slocoffeecrawl Shelter in Place Edition

Like most of the rest of the world, Joan and I are confined to our homes due to the corona virus, so this morning we decided to Face Time a coffee date with each other.  Joan had a cup of Trader Joe's Dark French Roast coffee with two tablespoons of Coffee Mate French Vanilla.  Not as fancy as her usual coffee house order, but enjoyable none the less.  Sheila had a cup of Peet's Dark French Roast with nothing added. We've all had to make a lot of adjustments in our lives, some more than others.  We both feel lucky that we are retired and our children are safe and healthy and financially secure.  It's important to stay in touch with friends and family and support each other as much as we can and to focus on the positive.  It was great to "see" Joan and chat with her and catch up on what's been happening in our lives.  Face Time or Zoom or whatever other method you can use that keeps you in touch with others is important.  My husband and I have been doing "family dinners" through Zoom with our daughters and their families and that has been fun.  Joan keeps in touch with her daughter and son-in-law and granddaughter with Face Time.  I must say that having coffee with Joan this morning really lifted my spirits and we're planning on doing this on a regular basis every week until we can actually get out and go to a coffee place once again.

This is Joan's coffee "station."

This is Sheila's coffee "station."

Joan has been using some of her time while sheltered in place painting.  This is her dog Baby.

 There are plenty of mugs to choose from at Sheila's house!  Joan's mug is very apropos, don't you think?

 Sheila's cat Jon Snow is not at all concerned about this virus.  His life continues to include lots of nap time.
Think about it: What good shall I do this day? 

Crepe Mon Ami Bar

Crepe Mon Ami Bar is located on Court Street in San Luis Obispo.  This is a new location for this establishment.  We actually went last Friday and were met there by our good friend Barbara, but didn't blog until today.  The weather was gorgeous, so we sat inside but next to an open door in order to enjoy the pleasant morning ambiance of Court Street.  Crepe Mon Ami Bar is a very cute venue, beautifully decorated with French touches and both indoor and outdoor seating. It has the most diverse coffee menu we've come across in all our 68 coffee excursions.  Of course Sheila only got  regular black coffee to stick to tradition.  It was a really delicious medium roast without a hint of bitterness, just a smooth enjoyable cup of coffee.  It was $2.50.  Joan had a hard time choosing between all the many coffee drinks, but decided on the Madness, which was a combination of caramel and toffee nut with espresso and topped with whipped cream.  It not only looked good, it was good.  Joan proclaimed it the best in the category of foo foo coffee drinks that she has had so far.  Now that's saying a lot! It was $4.50.  There are also many other drink options, both hot and cold, including smoothies.  They have an extensive crepe menu of both savory and sweet crepes, suitable for any meal or a snack.  Barbara got a lemon and sugar crepe, which she generously shared with us.  It was yummy! Gluten free options are also available. We highly recommend that the next time you're in downtown San Luis Obispo, you stop by Crepe Mon Ami Bar!

Think About It: "The life you have led doesn't need to be the only life you have." Anna Quindlen

Farmhouse Corner Market

Across from the San Luis Obispo Airport at 1025 Farmhouse Lane is a new restaurant called Farmhouse Corner Market.  Along with a breakfast and lunch menu and a Friday and Saturday dinner menu, which looks delicious, they have a coffee menu. Closing hours vary from day to day but most days they open at 7:00 A.M.  It has a very pleasant atmosphere, with an urban feel.  It is open and airy and bright and cheerful.  One wall is painted with a mural of an aerial view of local farmlands, and there are various sinks mounted on this wall with foliage growing out them.  Very clever!  There is both outdoor and indoor seating with plenty of tables, chairs, and also a large counter area with barstools.  Attached is a market with beer, wine, ice cream, jewelry, cheeses, preprepared meals, plants, skin care items, and you name it!  It seems like a great place to buy a gift or something for yourself.  Sheila had a small light roast drip coffee which was $2.50.  It was robust and satisfying.  Joan had a flat white coffee with oat milk, which is like a latte with less milk.  She said she would get it again. It was $4.25.  She also had a cinnamon muffin (AKA donut in the shape of a muffin) which she liked very much.  We would definitely go back again for a meal, shopping, or just a nice cup of coffee and a chat.

