Spotlight on Rosera Café
Kathryn Mansfield, Hogsmeade Correspondent: Here I am in picturesque Hogsmeade, talking to the lovely Goldi Dragonus of the Rosera Café. Goldi, let's talk a bit about this café. How did you come about owning it?
by Kathryn MansfieldGoldi Dragonus: An interesting question! I'm not originally from this area, but my father came here as a child every summer vacation. He absolutely loved it. So, naturally, when I was born, my father insisted we visit often. He wanted me to have the same great experiences he had had growing up. In this way I became familiar with the town. A year or two back, I was visiting for old times' sake, and I got into a game of cards. The previous owner wanted to get rid of the place, so he bet on it. Obviously, I won the hand! I'd always loved cosy, luxurious cafés, so I decided to own one!
KM: I love the layout here... and wherever did you get such lovely table cloths?
GD: I love burgundy - it's one of my (many) favourite colours. It seemed natural to use it! I bought it from an old friend in the south.
KM: Now, if you could give us a brief overview of the menu, and what your particular favourite thing to have here is.
GD: I wanted the food to be homey, yet elegant. The food is a mix of good home cooking, and interesting delicacies. There's everything from fried pork chops to crisp Japanese salads. I love flavourful drinks, so we have smoothies, butterbeer, tea, and other interesting fluids. I put things on the menu that I would enjoy. If you can't enjoy your own services and products, why should any one else?
To answer the second question, my favourite menu item would have to be the Japanese Salad. It has such a fresh taste!KM: Now, let's turn to a different subject for a bit. Halloween is fast approaching! Soon you'll have goblins and ghouls galore at your door. What do you, specifically, do to prepare for a Halloween haunt fest?
GD: I've been so busy lately, I've barely begun planning for the café! I'm thinking of having a special menu, and some other new things. Stop on by and have a look! You won't be discouraged.
KM: Wonderful! How did you decide on the usual decor? It's beautiful!
GD: Thank you! I'm a very visual person, so a beautiful room is something I can fully appreciate. It galls me to no end to walk in somewhere, and want to walk right back out because of the horrid decor! I absolutely love warm, vibrant colours, especially all shades of red. I also love fabrics that just sing to my fingers. I don't like minimalism - I love antiques and lush fabrics. The latter two just have so much more character, it seems!
This enchantment with the old inspired the decor. I never even considered an alternative.KM: Now, taking care of a café in Hogsmeade must be a bit challenging! How do you feel about the amount of work involved with running a business as popular as this one?
GD: Well, I just deleted all the old notes lying around... I thought it would be nice to have a fresh start. Things have been going well. There's not too much work, really. I plan to mix things up a bit, though, very soon. Keep checking back!
KM: *leans forward* I heard... *glances around* that Rames himself came to dine at your café, and loved it! Is this a rumour, or is it true?
GD: Wow, I'd have to say that it is a rumour. Rames is just so busy... I couldn't imagine him visiting my little café!
KM: *claps her hands* Well, we'd better wrap this up! What would you like to tell our readers in closing? Anything special you would like to share about the café, like memories or special moments?
GD: I want people to come and visit. I love getting customers. Don't just sign up, say hello! I promise not to hurt you! On another note, I hope that everyone has a great year. It seems to be going smashingly!
KM: And that wraps things up. Thank you so much, Goldi!
GD: It's been a pleasure. Have a lovely day!