Mate at Gabriela Simoni’s Mate ConMigo
(Gerry Furth-Sides, content and photos courtesy Mate ConMigo)Two years ago, facing hardships from recent unemployment and a divorce, Gabriela Simoni decided to take the plunge and start her own business. Born and raised in Cordoba, Argentina, Simoni has always had a love for one of Argentina’s most popular customs, drinking Yerba Mate, a green tea that is traditionally consumed hot with a gourd and bombilla. Simoni noticed that there weren’t any cafes that offered her favorite beverage when she moved her family to Los Angeles 15 years ago and has always had it in the back of her mind to open a cafe centered around Mate. Simoni knew this would be a great opportunity to bring her South American culture to the United States, specifically to her adopted hometown of Los Angeles. Simoni decided it was time to start a ‘Materia’ and call it Mate ConMigo in her neighborhood of Northridge in the San Fernando Valley.
Mate at Gabriela Simoni’s Mate ConMigo
It was then that Mate Conmigo became the first known Materia in California.The ‘Materia’ would be centered around offering the traditional mate drink and also provide an iced version with various fruit flavors to complement sunny, vibrant Los Angeles. Working as a one woman team during the difficult 2020 spring time, Simoni continues to serve up a refreshing alternative to coffee in addition to offering a wide range of Argentine goods, like sandwichitos, empanadas, facturas (pastries), and other delicious sweets, each and every day.
Trays of pastries at Gabriela Simoni’s Mate ConMigo
Alfajoritos at Gabriela Simoni’s Mate ConMigo
Arollando at Gabriela Simoni’s Mate ConMigo
Classic empanadas at Gabriela Simoni’s Mate ConMigo
sandwichitos at Gabri Simoni’s
Facturas at Mate ConMigo
Not only is the quality of her food and drinks paramount, but equally as important is the clients’ experience inside the cafe. Her primary goal is to always make her customers feel as welcomed as if they were guests in her own home. Gabriela’s open arms and welcoming character has been integral in creating the family and community that continues to support Mate Conmigo day in and day out.
The shelves of products for sale at Gabriela Simoni’s Mate ConMigo
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