A new coffee spot

With the winter blizzard we have had the past few days, snuggling up with a hot cup of coffee and a good book sounds like a really good idea. So we all love Starbuck’s but sometimes it’s nice to try a little something new. If you are looking for a cute little coffee shop close to campus check out Park Hill Café. Located on 2974 Park Hill Drive nestled in the Park Hill shopping center. Surrounded by boutique shops and a furnishing store this café used to be a ballet studio years ago.

The Park Hill Café is decorated in somewhat of a casual manner with antique furniture and décor. Small coffee tables and a hodgepodge of artwork add to the rustic charm. The floor is a cheery bright red and white-checkered tile and it adds to the coffeehouse look.

A wide variety of teas and fresh brewed coffee as well as hot chocolate and chai tea provide a relaxing beverage selection. Different coffee roasts are stored in glass containers lining one wall of the café. I can almost smell the coffee now! An entire chalkboard lists different tea choices with everything from blackberry to peach or pomegranate. Plus don’t forget the fresh squeezed lemonade.

For lunch, I had a turkey, bacon, and havarti cheese sandwich. It featured smoked turkey, havarti cheese, crispy bacon, roasted red peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette spread. It ordered it on a croissant but was disappointed to receive it on 7-grain bread instead.

Sandwiches are served with chips, fresh fruit, and a sprig of mint. Mine had cantaloupe, grapes, and an orange cut in a swirly manner. The fruit is seasonal and comes with all sandwiches and wraps.

The menu included lots of salads, sandwiches, wraps, soup, and loaded baked potatoes as well. A special “The Park Hill” salad features mandarin orange, feta cheese, almonds, purple onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette.

The café also offers a Sunday brunch and Wed-Sat dinner is served as well. The food is homemade, fresh, and affordable. The café doesn’t open until 10:30 so if you are planning on a cup of hot chai just be aware the café doesn’t open very early.

However, it’s a great place to stop and have a fresh fruit plate and cup of tea or maybe try a homemade slice of cake and a mug of coffee. The café isn’t fancy and maybe it’s not technically a “hot spot” but it is a fun place to check out and visit with a friend or two over steaming mugs of hazelnut coffee. Parking is somewhat limited but there is additional parking behind the building. Check out the boutique shops on your way out and make an outing of it!

Image courtsey of: http://s.www.sikhnet.com/files/news/2009/March/chai.jpg