From the table at the Blue Daisy Cafe, I could hear the smooth sound of piano jazz playing quietly in the background while I waited eagerly to look at the menu. I looked around at the colorful décor. Thick black and white patterns covered the chairs while the umbrellas boasted a bright green leafy pattern. Hints of pink and blue popped through in the patterned pillows resting on the bench seating. It took me a moment to realize the menu barcode taped to the corner of the table, a small relic from the pandemic. I took my phone out to scan when I realized the poor server dealing with a very unhappy patron arguing over the price of an order of bacon.
Once I had the menu open, I breezed through the decently sized menu. I contemplated changing my mind from what I originally came here to order. The sandwiches were enticing and the array of sweet, dessert-like crepes distracted me before I came to my senses. Zucchini hashbrown. These delicious morsels were the whole reason for my Wednesday morning walk to the café. While I distractedly remembered the zucchini hashbrown from my previous visit the server came over with a cool glass of water. He did not stop to take my order. With this interruption from memory lane, I refocused my attention, quickly deciding on the three eggs with bacon.
I scrolled down the page to peruse the drink selection. Momentarily, I was almost enticed into a bubbly mimosa by the happy sounds coming from the table next to me. “I could just stay a while and have a few drinks…” I thought. The Broadway spritz looked exciting. A spritz with cynar, aperitivo nonino, champagne, and bitters. The earthy, vegetal flavor of the artichoke aperitif mixed with the sweet bubbly champagne sounded like a refreshing way to spend a boozy Wednesday. The nagging thought of my to-do list propelled me back to reality.
“A Turkish Latte, please,” I said with a smile when the server finally came to take my order. For those of you just starting on your coffee-discovering adventures I highly recommend ordering a Turkish latte when the opportunity arrives. A strong and slightly sweet latte flavored with cardamom and topped with foamy warm milk is sure to please. Before taking that last satisfying gulp of coffee be careful to not get the finely ground coffee beans that settle sleepily in the bottom of your cup caught in your teeth. Turkish Coffee is made with ultra-finely ground coffee that isn’t filtered out before being enjoyed.
My food and latte came out quickly. An array of goodies stared up at me from the rectangular plate. I hungrily broke open the sunny yolk of my over-medium egg. The rich, buttery yolks complimented the salty bacon perfectly. A classic combination.
I couldn’t wait any longer as I pierced my fork through the crispy exterior of the zucchini hashbrown. I shiver of excitement ran through my body as a trail of steam rushed out of the green interior. The zucchini melted in my mouth with a burst of sweet freshness. The crunchy exterior combined with the creaminess of the inside is pure perfection.
I would be remiss if I did not address that there was substantively too much oil used in the cooking, leaving the mild taste of canola oil in your mouth when you are finished. Additionally, the crepe was thick and chewy with a side of strawberry jam that was entirely too sweet.
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