As I write this, Java Jess Emporium has only been open for about two weeks. I'm sure as they find their feet a few things will be adjusted a little, but they're off to a great start. It's the kind of small cafe that I really hope succeeds, but given that they're location is just a little out of the way, they're going to have to work hard at it.
Their menu will probably do the trick. Java Jess is quite different to other cafes and coffee shops I've visited in the city centre. For a start, there's a strong Indonesian influence for the food. I got a baguette filled with "award winning" Indonesian meatballs in a spicy peanut sauce. Yes, it was as good as it sounds and astonishingly filling. Even so, as I waited for my espresso to arrive I glanced at the other options on sale and started to worry that I should have chosen one of the enormous home made sausage rolls, or perhaps the Mediterranean salad.
Any regrets were soon forgotten when I tasted my sandwich, but I do feel the need to return soon to try the rest of the menu. All that I would change is that I'd prefer to not have a take away cup for my coffee when I'm sitting in, I'd like a real plate for my sandwich and I'd like to option to have the sandwich heated up. That's all that's preventing me from giving a 5th star and it all sounds like the kind of thing that will be sorted out over the next few weeks.
The cafe itself is a very relaxing space in which to sit. It's on a corner and gets a lot of natural light and it's far enough from the city centre that it's relatively quiet. There are a couple of comfy sofas, a couple of tables and a small bar to sit at. The staff are friendly and obviously keen for the place to succeed - they were offering tasters of their sandwiches, as well as fliers with a 20% discount, and were chatting to people who were passing in the street.
So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for them. If nothing else, I need them to stay open long enough for me to try the rest of their food. read more