People of New York: Ivana & Aleksandar in their Element

Meet Ivana and Aleksandar, a Serbian couple who made their way to New York and started a café centered around art, culture, and community.

Originally from Serbia, their journey in New York began unexpectedly. They both won the green card lottery—a moment that, seven years later, feels less like chance and more like direction. “Looking back, it truly feels like destiny. New York City feels like our real home.”

They were then inspired to open their own café, Rhythm Zero, shaped around routine and a welcoming atmosphere. For them, early mornings are their favorite part of the day: “Definitely the morning. That first coffee, seeing our regulars, journaling, making plans, and feeling the day begin.”

Beyond their own café space, they're drawn to places that encourage connection and music. If they had you in New York for a day, they would bring you to Public Records, where you would be part of a lovely music experience while enjoying a beautiful, intimate dinner.

Introduced through friends in Paris, Jacques Solovière became part of their everyday staples. Ivana wears the Chris in Earth Suede and the Steve and Alek always reaches for his Jacques New Perfo Black, alongside the Hervé.

If Ivana had to choose an album for her shoes, she'd pick Sade’s Soldier of Love, while Alek leans toward Lucio Battisti’s Il Mio Canto Libero. On their café menu, those same choices translate just as easily: an oat milk cortado for her, a short black Americano for him. Simple, precise, and reflective of their individual tastes.

Speaking of cafés, theirs draws inspiration from a more traditional European approach—meant to feel alive, even loud at times, filled with dogs, kids, people working, reading, and meeting friends.

For those passing through New York, it’s a place worth experiencing firsthand.