Tend Coffee
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I think that this cafe might be a rare species: a drive-thru turned brick and mortar. While the first instinct is to then worry about parking and space, the former is of no concern. On the latter point, well you might be justified—there are just three circular tables inside. However, I wouldn’t let this deter you from stopping in. There’s a restroom, friendly staff, and an unexpectedly reputable clientele. Allow me to explain. As I sat, listening to a group of three bearded figures, convening in the space’s only corner and speaking what sounded like some Eastern European language, I also overheard the orders of each customer that followed me... “Medium, iced decaf latte, please.” “Cold brew. Black.” “Four shot Americano. Non-fat milk.” “Single espresso,” relayed the woman tending to the phones. Everything about this place points to it being a “fruity” coffee place, a place where the coffee is clouded with syrups and flavors. But, no. Looking from the branded, gingery rug to the robust rows of coffee bags (all reading different roasts and blends, like Winter Harvest, Grass Puppy, and Rhino Chaser), it’s clear that it’s all on brand: they tend to every flavor and desired taste. Obsessively poring over their merchandise (which is so unlike me, but everything was just so enticing. I even caved and purchased a mug...see below) and considering the word valor, their “Weekly Word” written up on a long chalk board right behind the trash bin, I realized that they hit the nail on the head of exactly what I tend to enjoy.
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Drink: Birthday Cake Latte
You’re only 10 years old once. That’s the thought that drove me to get this drink—notable given that it changed everything; I was this close to getting The Fireside. There’s also no cappuccino on the menu, and every fiber of my being doesn’t know what to make of that. The barista quickly listed off the flavors in the celebratory latte (almond, caramel, and coconut I believe). She misunderstood me when I expressed that the choice was a difficult one. “If you tell me what flavors you like, I can get it for you.” No no, no flavors. I was trying to decide whether I wanted to even go there at all. But again, somehow the idea of sprinkles and whipped cream at 10:00 didn’t upset me as much as it normally would. So, with a light ice request, my drink came out a few minutes later. And, honestly? For this black coffee drinker, it was like letting my taste buds hit the bounce house at a children’s party. It was fun; it retained a coffee flavor; and, if I’m not mistake, it earns the “first coffee drink with confetti sprinkles” badge.
