First Look: Telva at the Ridge in Webster Groves

Fans of the beloved Bosnian daytime spot Balkan Treat Box have much to celebrate. The Nalic family is holding the grand opening for their second concept, Telva at the Ridge, at 60 North Gore Ave. Webster Groves tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 10.

A counter-service cafe and coffee shop, Telva is located within Rolling Ridge Nursery and will sell roasted coffee, salad, soup, pastries, tartines and more. 

“Our menu is our take on traditional Balkan baked goods along with some fun savory options of open-faced sandwiches, salads, and more," co-owner and chef Loryn Nalic said in a statement. "We really want to offer something unique to the St. Louis community, and with our grand opening, we will also be introducing our wood-fired Bosnian coffee program for the first time.”

Menu items include the cilbir, or Turkish Eggs, served in garlic yogurt, tomato-chile brown butter and herbs; the Sloppy Mustafa, a spin on moussaka/sloppy Joe; Telva Avocado Toast, featuring everything from roasted tomato to tzatziki; and the Tikva Salata, a salad with greens, feta, roasted squash, dates and more. There will also be a selection of rotating pastries, including items like the Cinnamon Tahini Bun or the Potivica, a hand-pulled dough flavored with chocolate that is similar to babka. 

“Even though these might not be breakfast and lunch items that people have seen before, all the flavors are comforting and familiar, and we’re doing them in our own way,” Nalic said. 

Telva will be distinguished by its wood-fired coffee program, headed by Emir Nalic. He'll serve flavored lattes inspired by Balkan pastries, such as the cupavac latte, which takes after a coconut cake. The traditional specialty coffee is brewed single serve in copper pots and the grounds are boiled, which makes for a strong brew. It's served with sugar cubes. 

The coffee is also the origin of the name Telva, which means the grounds left at the bottom of the cup, which can be used for fortune telling.

The 2,800-square-foot space has room for 25 seats indoors and an addition 30 on an outdoor patio. The space, designed by Sara Tran and Tim Kent, features hardwood floors, turquoise walls and plentiful greenery. 

Telva will also include an events space that can be booked for up to 80 guests. Telva is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

This article was originally published by the Riverfront Times.