Caffè Umbria

Caffè Umbria

Ballard, WA

Oddfellows Cafe

It was the first day of spring and the opening weekend of the Link Light Rail’s Capital Hill station so we thought it would be perfect to celebrate by going to brunch at Oddfellows. I was filled with excitement catching the Light Rail to Capital Hill. Gone are the days of walking up that hill on Pike Street burning my calves and leaving me panting like a dog out of breathe. Thank goodness for Babe who kindly holds my hand while ushering me slowly up the hill, like I’m an elderly woman needing assistance.

Brunch in this city is serious business. I’ve waited hours for brunch before, even having a meal elsewhere before actually sitting down to have brunch. Yes, I know that’s nuts. You’re probably thinking, ‘why not go home and throw your own damn eggs in a pan.’ I get it, it sounds simple enough to do but on my weekends I’m off duty so that means I don’t have to cook if I don’t want to (and when do I ever want to cook???), even if I wanted to try I wouldn’t be able to make what I was craving: Baked eggs, french toast, and biscuit with scrambled eggs! Yum yum!



It was no surprise to learn that we had to wait for a table when we arrived at Oddfellows. I love that place so I obediently nod in agreement when the hostess asked if we’d be willing to wait 20 minutes. I don’t tell Babe that, no I bribe him with a drink at the Little Oddfellows while we wait. Twenty minutes isn’t that bad I silently tell myself but it turns out that it is. It’s especially long when you’re trying to entertain someone while you’re caffeine free with an empty stomach.



I love the crowd and the layout at Oddfellows. Its open floor plan makes it feel like a cafeteria. Conversations are in full force making it difficult for our waitress to hear our order and at first I’m slightly irritated. Dang it people, I need my drip coffee and no I don’t need cream or sugar! But after the coffee comes I begin to lighten up and after the food comes the sound of chatter and clinking silverware becomes background noise as I immerse myself into my own conversation with Babe, almost matching the volume of others. This is brunch.

Elm Coffee Roaster

How perfect is it to talk about good coffee on a day like today. It’s super windy with rain (surprise!) which equals sideway rain; the worse walk to work weather. Picture skirt flying, umbrella flipping inside out and me squealing.

As part of my coffee shop series, I would like to introduce you to another one I frequent, Elm Coffee Roasters. It’s located in Pioneer Square which is across town for me so being able to come here for a cup of coffee is a treat. I will typically visit whenever I’m having brunch in the neighborhood.





My Recommendations: 

Order an Americano // you’ll get the real taste of their coffee roasted in house.

Go ahead and order a pastry // baked fresh daily from The London Plane, you won't be disappointed.

Grab a seat by the window // between working on your laptop and sneaking in a bite of that awesome pastry, this is the perfect spot for people watching.

Elm Coffee Roaster

240 2nd Avenue South

Seattle, WA 98104

Enjoy Your Own Company

I spent my entire Sunday alone, something I haven't done in years. It feels so much different now than it did when I was in my twenties. Of course so much of my life has changed within the last few years even the plates which I had breakfast on this morning are different. But this 'different' is good. It comes from a place of security within myself and my own thoughts whereas before when I was alone I often felt nostalgic and lonely.

Lately...

• - J and I picked up calligraphy and are on our last week of class. I'm going to need 10,000 hours to get close to my idea of wedding invitation quality. 
• - My beau is currently away on vacation without me and I miss him terribly. 
• - I tried something different for the first time this weekend: ceramic painting and I really enjoyed it.
• - I've been feeling the need for community lately and joined The Crave Project. You can see my list of 100 Things I Crave on my pinterest board. 

Drip City

This morning my head was foggy even after 9 hours of sleep. Oh Mondays, will you ever get easier? Thankfully I live in a city that loves its coffee and with that are some pretty awesome coffee shops. Lately I've been frequenting Drip City which has been convenient for me since I've changed jobs. I also love that during the winter my beau and I were able to watch a few Seahawks game here over a beer and grilled cheese sandwich (for him and for me) and a cup of Chai Tea with Mighty-O Chocolate Donuts! YUM! 

 

Drip City Coffee Co. 

2929 1st Ave

Seattle, WA 98121