In 2006, two artists from NYC came to Monticello and opened up a deli called Salt & Pepper the Kitchen. For the next ten years, they slaved and toiled to bring Monticello NYC quality deli sandwiches and authentic, down-home Korean cooking. Now, they have upgraded that deli into a full-fledged café. They have mobilized all their artistic talents to create a space that's both elegant and homey; with calming, light blue-green walls decorated with their favorite art pieces inside and two large metal, umbrella-shaded tables outside, Salt & Pepper the Kitchen offers a truly pleasant and unique dining experience both indoor and outdoor.
You might think, "Hmmm. Deli-style sandwiches and Korean food? That's a weird combination." But as Kendra, our hostess/manager says, "But it works!" Because, no matter what you are in the mood for, whether it's Sandwich Italiano or Bulgogi Platter, it's all melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And they certainly don't skimp on the portions either. This is because Il Nam and Nam Yi, the two chefs and owners of Salt & Pepper, are not only skilled and talented as chefs in a variety of cuisines but also have hearts as big as the great outdoors. Their philosophy is not "make money any way you can," but "serve and love your neighbor the best way that you can."
Gabriel, Kendra and So Woo are just three of the restaurant staffers here at Salt & Pepper the Kitchen. Gabriel is a chef-in-training. With humility and dedication, he is learning to do everything in the kitchen, from the smallest to the biggest jobs. The sweet-hearted Kendra takes care of business on the other side of the counter. She is the hostess/manager of Salt & Pepper. With a broad smile and an ever ready hand to help, she'll really make you feel at home. So Woo is your go-to guy. He will go to any station in the café and make things work.
Along with these young people, the rest of the staff at Salt & Pepper (the young at heart) strive to bring you the best food and the best dining experience in Monticello, all while redefining what café food is.