INDExtra

Soccer gets its due at Carpe Diem

by Dominick Cross

Carpe Diem owners Silvia Bertolazzi and Erik Graveson borrowed a television from friends Dustin and Jennifer Melancon, who own Sophie P Cakes, for the tournament because they are all avid fans of the sport.

If you're downtown between now and July and Euro Cup soccer is your goal, do not hesitate to drop by Carpe Diem Gelato Espresso Bar, 812 Jefferson St.

Carpe Diem owners Silvia Bertolazzi and Erik Graveson borrowed a television from friends Dustin and Jennifer Melancon, who own Sophie P Cakes, for the tournament because they are avid fans of the sport.

"They're big soccer fans and we're big soccer fans so, honestly, I just did it for us to watch the games at work, but it has started to be more of a little community thing," says Bertolazzi, whose name alone should tell you which side she is for. "People come and watch the games. It's like bringing Italy here."

Graveson is a fan of Spain because he lived there. The couple were at opposite ends of the spectrum when Italy and Spain met in the opener, but the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

"It's not a war zone back there," laughs Bertolazzi. "It may be soon. I don't know."

Even when the business isn't open, which is Mondays, it will be open for the Euro Cup this month providing games are scheduled. Games this round are 11 a.m. and 3:45.

But while the doors will be open, business transactions will not be made.

"We're not selling anything," says Graveson.

"It was just this little thing where we wanted to watch the games and now it's transforming over time," says Bertolazzi, adding that last Monday there was a full house with soccer fans decked out in team attire.

Late Friday morning, a couple of customers in French team jerseys sat nearby when the topic of the 2006 World Cup finale came up.

"Let's make sure you mention that," teases Bertolazzi. "In 2006, Italy won the World Cup. Italia! Italia!"

One the guys joked back: "They won by cheating."

"Ahh, the poor little, bitty babies," says Bertolazzi.

Graveson brings the discussion to a close.

"Spain won the last World Cup," he says. "They won the Euro Cup, too."