ROWSTER

The idea of a vacation ending is bittersweet; I'm always bitter because I've had so much fun exploring a new place and spending time with family and/or friends. However at the same time, I have a sense of urgency to get back and be productive with a fresh perspective. My quick trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan for my mom's birthday was extremely fun and much needed. For our "last hurrah" before we headed back to Ann Arbor, we stopped at a local favorite, called Rowster.

What makes Rowster so unique, is that the owners have such a strong love for coffee and ensure the highest quality, so much so that they started a kickstarter campaign to develop their own brand of coffee. Their brand, Regular Coffee, is locally roasted and manufactured, as well as being affordable to smaller coffee shops. This was about two years ago, and now Regular Coffee is a well known name throughout Michigan. 

Along the wall is an extended wooden booth with tables that easily combine for large groups or studying. **insider secret: outlets are between the back and the seat of the booth on the wall** Featured on the wall, above the booth, is a project from a local artist that is titled 'Fifty States'. Each state is represented on the wall and has an original design that encompasses a significant aspect about that state. Each and every one of the state designs were thoughtful and added to the atmosphere within the shop. Ending our vacation at a place that generates and thrives off of an entrepreneurial spirit left me feeling more sweet than bitter.

Rowster's menu is simple, with the traditional coffee and specialty espresso drinks. I got an almond milk latte (top of the page), which had the perfect amount of foam and a heart drawn in it :). At the counter they also had fresh pastires that all looked delicious. One pastry in particular caught my eye, which was an almond croissant. I'm not sure if my eyes have taste-buds, but I certainly picked a winner. The croissant was flakey and had buttery, soft dough that melted in your mouth. In the middle was a sweet almond paste, similar to a pecan pie filling, only with almonds. This sweet treat was the perfect end to my quick weekend getaway (because calories don't count on vacation. right?) 

~XOXO Katherine

TRYST

Located in the heart of Adams Morgan, in downtown Washington D.C., lies a one-of-a-kind café called Tryst that boasts the tagline “no corporate coffee, no matching silverware”. As a first time customer, I was in awe how the unique individuals that filled the room shaped and inspired the shop. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come and go as they please; take your coffee and pastry to-go or stay for an hour…or ten (yes they really do have regulars that come to work there all day.)

For the customers that choose to stay and enjoy the relaxing ambiance, they may sit anywhere they like and a waitress will serve them. The seating options range from high-tops next to the floor length window to antique, recycled couches and chairs. Since no couches or chairs were open, I sat at a wooden booth and table set along the far wall.

The menu contains classic brunch essentials, lunch bites, dessert and even specialty hand crafted cocktails. Starting at 10AM Tryst is a fully functioning bar, which means if you really are compelled to order a beer or cocktail with your breakfast, you may do so (no judgement).

To drink I ordered an iced Mexican coffee, per recommendation from my waitress. For those who aren’t familiar, Mexican coffee is coffee that is brewed with chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla (aka deliciousness). The other "summer treat" drink that was featured on the menu was a Thai iced tea, which sounded equally as appetizing.

During the summer I’m rarely in the mood for a heavy breakfast, so I opted for a fruit and granola parfait. Some other notable eats from the menu were: jalepeno corn bread waffle, strawberry and brie crostini, classic cheese board, and standard sandwiches and salads. Tryst has been one of my favorite places that I’ve visited in D.C., so far. Grab brunch before work or a few drinks after a long day of touring the monuments, regardless Tryst is a must see with its comforting atmosphere and delicious eats.

~ XOXO Katherine

SWEET SUE'S

Good afternoon! This summer I am residing and working in southern Maryland, just outside of Washington D.C. The closest “downtown” area to me is North Beach, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. This cute beach town is about 10-15 minutes from my house, so almost every weekend I have been driving down to run along the water. After my runs I usually walk around for another mile or so to cool off and then I head to Sweet Sue’s Bake Shop & Coffee Bar.

The first few times I came down to North Beach, I would run by and couldn’t help but notice the flux of people entering and exiting Sweet Sue’s. Of course, me being me, I HAD to figure out what all the craze was about. When I first entered, I was greeted politely by the staff. The menu is mostly standard for a café, with breakfast, coffees, and sandwiches. Inside there are no more than a dozen quaint, wood tables and chairs for customers to relax, as well as outdoor seating to enjoy the summer sunshine.

This shop isn’t called Sweet Sue’s for nothing. Within two sizeable glass cases, there are pastries and sweets ranging from quiche and muffins to cupcakes and pie. I have an embarrassingly large sweet tooth, so to go along with my skim latte I asked the baristas what their most popular treat was. Immediately, both of their eyes lit up and a devilish smile came across their faces. “The brownies to die”, they said almost in sync. These brownies really are to die for; they contain a fudgy brownie bottom, a layer of peanut butter, and topped with chocolate ganache. WOW. If you are a peanut butter and chocolate lover, like myself, you will hear music of delight when you take a bite.

           

Whether you’re just passing through or staying for a while as a summer local, Sweet Sue’s Bake Shop & Coffee Bar is sure to fulfill your caffeine (or sugar ;)) fix. Get new posts sent straight to your email by following below! 

  ~XOXO Katherine