Since we moved to this community, I’ve been anxious to visit Creswell Bakery in Creswell, OR. This morning, Kevin and I finally made the trip. We arrived at 10AM, and one of the first things that stood out was the number of cars surrounding the building, so we assumed it would be a full house. We walked into a spacious dining hall with plenty of available tables, and plenty of customers. I had an idea of what I wanted to try from the menu on their website, http://www.creswellbakery.com, and ordered the breakfast burrito. It had potatoes, eggs, sausage, salsa and guacamole. Kevin ordered a version without sausage. I also ordered a cup of coffee. This particular bakery only offers brewed coffee, so if you are expecting a latte, you’ll need to go elsewhere. The coffee they offer is Stumptown Coffee (www.stumptowncoffee.com). It’s delicious! It ranks up there with the coffee we buy for special occasions. The ladies waiting on us were friendly and cheery. These burritos were huge! They were very filling. I couldn’t finish mine, but it was delicious. I’m looking forward to going back and try the other dishes they offer, such as French toast or pizza. So, anyway, that is my short review from our latest breakfast/coffee venture. If you want to try something new, Creswell bakery may be your cup of tea……..or coffee!

Elizabeth

It was my turn to pick out the coffee house for #4, and I chose Tailored Coffee Roasters. TCR is located at 291 E. 5th Ave, right across the street from the 5th Street Market, tucked in along a row of various businesses that share the same building. I had heard of this place from a Facebook friend who had photographed the process leading to it’s opening.

When we arrived, it was still early on a Saturday morning. There was only one other customer and the barista. It was very quiet.

On a personal note, TCR’s location is right next to the railroad tracks and they have a window through which you can watch the train go by. A big plus if you have a train enthusiast in your family…………..like we do.

If you are interested in checking this place out and all they have to offer, their website is at http://www.tailoredcoffee.com/

Elizabeth

So, this week’s choice was Allan Bros Coffee Roasters/The Beanery, located at 152 West 5th St. Allann Bros has several locations in the state as well. But we didn’t feel like making that road trip to compare all of the locations. This one also happens to be right next to our favorite home and garden store, Down to Earth (which is were we went for garden starts after our coffee).

When we first walked in, there were people everywhere. It wasn’t crowded, but you could see that this was the place where a lot of people liked to come, sit and enjoy their coffee and food while reading the local paper or visiting with friends. So, we did like the atmosphere right away.

I am looking forward to another visit to this cafe (followed by a visit to Down to Earth to check out their kitchen gadgets and dishes). If you’d like to visit before I get another chance to, here is their web address for you to check out http://www.allannbroscoffee.com/

Elizabeth

Hello Everyone! Ok, the second coffeehouse we reviewed is the Washburne Cafe. The first thing that I noticed when I walked into the building was the smell of roasted potatoes. I absolutely LOVE potatoes, so I was ready to give it a “thumbs up” without even tasting the coffee! I checked out the decor while Kevin ordered our breakfast (and I made sure to choose a dish featuring those potatoes). This place felt cozy and inviting.

The service was friendly and fast, the food was delicious and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. I’m looking forward to the next time I go to The Washburne Cafe! For more information, here is their web address http://www.thewashburnecafe.com/ Elizabeth

Hi Everyone!
Our next coffee house to check out was Coffee Plant Roaster on West 11th in Eugene. This is a local coffee company that we’re familiar with as we’ve been buying their coffee beans for over a year for special occasions.
Usually, we review coffee in the morning, but due to a very busy day, we had our coffee just before dinner. I’m the type of person who really doesn’t drink coffee after noon. However, a latte in the afternoon, I was willing to break routine.

When we first walked into the building, the first thing to catch our eye was the decor. Then we were greeted by the friendly barista, who patiently waited while we decided whether or not we wanted a treat with our coffee.

The coffee was delicious! We expected it to be though, because we buy Good Plant Roaster’s coffee beans from Market of Choice for special occasions in our house. The atmosphere was quiet. Possibly due to our visit happening in the early evening. There were a few other patrons who were enjoying some coffee while studying. I would like to go back, in the morning, have another latte, and perhaps try some of their treats for breakfast.

Until next time,
Kevin & Elizabeth

For awhile, Kevin and I have toyed with the idea of going out and trying the various privately owned coffeehouses in the area. Probably what hindered that idea from happening was that we’ve become really busy lately. Our schedules fill up and by the time we have a moment to go out, it’s evening, and we’re tired. Mornings, tend to work best for this venture as coffee is the morning drink. I know that some folks drink it throughout the day and into the evening, and it does taste good with dessert, but, at least for me, by noon, I have no more need for coffee.
So………….
Last month, we started on this coffeehouse venture. I suggested Max Porter’s in Junction City, Oregon. Junction City is a small town where everyone knows everyone and if you don’t know everyone, chances are that you know someone who does. This town is known for the “Function in Junction” (where folks cruise up and down the middle of town in their classic cars) as well as the Scandinavian Festival (four days of celebrating the town’s Scandinavian roots, with Frijos, aebelskivers, and all sorts other delicious food, as well as crafts ). The town is full of old buildings which house several antique and craft stores, and nestled in this part of town, is Max Porter’s

When we arrived, it was around 10:00 AM. There was relaxing music playing quietly, while the two baristas greeted us with a smile (I thought that one of them looked like one of my daughter’s friends from church. She confirmed it later). I had been to this place at least a couple of times before and I was impressed with it then. Most of the walls are brick (which I really like) featuring artwork and crafts that are for sale. One of the items on their wall was a small chalkboard with the password to the free WiFi on it.  I liked that because it saved me the trouble of getting out my chair to go ask for it (it does sound lazy. I just wanted to relax that morning).

There are rooms for gatherings, or comfortable couches in corners where two or three can just visit.

We decided to order breakfast with our coffee, because well, if we’re going to tell others about this place, we should sample the menu! Kevin ordered the bagel sandwich (which has eggs, tomato, spinach, & cream cheese, grilled on a bagel. Sounds delicious doesn’t it?). I ordered the Max Croissant Special (which has Eggs, bacon & cheddar grilled on a croissant). Kevin’s sandwich arrived with bacon on it for some reason. If you know me or have read my earlier entries, then you know that Kevin is a vegetarian. He was a good sport and just took the bacon off of the sandwich. I did tell him that there was still “bacon essence” on it. Along with our lattes, the meals were filling and delicious. Before leaving, we took one last picture. I thought that the “COFFEE” wall-hanging behind us was perfect against that brick wall!

Soooooo, iff you ever find yourself in Junction City, Oregon, with time to spare, I would recommend stopping in at Max Porter’s for some coffee and a treat!
Kevin & Elizabeth