Robin C.
Yelp
A perfect day! I was uncertain about my visit to JoeCoffee today. After all, it is Thanksgiving. Would they be open? They were! Greeted with lovely smiles by Natalie and Ian aka Nebraska and Philly, they sacrificed half their holiday to serve the public, and welcomingly so. They'd still get to spend the latter half of the day (after 2pm) with family). Low-key friendliness and dressed in cozy casual, they proved there's more to blending an atmosphere than knowing how to blend the perfect coffee; although Ian did do that--the best latte I've had in some time.
Ian shared a playlist that felt perfect for Thanksgiving -- what might be termed as neu or neo folk, composed of tracks by Iron & Wine, My Morning Jacket and others. Thanksgiving needs to have folk music, in my opinion. Something thoughtfully acoustic with introspective vocals in soft tones. Nothing too stressful.
The morning sunlight was a bit bright, but I settled into a shadowy corner table in the back and was able to watch the autumn view out the front window as leaves cascaded down hypnotically to the music at perfectly ambient volume level. It was chill weather and chill time. I don't know if it was the hot milk in the coffee, the blend of espresso, the ambience of the music, the personalities of the baristas. Or, maybe I was just in the right mood, but the whole experience mellowed me out and swept away any of the angst and stress that seems to come part and parcel with holidays. Whatever the ingredients, this was the perfect blend for a perfect day.
Thank you to my holiday hosts, Natalie & Ian. 5 stars! I am grateful!