Paris - A Door That Doesn't Surprise

 I stood in line at a coffee shop called La Grande Orange. Phoenix. 40th Street, just above Indian School. The air was dry and smelled of roast beans.

The woman in front of me said she had an apartment in Paris.

I asked her about it. I didn’t wait for a pause.

“An apartment in Paris? How do you do that?”

She smiled. Said it wasn’t really hers. She rented the same one each time she went. Same street. Same walls. Same bakery. It made the place feel like home.

I thought about that.

I wanted it. The sameness. The way a street could greet you. A door that doesn’t surprise. I wanted to step off the train at Les Halles, walk past the flower stalls, head down Rue Montmartre. I wanted the corner of Etienne Marcel to mean something.

The bakery. The restaurant. The small things that let your body know you’re in the right place.

It took me three trips. But on the third, I stepped out of the metro doors, turned down the street. My shoulders dropped. The breath came easy.

I was home.

And it was good.

Phoenix - A Slow Sip and a Good Read: My Weekend Coffee Shop Escape

 

There’s something special about starting your weekend at a coffee shop—no rush, no emails, just a cozy corner, a good book, and the comforting aroma of fresh espresso. Over the weekend, I carved out a little time for myself and made my way to my favorite Starbucks, tucked away from the usual hustle.

As I walked in, the morning sun filtered through the large windows, casting a golden glow over shelves stocked with vibrant tumblers, colorful merchandise, and rows of coffee beans just waiting to be brewed at home. I picked up a bag of beans for the week—nothing beats the smell of a fresh grind in your own kitchen.

For breakfast, I treated myself to a warm bacon gouda sandwich, half of which was devoured almost immediately, and a jumbo blueberry muffin that looked too good to pass up. The muffin was rich and crumbly, with just the right amount of sweetness—perfectly paired with a hot latte and a tall glass of water to keep things balanced.

I found a quiet table and opened my book, diving into its pages while enjoying bites of breakfast and sips of my drink. There’s something deeply grounding about reading in a public space—surrounded by soft chatter, the hiss of steaming milk, and the scent of roasted coffee beans. It’s a kind of stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere.

It was a small moment, but deeply satisfying. I left with a full belly, a few new coffee beans for home brewing, and a few chapters further into my book—just the kind of peaceful start I needed for the weekend.

Phoenix - An Afternoon Pause at Essence Bakery

 Today I found myself at Essence Bakery on Indian School Road and 36th Street a little later than usual—just around 1 PM. I normally swing by in the early hours, when the air is filled with the smell of warm butter, and the pastry case practically glows with flaky croissants, fruit-studded tarts, and rows of golden-brown delights fresh from the oven.

But this afternoon, the shelves told a different story—almost bare, the morning rush having swept through like a tide of sweet-toothed regulars. Only four cookies remained. Four.

So I chose one—studded with cranberries and white chocolate—and paired it with a rich cup of Miscela D’Oro coffee. I took a seat and let the calm settle in.

The café’s interior, with its warm wooden beams, soft lighting, and gentle hum of conversations, felt like the perfect place to slow down. The cookie? Buttery and crisp on the edges, soft in the center, with just enough sweetness to feel like a small indulgence. The coffee, strong and grounding, made the moment linger a little longer.

Even though I missed out on the full pastry lineup today, there was something comforting about the quiet rhythm of the afternoon—the way a nearly empty bakery can feel like it’s saving a spot just for you.

Next time, I’ll come early again. But today’s simple cookie and coffee were just right.

Phoenix - A.T. Oasis Coffee & Tea Shop: A Warm Slice of Ethiopia in the Desert

 

Tucked away in a quiet plaza on Thomas Road, A.T. Oasis Coffee & Tea Shop offers more than just a caffeine fix—it serves up a soulful experience. From the moment you walk in, the warm aroma of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee greets you like an old friend. The interior blends cozy café culture with vibrant African heritage: hand-carved wooden maps of Africa, colorful woven baskets, and traditional jebena coffee pots line the walls and shelves.

The space is bright and inviting, perfect for lingering over a flaky, savory quiche and a rich cup of house-roasted coffee. On any given morning, you might find a few locals chatting at outdoor tables under red umbrellas, or someone quietly reading a Hemingway novel with a steaming cup at their side.

The vibe is relaxed, the food homemade, and the coffee full of heart. A.T. Oasis isn’t just a place to grab a latte—it’s a local gem where the Phoenix community meets culture, comfort, and tradition in every sip.

Phoenix, Az - The Henry

"The Henry" opened on December 17, 2013.  It is on Camelback just east of 44th Street.  I went to meet a friend for coffee in the afternoon, and was very surprised.  There was a lot of seating (it was actually dinner time) and has a lot of patio space and indoor coffee group space.  I was also told that a walk way was made in the back fence to make it easy for the neighborhood to get to the gathering spot.  Smart idea!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Lawrenceville Neighborhood Espresso a Mano

It was time for a coffee break!  We stopped in Espresso a Mano for a rest and a drink.
3623 Butler Street - espressoamano.com

 It was a little warm, but in nice weather I bet that the large doors are opened.

 Original materials kept. I like when this is done.

 Coffee break is over and we move on to see what else we can see.

Pirate's Alley cappucino and gelato

Cappucino and gelato at La Davine's

Time for a snack as we are walking around the French Quarter.

Rome, Italy - Tazza D'Oro - Authentic Coffee Bar in Rome

From December 4, Saturday in Rome

This is a true coffee bar in Rome.  We had finished a nice lunch and Kalen/Sara/Karl headed to this place (they found it the day before).  You pay for your order and get a receipt, then go to the barrista and he makes the beverage. It was crowded and wonderful!

Pannatone wrapped to go

Kalen pays for the drinks

We move to the stand up bar for the drinks

Espressos all around

Tazza D'Oro - the front of the coffee bar

Zuppa's Bistro and Sweet Thang

Zuppa's Bistro and Sweet Thang are two different establishments, sharing a space. Zuppa's prepares Italian food, focusing on soup, "the ultimate comfort food." Visit the blog at http://zuppas-on.blogspot.com/ to read Linda Wieczorek's comments about her restaurant and see some wonderful recipes.

This is a new place in the area and I've watched them with interest for a month or so, always intending to stop by. I was running short on time for lunch, so dropped by to see what they had. I was pleasantly surprised. Linda's "Zuppa's Bistro" has a wide variety of soups. I had stuffed shells. A cup of soup accompanies every entree, but I think that there will be days when I will want a bowl of soup and her yummy garlic bread.

Michelle of Sweet Thang made some Cafe au Lait and shared a sample of her special rum cake. Very tasty. She has a full variety of goodies and cupcakes. http://www.sweetthangcupcakes.com/

Good luck, Ladies. My only wish is that I could place one order when I was in there. I've not been there when it was crowded, so I don't know how the meal at one counter, and coffee at another, will work. I'll give it a try during lunch hour and let you know how it goes.

[more photos...later]