Bear with me for a moment here. Imagine you’re playing Super Mario World. You’ve just conquered the Forest of Illusion, but have yet to reach the Valley of Bowser. You find yourself in a wondrous place called Chocolate Island, where, true to its name, there’s chocolate at every turn. What’s more, the land is inhabited by wonderful creatures, such as the bounding, fire-breathing triceratops. I mean, a triceratops is awesome enough, but ONE THAT SHOOTS FIRE? That’s almost too awesome to bear.
What does this have to do with Wallingford, you say? Guys… THAT’S US! Except instead of chocolate we have coffee (or in the case of Chocolati we have both). And instead of fire-breathing triceratops, we have balsamic strawberry ice cream. Regular ice cream is awesome for sure. But leave it to Molly Moon’s to take it to the next level.
I came to this realization a few mornings ago as I took a rare ride on Route 44, heading west. (My commutes mostly go north-south these days.) I waited for the bus in front of A Muddy Cup, the first Wallingford stop for the 44. We traveled a few blocks, only to stop again directly next to the new Uptown Espresso sign. A few blocks later, were were in front of the QFC (and the Starbucks within). The next stop broke the pattern with a Chevron—though I imagine you can get coffee there too—but soon after we were stopped in front of Café Appassionato.
I get it; a bus stop is a great place to put a coffee shop. (Or perhaps a coffee shop is a great place to smack a bus stop.) If you’ve just missed your bus, it’s only natural to enter a coffee shop to kill some time, warm up and get your morning buzz on. In fact, I made my first venture into A Muddy Cup that morning after I narrowly missed the 44, and finally tried that famous PB&J latte (blackberry).
But seriously Wallingford? Does anyone else find it amazing that every Wallingford stop along Route 44 save one (or two, if you count the stop just before Aurora) is situated in front of a coffee shop? And that doesn’t even consider all the other spots along the way… Tully’s, Fuel, Starbucks (again), Chocolati. And come to think of it, I disembark from one of my regular bus routes right across the street from Irwin’s down on 40th.
Not complaining. Just sayin’.
I have often wondered if Wallingford has the greatest coffee:sq ft ratio of this whole caffeinated city! As noted – 45th alone has about 10 shops between I-5 & Aurora.
That reminds me of this (From the Super Mario Wiki):
The first exit opens a circular path around the mountains (which leads Mario in a circle and is practically useless).
Would that be like trying to park in the front lot at QFC at 6pm? You know it’s pointless but you’ll do it anyway.
Let us not forget Diva Espresso on 46th which is my favorite coffee shop in Wallingford.
I sometimes wish for a Top Pot like the one on Cap. Hill. I love the atmosphere of that shop. While I’m wishing I’d like to see something like Feedback Lounge in West Seattle with supper yummy hand made drinks with all fresh ingredients. Who knew soaking hibiscus seeds in vodka could result in such a vibrant red.
LOL! Love the post Cindy!
I’d love a Noah’s Bagel or similar!
@Peg, I was wondering that too, but I don’t spend enough time wandering other neighborhoods to make a fair assessment. Which reminds me, I should get out more 🙂
@SK, that circular path always bothered me too. And yet, as you said, I had to clear it, every time.
@Shawn, hibiscus in vodka sounds interesting. Is there really no place in Wallingford that can offer that? Elemental comes to mind…
@FreGirl, thanks!
@nat, YES, I second your vote for a Noah’s Bagel. Or Bruegger’s. Do we have those here in Seattle?
How was that PB&J, Cindy?
@Shawn: Ditto on Diva — I love that place.
As to a Wallingford Top Pot, I think that would destroy any semblance of diet control for me. It’s tough enough living a block from Molly Moon’s….
@Ffej: I concur that a Top Pot or a Feedback Lounge would require an extra bit of self-restraint, but I am willing to take on those temptations.
@Cindy: I’m sure that Elemental does nice drinks (it is one of the few places I still need to check out). Cantinetta has some awesome cocktails. I’m not saying that you can’t get good drinks in Wallingford. Feedback just prides itself on making everything from scratch with fresh ingredients and it is well worth the trip to W. Sea to try them out (http://feedbacklounge.net/).