We Noticed! Essence of Thyme & Cravings (ETC.)

Once again KHPB has looked around Hyde Park and found a hidden gem worthy of our We Noticed! recognition. ETC., located at the former Mario’s and Briar Rose restaurant site on Hyde Park Avenue, offers us an interesting crafts shop, filled with handmade, creative gifts, as well as a breakfast/luncheon spot with new outside dining. Look for their new sign and beautifully redesigned facade at the corner of Hyde Park and Dana Avenues.

ETC. is an outgrowth of The Essence of Thyme, which was located at the corner of River Street and Fairmount Avenue for over twenty years.  Their new site, equipped with an updated, modern, commercial kitchen has, before the pandemic, prepared over 2,200 student meals per day for various charter and private local schools. These meals are prepared by upwards of twenty adults of all abilities, who are learning life-changing vocational skills.  Skills training is a major goal of ETC. and is accomplished under the guidance of a professionally trained chef and professionally trained instructors.

The gift shop offers a wonderful array of unique, hand-crafted items created by artisans. The cafe offers creative, carefully prepared snacks, cooling fruit smoothies, as well as lunches to go or to enjoy on site. Both are open for business and eager to welcome friends and neighbors.  Once the state approves expanded post-pandemic openings, ETC. will be back in full swing with its ambitious programs that distribute student meals while supportIng the training of so many deserving adults.  KHPB encourages Hyde Parkers to join their neighbors and to stop by and discover this local treasure that speaks to the best that Hyde Park has to offer.


Past We Noticed! Recipients:
January 2019: Rincon Caribeño Restaurant
April 2019: Parkway Cleansing Company
July 2019: Christie Dustman & Company
October 2019: Central Paint & True Value
January 2020: Grew Elementary School
April 2020: Cappy's Pizzeria