My friend Conrad and I are the same in a lot of ways but we are different in one significant way: I have evolved to be a foodie and he is still in his hatchling stage. It is such a pleasure to take Conrad to places like Caffee Luxxe, in Montana (obviously the street, not the state) because I get to see the joy that a croissant induces, when it is flaky and buttery. Professors pass knowledge unto others, designers pass on wearable art, psychics pass on fortune, and I am grateful to pass on experiences that help another understand that food and drink and space create memories that start in the taste buds and end in the soul. In short, this place is not a cafe stop, it is a destination for a dining experience in the morning.
I also had never gone to a cafe Luxxe and the experience was stimulating for me, and I do not mean that because I drank coffee. I also experienced something new-- someone thought I had a job that I did not have, which is not new, because over the years I have been casted as a valet, security guard, busboy, clerk at a gift shop and other varied staff members that hold perfunctory roles. But this time, I was casted as an actor. A guy complimented me on my "Luke's" shirt that was placed over a yellow cup. For those who might not know, these are emblems that are known to Gilmore Girls fans. As we sat, he kept looking at me. I offered him one of our spare seats, which in truth was a commodity as the place was packed. Conrad and I got lucky to find a table. The guy said, "were you on the show?" I said no. The refreshing way I was casted into a role left me in awe. I have my beliefs as to why he thought I was an actor, but, those do not belong on a Yelp so I will make a turn and pivot to the line.
The line was long. To be fair, we were there on Sunday around 11:00 a.m. prime coffee time. So we waited, I took pictures. The place was super cute, like a dream colored steel but the steel did not feel cold, it felt like what a good cloudy day gives you when the cold is contained-- comfort in the fact that you did not have to be warmed to be happy-- which was good because when Conrad and I ordered we focused on iced coffee drinks.
We did not get the name of the guy who helped us when we got to the front of the line. But he deserves his props-- even though the line was long he took the time to celebrate when I informed him it was his first time, and he had a way to work and pacify both a rookie and 20 year veteran of the foodie field. And he did all this when the line was long- I hope he gets identified because service like his matters to elevate coffee ordering to a customer experience revolving around coffee. Conrad asked, "give me something relating to a Vanilla iced coffee." I internally cringed. That question was asking a cake maker of known frosting, he can make something close to a jelly donut. But to continue this metaphor the baker did not smirk or chuckle veiling condescension (which is what I feared) instead he offered a recently fresh beignet with raspberry compote, where the berries were picked from the facility's rooftop garden, and was dusted with edible silver. I jumped into the roaster's response: he offered Conrad an iced coffee with anniversary blend, and some vanilla. I did not understand the exact words but I heard some of them and knew this was a respectful response to Conrad's broad request. He was a professional.
I also ordered a croissant for Conrad, and a blueberry muffin for me, and also two lemon squares, and I also ordered a Shakerato. I wanted to try the menu. The professional roaster told me that the joint did not have blenders thus this was their response to a blended drink, like a frappuccino but here. Another roaster shook two coffee cups together to make the drink. Yes, it gave a person making a Margarita at a bar. But the result was a balanced marriage of coffee (a shot of espresso?) and coffee. It was deeply sweet-- and it had a chocolate ring. It was the type of drink that is perfect for an adult, who has learned that the sweetness of cookies and cakes from the store are cloying. Meaning that the goodness of this drink was a novelty to me, as soon as I finished it I knew I needed a new one.
This place had everything I could ever want from a morning coffee stop. It helped me enjoy what I sip, it helped engage in what I saw, and it made me feel like I was a customer who was appreciated in a busy moment, instead of a customer who needed to be moved along cause the line was stacked. The experience was a swirl! read more