 Think About It: "To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven."
Johannes A. Gaertner

Joliene Bakery

On this cool Autumn morning we went to The Creamery at 570 Higuera Street where there is a new European style bakery called Joliene Bakery, which has a very nice coffee menu to accompany its many baked goods, as well as breakfast and lunch items.  It's a cute place with both indoor and outdoor seating.  The barista was very friendly and welcoming.  Sheila got a small drip coffee which was $3.50. All coffee drinks come with a delicious house made crisp and cinnamony cookie.  The coffee was rich and satisfying.  Joan got a dark chocolate ganache latte with house made cashew milk. This is the first place where we've seen this particular latte offered.  It was $6.00.  She describes it as not overly sweet, but with a definite chocolate goodness to it.  She says she'd get it again, for sure.  We also got a cookie to go with our coffee called a Nuttin Better, which was so good and rich and that's all we have to say about that!  If you like peanut butter and shortbread, this cookie is for you. The refurbished Creamery is a lovely spot to go to at the edge of town, with a calming atmosphere and several shops and restaurants to enjoy.  Go check out Joliene Bakery!

Think About It: "I hope I can be the Autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." Dodinsky

Kin Coffee Bar

This beautiful San Luis Obispo August morning we were delighted to try out a brand new coffee establishment called Kin Coffee Bar, located in the heart of downtown at 847  Higuera Street.  It is an intimate venue, with a definite modern, yet vintage vibe.  We were greeted by the friendly barista/owner, starting our experience this morning on a very positive note. There are a number of very intriguing drink choices, but we decided to go with our usual latte and Americano coffees.  Both were specially prepared for us on the spot and did not disappoint.  The Americano which Sheila got was bold and delicious.  She finished the entire generous cup, which she doesn't always. It was a very reasonable $3.00.  Joan's latte was $4.25, and she described it as full bodied and with just the right balance of cream and coffee.  There are a number of seating choices including comfy club chairs and a window bench, just right for people watching, bar stools, and interesting classic chairs and side tables stocked with vintage magazines and newspapers.  It is a perfect atmosphere for conversation among friends.  They also have a variety of goodies to go with your coffee.  Joan got a raspberry almond croissant, which was flaky and fresh.  Our coffees came with a tiny buttery cookie, too.  Their coffee beans are provided by locally owned  Cacti Coffee Roasters.  We would definitely recommend that you stop in and stay awhile to enjoy not only the atmosphere but the amazing drink menu they offer.

 Think About It: We are celebrating new beginnings and blessings with the arrivals of granddaughters Terra and Nora for both of us! Find something to celebrate today in your life, whether small or monumental.

Nourish

Happy day after the 4th of July!  This morning we ventured out to the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo to a place we just recently discovered but apparently has been open for about two years.  It is called Nourish, located at 1126 Morro Street, next to the Granada Hotel .  It is easily missed if you're walking by because it is a small place, but don't let the size fool you.  It has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu as well as coffees, teas, wine and beer.  There are gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options, too.  It is a cute place with a very pleasant  atmosphere and includes both indoor and outdoor seating.  Sheila had her usual black coffee, an Americano, which was robust and flavorful.  It was $3.00.  Joan had a latte made with espresso, almond milk, and housemade vanilla syrup, along with a morning glory muffin, which was delicious.  The coffee they use is roasted by Cacti Roasters.  Joan described it as smooth, strong, and tempered nicely by the almond milk.  We look forward to going back one day soon to try their lunch or breakfast items.

 Think About It:
Today, put down that which does not serve you and pick up all that makes you full and filled.
Arielle Estoria
(From the Nourish website.)

Le Petit Paris

Located at the end of Mission Mall on Higuera Street near San Luis Creek is a new coffee place called Le Petit Paris.  It is a charming and very inviting venue with both indoor and outdoor seating which includes comfy chairs, couches, tables, and counters.  There is a welcoming fireplace, a friendly and accommodating barista named Julian, and gentle music playing in the background, which all go to make up a very pleasant experience.  There is an extensive drink menu as well as pastries, breakfast items, and  lunch offerings.  They also have beer and wine.  Joan had a soy latte with hazelnut flavoring which she enjoyed very much. There are a number of different flavorings to choose from.  It was $4.25.  Sheila had her usual black coffee.  It came in a generous cup and was so delicious she drank the whole thing!  It was $2.50.  We both agreed we'd come back for not only coffee but to try their breakfast and lunch fare.  So if you're downtown, we recommend you stop by Le Petit Paris and sit and relax with a cup of coffee or other drink and enjoy the ambience offered there!