The Flying Pig and Coffee shop on Madison:

Two Sundays ago was the flying pig Marathon. Our apartment sits right on the route, so we were awoken Sunday by the rock band setting up around 6:30 am and doing sound checks.

David's response to all the noise early on a Sunday morning was to grumble, grab a pillow to drown out the din and wrap it around his head. I didn’t fight it. I was awake, so Mom and I decided to walk down to the coffee shop on Madison and get some coffee.

Everyone had their dogs out for walkies

The coffee shop on Madison is right next to and shares some space with the Bonbonerie, which, sadly, is not open Sundays. They also have an assortment of sandwiches, Tom’s pot pies, the taste of Belgium waffles and specialty lattes. One of the best things about it, though, is the secret garden in the back.

The coffee shop has wifi, comfy couches and a “bottomless coffee cup”.





Mom and I got our coffee and talked for a little while, watching the squirrels chatter at each other. Eventually we headed back to the apartment, stopping to explore side streets along the way and looking at million dollar houses.

Cafe Moca:

Having a coffee shop within a block is pretty darn convenient sometimes. David and I really like having MoCa close by. The owner, Joe, is always very nice and welcoming. MoCa has been at Desales plaza since we moved to the area, and it’s been interesting to watch its transformation.

Joe keeps the décor simple and open, a little bit exotic but not too strange. We almost always see him in there, running the register, talking to patrons, and working on various décor. Sometimes I go to restaurants and I meet owners or managers that don’t really seem sincere, dedicated or genuinely nice. Joe definitely does not fall into that category.

I like the breakfast sandwiches (ranging from $3-4.00 each), which come on toasted croissants by default. Joe’s wife is a vegetarian, so he’s pretty conscious of keeping veggie bacon, veggie turkey, and veggie sausage in stock as well as offering other veggie options on the menu.

Salads are available, as well as hot sandwiches, deli sandwiches and wraps. David ordered a Roast Beef sandwich ($6.50) containing asiago cheese, lettuce, and horseradish sauce on a Kaiser roll, and I chose a simple egg and cheese breakfast croissant. ($3.00).

David also got a large latte. I was pretty thirsty, so I ordered sparkling water.

I think MoCa’s coffee is very good. Sometimes coffee is too acidic and hurts my stomach, but I’ve never had that problem with MoCa. They have smoothies as well, and specials each day of the week.

Monday is ½ price latte day
Tuesday is ½ price Chai tea latte day
Wednesday is ½ price wild berry smoothie day
Thursday is large drink at regular price day
Friday is free coffee with breakfast sandwich day
Saturday is buy one get one free day
And Sunday is Pancake Day, with fresh fruit toppings.

MoCa has a vary nice patio on the corner that faces the street, right next to St. Francis Desales, which, even if you don't like churches, is very nice to look at.

Blue Manatee Decafé:

I visited the Blue Manatee as part of my super fun Oakley extravaganza a few weeks ago. I’ve got to say this place is really fun. Mom and I spend a few hours looking at all the books and art while sipping nice cappuccinos and watching the little kids dart too and fro while their parents tried to keep up.

These colorful murals were created by Cincinnati Artworks.

All the drinks are named after kids books. I totally love the alphabet magnets too. And any place that serves a drink with three shots of espresso and chocolate syrup is right up my alley.

And check out these cute little manatee cookies! From Frieda’s bakery in Montgomery.

I wandered around the bookstore for a bit and bought David a book. (see below) I couldn’t resist. I also got a finger puppet.

I like the Blue Manatee and the Decafé, with their cheerful staff and bright colors. I recommend stopping by for a visit, preferably to pick up something caffeinated.

Tazza Mia:

Tazza Mia opened up a new place downtown and we've wandered over there a couple times for lunch in the past. We went back Monday afternoon. If you go around 1, it's pretty quiet and they have upstairs seating that's hidden away. I enjoy their creamy chicken and wild rice soup, which can be obtained in a cup or bowl. It's what I usually get.

Upstairs

David got the pot roast Panini—pot roast, carrots and mushrooms—which he likes and I usually nab some when he's not looking (except for the mushrooms, blech.)

pot roast panini

Chicken and wild rice soup

When he was going through his "pumpkin period" he really enjoyed their pumpkin spice latte. I've had their peppermint mocha and was pleased that it came with crunchy bits of candy cane on top.

They also have Hannah Banana bread, which I was introduced to at Kitty's coffee. Seriously, this has to be some of the best banana bread ever, even though it is flown in from Chicago and not made locally. David makes banana bread for me sometimes we are still perfecting our recipe. His is better because of the love in it. Tazza mia has a selection of delicious cookies to choose from. They also used to have the waffles. The Belgian waffles. If you've had one before, you know what I'm talking about.

The only places I know of now to get these waffles are Findlay market (their original source) or at the coffee shop on Madison close to the Bonbonerie. They are delicious. I was so excited when I found them at Tazza Mia when it first opened that I ran around the office with my waffle I bought making people try little pieces.

I was sad this afternoon when I asked for a waffle (they are still on the menu) and was told they don't have them anymore. I asked the cashier why, and she said that they weren't selling enough to justify renting the waffle maker. I guess at $3.95 per waffle, the price may scare some people away, but they are worth it for a nice treat.


Janelle came to lunch with me and got the Mediterranean salad, which she liked, though she prefers iceberg lettuce to the spring mix. She said it had lots of cheese on it.




David brought his coworkers, Matt and Thomas as well. They both got different Paninis.