In a world where Starbuck’s reigns supreme, is there any chance for competition? Could there be another of its kind, quickly learning the ways of the coffee-jedi-master, in the hopes of one day rendering a death blow to the black java-knight’s armour?
I say yes!
If you live in Western El Dorado County, there is such a place in Cameron Park. Caffe Santoro. A blessed blip on the coffee-radar screen and only blocks away from our home. Paul and I walk there on occasion.
Occasions such as: when the Cubs win the World Series, any lunar eclipse, or when I clean our shower. Other than that we drive…often.
So, what’s so great about this place, you ask?
PEOPLE. Here is where you find friends, neighbors, school teachers, business owners, local attorneys and a bevy of mom’s grabbing their cup of Joe for the day.
PREFERENCE. Pick your poison. You’ll find it here. I enjoy the tea or a soy chai, while my husband says the coffee is great. We both love their cold-case of treats. (Probably the reason my jeans are fitting a bit too snug these days.)
PERSONALITY. Ken is what you’d call “old-school-Italian”: ambitious, hard-working, and a gift of hospitality that is God-given. He is a people-person through and through and has blessed many who have walked through his doors. You are greeted with a smile and a hint of New Jersey accent if Ken does the welcoming. He has trained his family of co-workers to remember your name, and his son T.J. is a chip off the old block – remembering my name AND my drink of choice.
Guess who caught us in the act while we were taking advantage of a great photo opp?
None other than the java-king himself.
So, prepare for battle Starbuck’s – the Force is strong with this one.
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