Rendezvous at Caffe Trieste

Caffe Trieste

315 S. First Street

San Jose, California 95113

Another Wednesday has arrived taking us to another coffee shop. This week, when Greg asked the usual question, “So have you selected a target?” I was able to say, “Why yes, I have!” A friend had invited me to “sip wine and people watch” this past Saturday in downtown San Jose. She took me to one of her favorite cafes, Caffe Trieste. (Now for all of my Lancaster County friends that are searching for a connection between the “sipping wine” and “caffe” – yes, this is indeed a coffee shop that serves wine and beer as well as coffee!) This establishment is not one that I need hang back and judiciously consider my opinion. Just like its Italian heritage, it welcomes you with an already-familiar hug and a big smile that makes you feel like you have been a part of its community for ages. (When, in all reality, you only walked in the door for the first time a few minutes ago.) “Ah…” I thought, “I must return!”

So return we did. I am now ensconced on a comfortable leather sofa in the upper level. This is like a balcony or loft, allowing a view down upon the rest of the shop and even out onto the street. (Fantastic for people watching!) We are enjoying a delightful pot of Yerba mate whilst studying. The café offers a comfortable selection of Panini’s, sandwiches, and soups. (I polished off a very comforting cup of beef vegetable soup accompanied by tasty bread earlier.) They also have an assortment of enticing desserts, including some authentic looking cannolis!

The interior itself has a slight pub feel. There is a combination of local art and futbol jerseys and pictures adorning the walls. I am giving them extra points for the playable piano tucked into one corner. (Yes, someone did exercise the keys the other night.J)

As all respectable coffee shops should, they do have free Wi-Fi. (You do have to ask for a password, however, the staff was very obliging). Now, having mostly depleted the battery on my computer by leaving it unplugged for the last day and a half- I was happy to find that one doesn’t have to move furniture and crawl over fellow patrons to access an outlet. (Between my cord and Greg’s, though, we have created a limbo behind the sofa… hahaJ)

Caffe Trieste is definitely a must-return-to spot! In the near future I would like to write a Caffe Trieste sequel and include more about the infamous people watch and the history of the establishment. For now the overly curious can read about it themselves on the website www.caffetriestesj.com .  

An afternoon at Printer's Inc. Cafe

Printer’s Inc. Café

320 S. California Ave

Palo Alto, Ca 94306

http://www.printerscafe.co

It is a slightly chilly day with hints of fall in the air as I sit outside at Printer’s Inc Café in Palo Alto, CA. I have armed myself with a mug of black currant tea brewed from loose tealeaves. The Printer’s Inc. had an alluring sound to an English major such as myself. I had envisioned a cozy coffee shop with heavy wood tables, a leather couch or chair, newspapers on the walls and deep bookshelves containing slightly dusty tomes. Instead, I was slightly surprised to find a bustling café with a feeling similar to a Panera Bread or Le Boulanger. It seems to be a popular spot, offering a full range of salads, sandwiches, and soups as well as a coffee and tea menu. I tried the French Onion soup. It came with a hearty chunk of baguette and a pat of butter. At first I was appalled at the seeming omission of cheese, however I discovered it was on the bottom. I do rather prefer my cheese upon the top, but to each his own. If you like onions you will find yourself in onion heaven with this soup. Overall, it was most sustaining. J

As the lunch hour rolls into full swing the quiet study-ers have been replaced by the meet-ers. What appears to be a group of businessmen on their lunch break are clustered around two mismatched tables they have pulled together. Beside them sits another group who seem to have just met each other for the first time with the purpose of discussing what sounds like a mission trip or similar excursion to another country. Off in the corner sits a couple studying companionably. Occasionally a patron hails a passer-by who stops to chat. Inside the tables are equally filled with similar groups; people here to meet over some matter or other, downtown on their lunch break, and the occasional study-er mixed in amongst the rest.

It is a pleasant spot, even if it is not a coffee shop according to my strict standards. They do offer free Wi-Fi. However, if you bring your computer make sure you have a nice battery life, as outlets seem to be non-existent.

For those of us who consistently forget to carry cash on our persons- be aware that while they do accept Visa and MasterCard they require a $5 minimum purchase.

Now finding the restrooms feels something like a snipe hunt. You begin by looking around and not seeing signs for such a facility anywhere. Upon asking (and let’s be honest – by now you’re dying), you are told you have to walk through the art gallery located behind the café. (Yes, there is an entrance from inside the restaurant.) Okay – the restrooms are in the art gallery. You stroll nonchalantly into the gallery and encounter a wall of displays. Don’t be daunted; continue around the display and you will find a door. You will have to eat a piece of mushroom so you can shrink small enough to fit through the door, and then consume something in a bottle when you come back to return to normal size. Ok, just kidding. Just go through the door, past the shelves of pottery seconds and – wha la! (Wow! After that hunt, I think I need a danish!) Actually, once located it is a respectable accommodation. The germ conscious need not fear.

The Printer’s Inc. is more a restaurant than a coffee shop. That being said, though, it was a spot I would consider revisiting. (Although, a tad bit pricey…) Next time, I shall actually try the coffee, which I understand is locally roasted.