Where: North Valley, Java Café
Status: Closed | @aleynagreer
Olivia stifled a groan when she entered the café and found it to be surprisingly crowded. She had come in early to grab lunch at the conveniently located spot that was not exactly her favorite, but did the job. Maybe the slight alterations to the menu to drag out the Christmas spirit had attracted more customers. As her eyes roamed the seasonal options, she frowned at the strange concoctions of holiday drinks available. Peppermint, eggnog, caramel, gingerbread… call her a snob, but those things simply did not belong in coffee.
Given the chilly temperatures and the fact the seasonal menu was more off-putting than inviting to her, Olivia settled for a nice cup of freshly brewed English breakfast tea. As for food, she picked a sandwich and then found herself checking out the selection of baked goods. Next to her stood a woman whose eyes, like her own, peered at the array of seasonal treats. “Last year, those Danish pastries were rather disappointing – overbaked and dry is not conductive to Christmas magic.” Olivia wrinkled her nose and offered the woman a lopsided smile. “There is also something to be said about the distinct lack of chocolate-flavored things. I can get peppermint and chocolate in a drink, but not in a brownie? Come on.”