superb espresso. “We are engaged in a serious search for the best locally available coffees and teas at reasonable prices,” added Onyx Orton, her partner and friend of forty years. In addition to coffees, teas, waters and soft drinks, the cafe will offer muffins, pastries, croissants, sandwiches, soups, lunch boxes to take out and a variety of specials. “Stefanie is, next to my father, the finest cook I’ve ever known,” said Orton. Both Gouey and Orton are full-time Norfolk residents. For some years Gouey was a fund-raiser in New York for nonprofit organizations. Orton is an interior designer. Her influence is already evident in a new color scheme and other elements.  Some tables of her desing will be used in the café. Copies of these and other pieces are available for sale. “We’ll have newspapers and magazines for customers while they eat,” said Gouey. “We want to be very responsive to what people desire, both in food and ambiance.” In addition to the space occupied by the previous establishment, there will be a separate room, formerly a business office, with a large marble table for group seating. The new eatery is at least the third such to be opened in the former Norfolk station of the Central New England Railway. Long time residents will recall that years before the building was sold to the current owner, it housed a cafe owned and operated by Pinky Bazzano, who with her husband John is now about to return to town. Station Place Cafe will be open seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Closing times may be changed, depending on demand. “We are also available for private parties later in the afternoon,” said Orton.