Coffee Table Bistro & Lounge | Eagle Rock, CA

Next time you find yourself stopping into a neighborhood eatery, take inventory of not just what's on your plate, but also what's around you on the walls, the floor, the windows, and even the tables and chairs. Sure, the real artistry is what's on the plate (and we've seen some pretty spectacular culinary presentations), but many proprietors have taken great pains to provide a welcoming atmosphere to enhance their patrons' dining experience. Take for example, The Coffee Table Bistro & Lounge in the town of Eagle Rock in Los Angeles, California. The murals and mosaics seen throughout its dining area is a testament of their support of local artists, writers, and musicians. They've been doing it since calling their nondescript 1930s building on the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Shearin Avenue home. And the relaxed, colorful atmosphere has made this a regular stop for the locals to hang out, be casual, and be creative ... I should know. While living in SoCal, some of my best writings happened right here!

But don't just come to The Coffee Table Bistro & Lounge for the scenery and a cup of coffee. After all, it's still an eatery. SO, DO COME HUNGRY!!! 

The menu is chock-full of simple and light dishes that run you through the day. Breakfast specialties include their Super Breakfast Burrito, the Yo-Yo Benny O Scramble, and the Eggs From Hell. Lunches cover everything from wraps and sandwiches to burgers and melts, and the dinner menu, while small compared to everything else, boasts a flavorful Chicken Gumbo, Seared Cajun Salmon, and Grilled Moroccan Chicken. And by the way, if enjoying the nightlife or happy hour is more your thing, be sure to wander over to the lounge where small plates and appetizers are served alongside a choice of over 100 bottled beers and 16 drafts on tap.

They are open everyday from 7:00a-10:00p. 

 

Coffee Table

1958 Colorado Blvd

Los Angeles, CA  90041

Old Soul Company | Sacramento, CA

 

When given the opportunity to take a break from their busy schedules, it's not hard to imagine that the choice of activity for Tim Jordan and Jason Greist may be to sit down across from each other with a good cup of coffee. Why? Because it's been something the two friends have done since their first meeting in 2002. At that time, Jason had just opened the Naked Lounge Coffeehouse, and Tim ... Well, he was one of Jason's first customers. Years later, a business partnership blossomed and the Old Soul Company became the Sacramento scene's reward.

From fresh artisanal baked goods that feed the eye as much as one's appetite to gourmet soups, salads, and sandwiches, Tim and Jason are doing all the right things by championing all-natural ingredients from mostly local suppliers. As they've often described it, "Sac has soul," and there's no reason to go anywhere else to stock the kitchens. Except, of course, where they get the beans that go into their specialty coffees. But make no mistake, even if the beans are coming from great distances, they are still blended and roasted right in the heart of the city's downtown grid at their original midtown location, aptly named The Alley.

There are currently three other locations under the Old Soul Compnay banner that serve the city: Weatherstone, Forty Acres, and Terminal B at Sac's International Airport. Each embraces the urban culture of its surrounding community and celebrates the art and artistry of its patrons. So, pull up a chair and chill out for a spell. Who knows? Sitting next to you just may be Tim and Jason. They've been doing it, after all, since their first meeting over ten years ago.

 

 

 

Old Soul Locations:
 

3434 Broadway

Sacramento, CA  95817
916.453.8540

812 21st Street
Sacramento, CA  95811
916.443.6340

1716 L Street (Rear Alley)
Sacramento, CA  95811
916.443.7685

6900 Airport Blvd
Sacramento, CA  95837

Naked Lounge | Sacramento, CA

I've said it before, and most likely, I'll say it many more times to come. The one thing that has really captured our imagination since we started sharing our food adventures with you has been meeting the people who make it all happen. The tireless owners, the accomplished chefs, the talented short-order cooks, the hardworking wait staff, the welcoming hosts, and ... well, the people. The every man, woman, and child who we've shared our story, and in turn, they have shared theirs.

Each of the adventures we've come to enjoy have become not just about the food, but about relationships. The euphoric feeling of being with someone who also shares in your passion, whether it's enjoying a time-tested burger that oozes with greasy goodness, an ice cream sundae that's piled to the ceiling with all the fixin's, or a volcanic chocolate bar that packs just enough heat to make you sweat and cry at the same time.

It doesn't take long to find this common bond. It can happen in just a split second, and then last for as long as the kitchen (or bar) is open. Take for example a recent visit we paid to the Naked Lounge-Midtown located on the corner of 15th and Q Streets. We had already heard so much about this converted house with its blending of neutral colors against recycled textures, its evocative paintings on the walls, and the owners' penchant to support new and up-and-coming musical acts. After all, the soothing and sometimes rockin' sounds were the only thing filtering out of the hidden speakers.

