Volunteer, Park, Cafe

(Volunteer Park Cafe, 2010)

There's a charming little cafe behind Volunteer Park at the top of Capitol Hill - aptly named "Volunteer Park Cafe." I run by it a few times a week, and every time I think, "wouldn't it be lovely to walk up here with The Non-Scotsman some morning?" This morning was that morning.

Sun bursting, little floral tributes to spring falling on us like honeysuckle lawn clippings.

(Outside in April, 2010)

The European-style cafe lives in a little house over 100 years old which was, at one time or another, a grocery and a meat market. Little nuggets of history and Seattle and Europe blend together one roughly hewn floorboard after another. A currently-empty chicken coup sits in the back yard next to vegetable beds.

(Fresh tulips in champagne flutes, Volunteer Park Cafe, 2010)

(The pastry counter beckons with warm brioche and flaky quiches, 2010)

(A fridge full of glorious champagne, Volunteer Park Cafe, 2010)

(The banquette where we warmed with Americanos and sunshine, 2010)

(The fresh fruit compote and house-made granola, Volunteer Park Cafe, 2010)

Few things do wonders for a marriage like a morning outing. Some things you may discuss when sitting by a refrigerator full of champagne at 10:30am are:

1) The advanced railway system in China

2) Your fear of failing in front of each other

3) The joy of finding dried cherries (not just raisins) in your granola

4) Deep-down actually wanting to support KPLU for $1,000 a year in order to hear more live jazz

5) The desire to throw fundraisers for friends who are adopting babies

6) How the Japanese couple next to you found this little cafe

7) When the occasion will allow you to use the cafes huge 16 person table for a dinner party

8) How important it is to actively remember, every day, that the Creator loves you

9) Woodworking classes at community college

(Warming a pale face outside Volunteer Park Cafe, 2010)