The Usual

A black coffee, a skinny latte or a hot chocolate. The usual is so much more than just a drink. It is a familiarity, part of a routine. I was reminded of that routine today. I don't often get to work mornings any more but, the last two Mondays I have. It has been really wonderful to see some old familiar faces. So, while for many people "the usual" is something they drink or eat for me it is something I do.


P.S. Don't forget to visit TCP at the Wednesday concerts in the park (civic plaza) and the farmer's market on Saturdays.

Spring has Sprung

Although daylight savings time can be a brutal experience, it signals longer days with more sunshine. It is nice to walk outside without a jacket and see everything come back to life. Spring also means that the shop will be returning to its usual hours, M-F from 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. and weekends 7 a.m.-2 p.m. You might even want to be daring and sit outside with your drink.

As a salute to the warmer weather we will be having lunch specials and cold drink specials. I am also trying to start a book club. I would love some book suggestions, I have a lot but they are pretty academic. The book club would meet once a month at the shop and would stay open later (for everyone not just the book club).

Otherwise there is not much else to report from the shop. So stop in or, if your feeling ambitious, take a walk over here and say hi.

Enjoy the sunshine,
Java Diva

Lucky Day

First and foremost, congratulations to the winner of the Mo's Irish Pub Gift Certificate, Louise! She is pictured on the right with owner extraordinaire Enio. I hope everyone had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and enjoyed being Irish at least for a day.

St. Patrick's Day really got me thinking this year. I am just over half Irish and so the day is steeped in tradition for me. Eating bangers and mash or corn beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes. There is also the homemade Irish soda bread that I only get once a year. I got to thinking just how lucky I am that I have all these wonderful traditions in my life.

As I kept thinking I realized that there are many daily/weekly traditions that are just as unique and wonderful. That Coffee Place has given me the rare opportunity to expand my coffee family. There are people I would not know if it were not for the shop. I truly look forward to seeing everyone each and every week and I know that many of the relationships I built will remain intact long after I join the "real world".

I hope that all of you have had similar experiences. Perhaps you've made friends with someone that gets their coffee at the same time as you do. These people may have started out as strangers but now, they are an important part of you week. These relationships have a greater impact on happiness than you think (see the story in this month's newsletter).

So, until next time soak up all the beautiful weather and drink all the iced coffee you can!

Take care,

Java Diva

It's a Mystery...

Hey all,

Sandra Balzo has recently published the latest in her series of coffee house mysteries based loosely on Brookfield and That Coffee Place. Although the stories are entirely fictional it is truly a treat to read about the imaginary shop (Uncommon Grounds) and Brookhills (Brookfield).

This latest book is entitled From the Grounds Up and has been very well received. Both Booklist and Publisher's Weekly gave it "two thumbs up.".

The first books of the series are available for purchase in the shop and we are currently taking orders for the new one. A signed copy may be available upon request. Otherwise you can obtain your copy at your favorite bookstore or library, or even read it online.

Balzo and her title character Maggie Thorsen are also now on facebook! So be sure to become a fan at:
http://www.SandraBalzo.com

Happy Reading,
Java Diva

Coming Soon

Hey everybody, keep your eyes peeled for the first issue of Coffee Talk, That Coffee Place's own newsletter. It will feature a profile of one of our fabulous baristas (not me) as well as some news from the shop, upcoming specials and schedule of our delicious soups. If you wish to receive this via email please see a barista for more information.
See you soon,
Java Diva

Thank You

The recent tragedy in Haiti touched all of us in some way. In response to our feeling that we needed to do something the gang at the shop decided to donate one day's worth of tips to the World Mission Relief Fund. The benefit of this charity is that one hundred percent of the donated funds go to the the cause. The response we got was overwhelming. Many customers made their donation a family event, encouraging their children to donate along with them.



It was truly touching to see that even a small coffee shop in Brookfield could give something to a community that has lost everything. I truly feel that this is the spirit that TCP has always embodied and I look forward to future events where we can all join to give back. To that end, parents of Hillside elementary students have the opportunity to help us donate money to the annual Hawk Walk. Parents have the opportunity to get a punch card that donates .50 of every drink purchase to the walk. There is no limit to the number of cards.





On a lighter note Jenna has arrived safely in sunny Florida and we are looking forward to updates and pictures.

Many thanks for your generous donations,
Java Diva

Maiden Voyage

Well, this is my first official post as Java Diva, a title chosen solely for its catchy sound . This blog is intended to connect the employees and customers of Brookfield's That Coffee Place. I hope to share experiences and keep you updated on the day to day happenings of the shop.

As most of you know our very own Jenna Story is temporarily leaving us to spend a semester in Walt Disney World. She is not the only one flying south for the winter though...Janet our long time morning barista is headed off to South Carolina. While they will be greatly missed, I know I am not alone in my seething jealousy of the warm climates they'll be basking in. Keep checking the blog for updates on their status and hopefully some amazing pictures.

Even though most of us will be stuck shoveling out from multiple snow storms and defrosting our fingers and toes, there are some great reasons to brave the weather and visit That Coffee Place. We currently have a special featuring our breakfast croissants and a small latte. There will also be all the usual smiling faces to greet you and help you warm up. Also, keep a look for our newsletter coming soon. It will be available in the cafe or via email. Until next time...

Warm Wishes.
Java Diva