AnnaLynn S.
Yelp
So I will try to make this brief, but it will be difficult.
Alexandra's not only sells the best focaccia I have ever had, the owner has helped to restore my faith in humanity. That's a lot for a cafe, I know.
My father has stage 4 colon cancer (and a slew of other terrible illnesses).
Prior to having cancer, he lived with me for several months every winter in the Seattle area. He has been a huge focaccia fan for as long as I can remember. When he came one winter, I took him to Alexandra's and he said it was the best focaccia he's ever tasted. Not traditional really, but a take on the bread that he has never had before and loved (he notes the thick loaf, wealth of olive oil throughout, and delicious olives, as well as coarse sea salt on top). He has been talking about this bread for years and has it multiple times when he visits.
I have since moved back to Chicago to be with family as my parents continue to have health difficulties. Recently, my father lost a scary amount of weight during chemo treatments and had almost no appetite for months. He was often checked out and foggy in his thinking, but one day he left me a voicemail asking me about the focaccia from Alexandra's and if there was a way he could get it.
I emailed the owner, Alexandra, explaining the situation. She replied saying she would love to make him a loaf, free of charge. Sure enough she sent it to us. It arrived days after he was admitted to the hospital with a grave prognosis. It has been the hardest month of my family's lives.
Unfortunately, he could not swallow after being admitted to the hospital and the doctors thought it unlikely he would ever swallow again. I decided not to tell him I got the bread just in case they were right. Well, it has been in my freezer for weeks now. My father defied the odds and is still alive. I told him a couple weeks ago that I received the focaccia loaf with a very kind note from the owner and he should use it as motivation to be able to swallow again. He did.
We were just told today by his rehab facility that he is cleared to eat anything he wants! We don't know how long he has left exactly, but are so so grateful he is still here and will be having the best focaccia again. Made by such a kind human.
I doubt many have read this far, but , in case you have,
GO TO ALEXANDRA'S. IT HAS THE BEST FOCACCIA, IT's SUPER CUTE INSIDE,AND IT IS OWNED BY SUCH A GOOD HUMAN.