Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Wouldn't you like to go, where everybody knows your name?



In a world where Starbuck's reigns supreme, is there any chance for competition? Could there be another of its kind, quickly learning the ways of the coffee-jedi-master, in the hopes of one day rendering a death blow to the black java-knight's armour?

I say yes!

If you live in Western El Dorado County, there is such a place in Cameron Park. Caffe Santoro. A blessed blip on the coffee-radar screen and only blocks away from our home. Paul and I walk there on occasion.

Occasions such as: when the Cubs win the World Series, any lunar eclipse, or when I clean our shower. Other than that we drive...often.

So, what's so great about this place, you ask?

PEOPLE. Here is where you find friends, neighbors, school teachers, business owners, local attorneys and a bevy of mom's grabbing their cup of Joe for the day.

PREFERENCE. Pick your poison. You'll find it here. I enjoy the tea or a soy chai, while my husband says the coffee is great. We both love their cold-case of treats. (Probably the reason my jeans are fitting a bit too snug these days.)

PERSONALITY. Ken is what you'd call "old-school-Italian": ambitious, hard-working, and a gift of hospitality that is God-given. He is a people-person through and through and has blessed many who have walked through his doors. You are greeted with a smile and a hint of New Jersey accent if Ken does the welcoming. He has trained his family of co-workers to remember your name, and his son T.J. is a chip off the old block - remembering my name AND my drink of choice.




Guess who caught us in the act while we were taking advantage of a great photo opp?




None other than the java-king himself.

So, prepare for battle Starbuck's - the Force is strong with this one.


10 comments:

Linda said...

Hey, do you own stock? You wrote a good advertisement/endorsement. You made me want to go there.

Most places ya go now days don't have help that even smiles at you, let alone remember you or your name. It does sound nice!

We have a little Taco Shop here in our town that makes us feel special though and so I guess there are still friendly people out there.

Thanks for sharing. Maybe people will be friendlier after reading your post!

Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Hi, I'm stopping by from Lisa's blog. I have to say that I would rather go to a Mom and Pop type coffee place then Starbuck's any day. They are going to go out of their way to win your business.
The last picture is too funny.
Blessings to you today.
Kim

Lauren said...

That sounds like a wonderful little place! Wish I lived nearby ... the pictures are too fun! :)

Denise said...

Sounds awesome.

Shermanators said...

I love going to Mom and Pop coffee shops! We used to hang out at one in hight school! I miss it! my dream at one time was to own my own Christian coffee shop where local christian artists could play on the weekends...if we lived closer we'd probably hang out there all the time too! :)

BTW...I TOTALLY thought of you as we drove through Roseville to Tahoe in July! :)

Mama of 4 Blessings said...

Takes you back to the olden days when you got treated as a person and not just a sale or another number. There are still a few precious places out there and it sounds like you definately found a winner Joanne. Will be sure to visit if we are ever in the area.

How's the writing going thus far? Good luck and best wishes on this journey to you.
Blessing my friend,

Regina

Barbara said...

what a great post...you should be in advertising. Makes me want to drive to California to visit and I don't even drink coffee. Love it.....have a blessed day.

christy rose said...

Sounds like my kind of place. I am a coffee loving lady!

Paula V said...

Cute post. Love the theme. Love the last picture of owner and cardboard owner. Force be with Starbucks. Another good one.

Aunt Angie said...

Pass me a cup! I love this post!
Love you girl! You're on my heart.

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