Evelyn E.
Yelp
Today is a busy mom week. Living the single mom of 4 life until Friday. Finishing my work deadlines into the evening, I went to bed at 2:30am... With early pick ups at 11:30 & 1:30. And again at 3:05 & 4:00... I needed some peace and quiet to relax my anxieties of my insane schedule. A little breakfast & coffee, too! I wanted to try something different than the usual hustle and bustle of people moving at a fast pace in Montclair Village & Lake Merritt.
Yelped for coffee & found this 4.5 star gem. Tucked away in Montclair. Near Thornhill Elem. you'll find this coffee shop. Away from busy streets. You can hear children playing in the distances and birds chirping.
The owner, a lovely Cambodian lady, knows all the regulars. She plays with the babies while a mom has a bit of breakfast. She even helped a mom roll out her stroller to the car as the mom held her toddler. She went out with a dog treat to say hello to an dog owner on their morning walk around the neighborhood. She works almost 7 days a week. And her college age children come home on the weekends to give her some time to relax.
If your looking for a place to slow down for the busy world and relax, this place is it! Don't expect a barista to rush your order. Expect to have a touching conversation with an immigrant woman who went from not knowing English to becoming a small business owner. Except to share your story as well and leave with a big warm hug & a gentle smile! This place is the definition of above and beyond service with a smile!
Now on to the breakfast goodies: The coffee was amazing! She'll overflow your cup and ask you to sip it to make sure you enjoy. It was a bit too warm for me to sip. But, I liked that she doesn't waste a drop. She said if my raspberry mocha is too sweet, just add extra house coffee! That's so generous to offer that option.
AND the Lox Bagel was the best I've ever had! You'll never see me at Noah's Bagels again! I don't know if it's the brand of smoke salmon or the fact that she's passionate about her cafe that made it taste like your body is embraced in a cozy cloud. I felt like my meal was made with such love!
After my bagel, I walked out with my still hot mocha. Took a deep breathe under the redwoods that provide the cafe with shade. I walked over to my car with the biggest smile. And was ready to start my day. But, without the stresses and anxieties I originally woke up with.
I think I may go there after morning drop offs this week to get that feeling of relaxation to jump start my day. But, now I'm wondering if they have WiFi so I can get some work done there as well.