| Home | About | Archives | RSS Feed |
A bean for all seasons
Cafes are cliché, without a doubt. In the movies, the glamorous, beret-clad, cigarette-smoking romantics sip their latte and have nothing better to talk about than love and communism.
But that’s just the cliché. I am a café haunter, and proud to say that in this little corner of the earth, there are many moods and good cups of coffee to be had at local cafes. I can’t say that I have a favorite place…yet. But there is truly a café for all seasons and all desires here in SoCo. If I’m feeling like I need a little social isolation but not so much that I am staring at my own wall trying to write a blog (ahem) I head to Rubi’s in Great Barrington. It is the epitome of cool and for some reason that is a draw. It is Europe, all over again, right down to the special-order mocha from France (and what a disaster when they run out). Great latte, people speaking in hushed tones, a perfect place to really write or have an inspiring conversation. And did I say how good the mocha is?
Speaking of mocha (let’s face it, that’s just a fancy word for chocolate which is a civilized word for heroin), Chocolate Springs in Lenox is another haunt for this road-weary writer. I make many trips from Sheffield to Pittsfield to cover a plethora of events and meetings. While I grumble about the drive it dawns on me, every single time, that I will be passing the fountain of chocolate and thus have to make a stop and then be forced to get an exquisite mocha drink which will of course require a coma-inducing dessert. I talk myself out of any guilt by saying that this will be my lunch (and dinner). Plus, it is my reward for not driving 80 mph back from Pittsfield. I take my time on the way back, fearing I will miss the turn into Aspinwell. And if I’m lucky, which I usually am, someone will be playing the piano there, thus completing the entire decadent experience.
And then there is the Marketplace Café in my little town of Sheffield. A trip like this (for me) really only requires a pair of sunglasses and a sudden urge for a very strong cup of joe (we joke around when I order a small Columbian) and, if I’m feeling ambitious and hungry, a giant, buttery, cinnamon scone that will literally last for hours. The sandwiches are amazing as well, and I think the secret is the chipotle sour cream and the golden ciabatta, or maybe it’s the pasta salad side. Or maybe, and this could be it, it’s Robby who decorates the foam of my latte with chocolate hearts and flowers.
Or maybe it’s the fact that all of South County’s “tree guys” are there first thing in the morning and then again at lunch.
Either way, don’t be afraid of the café. They are friendly places that lift us out of anonymity and into a community that appreciates a friendly face and a good brew.
| Tags: cafes, south, county |
