Coffee Klatch

Photo from Swings website

K – DC doesn’t lack for coffee places – you can find a Starbucks or Caribou Coffee almost on every corner. Although there seems to be an artisan coffee movement happening lately there have always been some great spots to have a good cappuccino, espresso or just a plain cup of coffee.

There is Filter,Peregrine Espresso, Peets and my favorite – M.E. Swings – which seems to be going by just “Swings Coffee”.  Swings that has been around since 1916 is a cute little, European-looking cafe, which isn’t part of a huge chain but local.

According to Swings website the little cafe, originally The M.E. Swing Co., was established in Washington, D.C. by M.E. Swing and his son, Edward Swing, in 1916. Father and son found a ready market for the premium Arabica beans which were imported from Africa, Latin America, and the Far East. In 1920, the company opened its now historic Mesco Coffee Roasters building at 1013 E Street.

Everytime I’ve gone there has been a line but service is quick and friendly and the coffee is strong and yummy. After getting my coffee I’ve usually hung out at one of the tables with a friend to catch up – I’ve been lucky enough to always find a space when I go. But if you can’t find a table, now that the weather is nice, it’s easy to walk over to Lafayette park or to an outdoor bench and sit enjoy your delicious caffeine with a friend.

Swings Coffee

1702 G Street NW

Washington DC

 

 

 

Charlottesville in the Rain

K – It’s a bit ironic that when I went to Charlottesville for an audition it was raining and now as I write it’s pouring outside.

I’ve been to Charlottesville a few times. It’s a nice little college town with a pedestrian mall where it’s easy to hang out, shop, have a coffee and lunch or dinner. When it’s nice outside there are quite a few restaurants that have outside seating.

Unfortunately that day I was unprepared for the rain so I didn’t stay as long as I had wanted to – but I did take some photos. As you will see in the photos it was pretty quiet that day due to the weather even though it was lunch time.

If you want to stay near Charlottesville to visit other sites – since it’s also near Monticello, the wine trail and Montpelier – there are plenty of places to stay. One place that I’ve stayed before  – for a special occasion – is the Clifton Inn. It was a great place to relax, have a swim, take a walk, enjoy a wonderful dinner and I could bring the dog!

Charlottesville is about a 2 hour and 15 minute drive from Washington D.C. There are two parking garages that are near the pedestrian mall – Market Street and Water Street as well as other parking options.

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Le Pain Quotidien – A Neighborhood Chain

C – When I lived in London, a great little bakery/cafe/restaurant called Le Pain Quotidien (The Daily Bread) opened up around the corner from my flat in Borough Market. Though it was a part of a chain, it blended into the historical surroundings beautifully. Like it had always been there. I used to grab a salad on my way home from work and I met friends there for Saturday morning coffee after a stroll through the market. Sitting at one for the communal tables, I got a sense that this was not your typical fast cuisine. It was a neighborhood hang.

I missed Le Pain Quotidien when I moved back to DC… for about 10 minutes. That’s when I found out they’re all over the Metro DC area. I went to the one at the Mosaic District recently and had, perhaps, the best organic omelet ever. I was feeling quite healthy. Then I tore into the cheesecake. mmm.

Le Pain Quotidien
Locations throughout the DC area including Merrifield, Tyson’s, Clarendon, Dupont Circle and Georgetown.