As I recall, it was a cold, rainy day in late Spring. Not enough to get one soaking wet, mind you, but enough to drive us indoors and call it a day for coffee or, in our kids' case, a good cup of hot chocolate. After commandeering a corner table near the front door, we surveyed the drink menu that was perched high above the counter where all the magic happened. The names were catchy, inspiring curiosity. There was the Press Pot, the Hammerhead, the Kerouac, and something called the Keith Richard. Each was described with an interesting flavor profile that had us pausing for a moment to say, "I think I can drink that."

In the end, however, we retreated to conservative wisdom. Two Mexican hot chocolates and two Mocha Thai drinks. Yes, we chose to be plain-Janes. We resolved to be BORING. The act did not go unnoticed.

"You should have tried their Bowl of Soul," came a friendly voice from the table next to ours. There sat two women, one dressed liked she had just come from a meeting, the other like she had just come from home. They sat side-by-side, taking comfort in not just each others' affection, but in the warmth that the Lounge offered. "We noticed that you both were having trouble deciding, and since you didn't order it, thought we'd suggest the Bowl of Soul for your next visit. We order nothing else."

The Bowl of Soul. A generous cup of camomile tea infused with vanilla soy milk, honey, and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. This was a cup of yummy goodness that reminds us of those little Calgon moments of being swept away. No wonder our new friends repeatedly order this and snuggle up to each other. Relax, release, and let go.

And so the ice was broken between us. Next thing we knew, we were all talking like we knew each other since forever, like stopping into the Lounge was not just some random act, but rather a planned rendezvous with old friends.

So, go forward on your next food adventure and take umbrage of the people who share the space around you. Given the backdrop provided by the Lounge, it's a good place to start. Locally owned and self-described as fiercely independent, it is one of four locations housed under the Naked Coffee umbrella. The others include Tupelo, Orphan, and Naked Lounge-Downtown, which also features a live music venue. They pride themselves "on a belief of individualism rather than robot-ism, and strive to inhabit unique urban neighborhoods while promoting creativity, dialogue and individuality." Oh, the stories you'll discover and the new friends that you'll make.

Naked Lounge
1500 Q Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.442.0174

Summer Snapshot of the Day: Bowl of Soul

What: Bowl of Soul
Where: Naked Lounge 1500 Q Street, Sacramento

A chamomile infused drink mixed with steamed vanilla soy milk, a squeeze of honey, and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. All of this served in a huge latte bowl. We snuggled up to quite a few of these concoctions during the many cold spring and early summer days in Sacramento.

The Eagle Cafe | West Sacramento, CA

NOW SERVING OMELETTES. Funny how these three words can prompt one to stop into a neighborhood coffee shop and pull up a chair. That's just what happened to us when we noticed these three magical words outside The Eagle Cafe, a favorite stop of ours in the West Sacramento area. We've known for some time about the cafe's great tasting beverages and savory panini sandwiches, but when we learned that they added five different omelettes to their menu, our appreciation was renewed for this quaint neighborhood eatery.


The Eagle Cafe is still very much in its infancy having opened its doors in February 2010. That aside, however, owner Altin Shquti has gone to great lengths to create a relaxing environment where one can feel welcome whether its kicking off a good morning or soaking up the sun's rays in the afternoon. There's ample seating for such a little place, including a lounge area situated at one side of the cafe's common area. It's an ideal spot to catch up with good friends or perhaps to hold mini meetings with colleagues. During our recent visit, we observed a group of young thirty-somethings musing over the books in their hands. Book club, perhaps? Why not.

The beverage bar is quite extensive. The coffee used by The Eagle Cafe is provided by Vaneli's Handcrafted Coffee, a local roastery located in Rocklin, CA, where much of their fair trade blends are organic and fired slowly to ensure balance among bold, complex flavors. If blended beverages are more to your liking, Shquti and his staff can whip up any one of their iced drinks, smoothies, or blended cremes. Flavor choices include coconut, java chip, taro, green tea, chocolate peanut butter, mango, pralines and cream, belgium chocolate, strawberry, etc. etc. etc. Definitely something for everyone!




But let's not forget, we were enticed by those three words, NOW SERVING OMELETTES. Again, five different kinds to choose from such as the Veggie, the Greek, and the Eagle, which is made with bacon, tomato, cheese, spinach, bell peppers, and roasted turkey. The two remaining choices include simpler favorites such as a gooey 3-cheese offering and their ham-n-cheese combination. Each of their omelettes are complimented with a slice of toast and fresh fruit.

