The Montclair Girl Team 
There’s no such thing as too many brunch spots, and a certified favorite of ours is now joining the mix. Defying Gravitea, located at 211 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock Township, is a cozy cafe known for its gluten-free and dairy-free menu. Now, Defying Gravitea is officially entering its next act (sorry, had to!!) with a full brunch menu featuring plates hand-picked by its team. Keep reading to learn about this cafe-turned-brunch spot, Defying Gravitea, which is also fully gluten-free.
About Defying Gravitea
Located at 211 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock Township, Defying Gravitea opened in 2023 with a simple concept: thoughtfully-baked goods that are entirely gluten- and dairy-free. The Defying Gravitea menu features unprocessed, locally-sourced ingredients, with each dish made from scratch.
Owner and fifth-generation chef Gina Cassese has been gluten-free since 1993, and was inspired to transform her family’s traditional Italian recipes into GF and DF versions, “the way grandma made them before our ingredients and diets became over-processed and unbalanced,” as she likes to say.
The cafe is a favorite of MG founder Jen, who has gotten to see some of the inspirations and behind-the-scenes process at Defying Gravitea. For starters, yes: the name of the cafe is a reference to Wicked. The cafe was Wicked-inspired before all the holding space and internet hype, named after the show’s most memorable song Defying Gravity. Even the logo contains references, with the spatula being Elphaba’s broom, and the cup being Glinda’s bubble. (And the strawberry matcha is an elite take on pink + green, btw.)
Defying Gravitea also has a food truck, which launched in 2024. It is run with the help of Gina’s son, Nicholas. The food truck can be rented for public + private events, including festivals, parties, and more. To inquire, an event request form can be found here.
The New Brunch Menu
In 2024, Gina and her team expanded Defying Gravitea with an event space called The Cottage House, a charming setting for holiday parties, bridal + baby showers, and birthday celebrations. Gina wanted The Cottage House to combine the elegance of a venue with the comfort of a home, all while serving as an event space that caters to one’s needs.
Now, Defying Gravitea is headed towards its next stage with a full brunch menu. “What started as a spot for drinks and baked treats has naturally evolved into something much bigger,” she shared in an announcement. “Our community showed us what they were hungry for: more options, more variety, and more ways to enjoy great food in a welcoming space.”
The new brunch menu at Defying Gravitea will continue to be gluten- and dairy-free, with an emphasis on remaining true to the business’s values while introducing new flavors. The menu, which is listed on its website, includes dishes such as banana foster French toast, bacon jam flatbread, and a chicken + waffles sandwich. All menu items are cooked while considering gluten sensitivities – for example, its oatmeal pancakes are flourless.
“Gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free,” Gina shared with MG. “When it’s done right, gluten-free food isn’t a compromise. It’s about real ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and food that tastes incredible.”
Defying Gravitea is located on 211 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock Township. To learn more, see its menu, or book a reservation, visit its website here. Also be sure to follow its Instagram, @defying.gravitea.
