In February 1994, Marc Penvenne opened the doors to Meli-Melo, an 18-seat creperie and juice bar on Greenwich Avenue, featuring sweet and savory crepes, fresh juices and smoothies, and all-natural sorbet and ice cream. The menu quickly grew to incorporate homemade soups, sandwiches and salads – and more. Indeed, anyone who has dropped in for a bowl of butternut squash soup or has planned a family celebration there knows that the restaurant has become a social touchstone for Greenwich.
“When we originally opened, I intended to bring a piece of my hometown Brittany in France to Greenwich,” Penvenne said. “We grew steadily, and this allowed me to add more to our menu and eventually grow in size. I could not have done it without my team and support from the community. I’m really happy to be celebrating this anniversary with our customers.”
The business continues to grow. In 2006, Penvenne launched a catering division with executive catering chef, Nadia Ramsey. The menu focuses on international cuisine with a French twist with on-site catering available in Fairfield and Westchester counties. Ramsey has been honored at events like Greenwich Wine + Food and regularly supports the Greenwich Restaurant Week kickoff event at the J House. Meli-Melo expanded again in 2009 into a neighboring space and tripled in size.
During the pandemic, a grab-and-go area was established in the restaurant to carry local honey and health shots along with prepared foods from the catering kitchen and popular items from the restaurant menu. One of the most popular grab-and-go items is the homemade waffle cones topped with all-natural ice cream or sorbet. Ice cream is also made in-house and is available in larger quantities for takeout and special events.
Today the restaurant continues to offer all-natural fresh foods to go besides a menu of more than 100 food and drink options. Meli-Melo has also partnered with nonprofits, artists, holistic health coaches, wellness professionals and fashion brands like Love Shack Fancy and fitness studios like Club Sweat, Pure Barre and Soul Cycle. Alliance Francaise of Greenwich, Breast Cancer Alliance, Food Rescue Fairfield County and the Transportation Association of Greenwich (TAG) are just a few of the nonprofits the restaurant has supported over the years.
“The Alliance Française of Greenwich is so grateful and honored to have shared so many wonderful events with Marc,” said Renée Amory Ketcham, president of the Alliance Française of Greenwich. “His support of our annual Cocktail de Rentrée, Bastille Day Celebration, Apéro Amis, Focus on French Cinema and many other programs has been instrumental to the success of the mission of the Alliance Française.”
Most recently, the restaurant launched a special menu featuring gluten-free foods in collaboration with Elena Ivanina, M.D., of Gut Love. And earlier last year, it debuted a calming latte during a sound bath healing demonstration in collaboration with Susy Markoe Schieffelin of The Copper Vessel.
Such events help patrons create memories.
“I’ve been a customer of the restaurant since I can remember,” said Layla Lisiewski, founder of Greenwich Moms and the Local Mom Network. “I have memories of coming to Meli-Melo for my favorite Nutella crepe and French onion soup with my grandmother and mother. Today I bring my children and it’s one of my beloved family meals when out in town. It evokes nostalgia, and it’s really special to be able to share this culinary experience with my children.”
Lisiewski was one of the first to partner with the restaurant and showcase her original art once the restaurant expanded. Today the restaurant has partnered with close to two dozen local artists to showcase their original works and support the arts. Lisiewski’s daughter is exhibiting two works along with a dozen pieces by well-established pop artists, David and Dollka Morico.
Giveaways are planned for each month on Instagram in partnership with InGreenwich. A scavenger hunt will be posted on Instagram directing the audience to find a glass juice bar bottle with the anniversary logo to receive a $30 gift card. Also, a new $30 prix fixe will be available to customers throughout the year. The restaurant is in the process of an interior refresh and plans to launch limited edition 30th-anniversary merchandise.
Meli-Melo is open seven days a week and offers breakfast and all-day menus. For more, visit https://www.melimelogreenwich.com/.
