Hankering for an Illy espresso from a shiny La Cimbali machine, a cafe shakerato or a Nutella crepe?  Head over to Merchant, a sleek Eurostyle cafe located in the 800 block of Common Street.  Since opening last fall, Merchant has offered a French/Italian cafe menu of morning pastries, salads, crostini, sandwiches, and crepes, served with coffee, teas, and wine.  Italy and France coexist on the wine list as well as the menu:  duck confit, salumi, olive oil tuna, pancetta, proscuitto, pancetta, and cheeses find their way into the salads and sandwiches.

A bonus:  Merchant’s minimalist red and white interior is a breath of fresh air, uncluttered and bright.  I just wish I spent more time in the CBD; I’d happily stop at Merchant for all my (considerable) espresso needs.