I do have to be honest, however. As satisfying as their omelettes were, and they certainly got our day off to a good start, the real attraction for us at The Eagle Cafe still has to be their panini sandwiches. These are some of the best we've had this side of the Sacramento River. Among our favorites is their breakfast panini made with scrambled eggs, spinach, tomato and bacon served on sourdough bread or a herbed focaccia roll. Couple this with one of their hearty soups of the day such as minestrone, chicken and wild rice, tomato basil, or clam chowder, and you'll walk away in a food coma.


The Eagle Cafe is open daily, but if you're a night owl of sorts or if the craving for caffeine tends to hit you once the sun starts to set, this is not the place for you. While the doors open at 6:00 a.m., they close up for the night at 6:00 p.m. Will the world stop spinning because of this? Of course not. In fact, my mother would put it another way as one who looks out for my health and well-being: "They may be doing you a favor. Drinking all that coffee will just keep you up at night, and you stay up too late as it is." Point taken.

The Eagle Cafe
3150 Jefferson Blvd
West Sacramento, CA 95691
916.372.2401

OOTK's "12 Days of Christmas" | The Fifth Day

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

5 pounds of Chez Panisse House Blend from

Blue Bottle Coffee Company

In this picture: Pounds of coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee Company at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Blue Bottle Coffee Company is one of the best coffee we have ever had. Blue Bottle takes their roasting seriously, making only small batches at a time and using only the best certified organic coffees. Our favorite is the Chez Panisse Blend which is perfect for this time of year, going great with any holiday dessert. When visiting the city, I make sure to stop by one of their cafes so that I can grab myself a fresh cup of their New Orleans Style Iced Coffee. Mixed with sugar, milk, this chickory-laced-with-a-hint-of-chocolate-laced concoction will certainly hit the spot.

Locations (partial listing):

Blue Bottle Coffee Company

300 Webster Street

Oakland, CA

Ferry Building Marketplace, Shop #7

1 Ferry Building

San Francisco, CA

SFMOMA

151 Third Street, Fifth Floor

San Francisco, CA

Chocolate Fish Coffee | Sacramento, CA

There's a time-tested gesture native to New Zealand that if given a "chocolate fish," you are being recognized with either a very special thank you, apology, or reward for a good deed. As I understand it, it's their unique way of paying it forward to ensure harmony within a family dynamic, a community, or some other microcosm such as an office or a classroom.

What is a "chocolate fish" you ask? They are milk-chocolate covered marshmallow candies shaped like a fish. They come in a variety of lengths, but the most popular are as long as eight inches. In short, a "chocolate fish" is all about rich and chewy goodness that anyone would appreciate.

And it is with this philosophy, this gesture of goodwill, that the folks at Chocolate Fish Coffee welcome each of their customers. As far as their concerned, we're all deserving of a special treat!

Located on the corner of 3rd and Q Street, Chocolate Fish Coffee was established in 2008 by Andy and Edie Baker, both of whom have made it their personal commitment to provide some of the best tasting beverages made from the highest quality coffee beans the world has to offer. As they are quick to note, "We love espresso, and hope to pass this passion on to our visitors."

Nothing is compromised in their neighborhood storefront, meaning that careful preparation goes into every cup. The beans are provided by Ecco Caffe and Ritual Roasters, and they act as the base for all of their drinks such as the Flat White, which they describe as "a short version of a latte that's served in a small cup to render a smooth, yet strong flavor." Or, if you're craving something that's a bit more bold, there's the Ristretto, where "the espresso shot is pulled short to produce a richer, more intense cup of coffee."

Not sure what blend is right for you? That's okay. They can serve up more conventional fare, or if asked, they are more than willing to talk shop. After all, Andy and Edie have in their employ not just one, but two renowned baristas, Kyle Baumann and Erik Annonson. Both were recently featured competitors at the United States Barista Championships in April.

So, they really know their stuff at Chocolate Fish Coffee, and they are certainly willing to share their personal stories. Given this, there's only one question to ask yourself: Do you or someone you know deserve a "chocolate fish" today?

Swork Coffee | Eagle Rock, CA

In as many years as my wife and I have been married, we've been coming to Swork Coffee, one of the original small business establishments which helped spearhead Eagle Rock, CA's revitalization. And the attraction was not what we were getting in our cups, but rather Swork Coffee offered a no frills place to meet and laugh with friends, family and neighbors.

Got kids? No problem, meaning that the little tykes are taken care of as well with an available children's drink menu and a play area known as Sworkland, where there are toys and books a-plenty. Founded by entrepreneur Tricia Neal in 2000, Swork Coffee offers nothing but the best with its beans coming direct from growers in Guatemala and its blends developed through its own beverage lab. Whether you're having one of their signature Sworkuccinos, Gelatoccinos, or Smoothies, you know you're getting quality and rich flavors that are not watered down. So, avoid that other "coffee house" across the street and stop into this true original. You won't be disappointed.