Near Ms Mae’s and across from the 2nd District Police station on Magazine Street, a step through the door into Cafe Rivista immediately transports you into a whole other world of casual European sophistication. Even the air feels Italian. But don’t think pretentious furnishings, hipster baristas or gleaming cappuccino machines, this joint is understated and real. Real pastries, real coffee, real sandwiches, real amazing. And there’s a reason. Actually, two reasons:

Lisa Barbato is one of New Orleans’ most talented pastry chefs, coming from Peristyle among others and her husband Chris is one of the city’s most talented chefs, coming from Commander’s Palace and Cafe Adelaide.

Chris and Lisa sit down with Margo and Ray at Ted’s Frostop and tell their compelling story of giving everything they’ve got to open Rivista.