Gallery & Garden Cafe Veronese

Today I unexpectedly stumbled upon a new favorite place, the experience of which I'd like to share. I gathered my Intro to Bib Lit homework, Bible & ipod and planned to head out to Starbucks or Coffee Bean or the like, for some focused study time. As I was leaving the house, however, Sandra nonchalantly suggested that I check out this little Cafe on Commonwealth that she'd heard of but had never actually been to. Being originally from a small town that doesn't even have chain coffee shops, I'm always up for checking out a local cafe, so I decided to at least stop in. Oh my goodness, I did not know what I was about to experience. As I drove down Commonwealth scouting the sides of the street for number 419, I saw the sign in the midst of a garden in front of what looks like a residential house. I turned down the next street into a neighborhood and walked from there. As I came up to the front entry I could already tell by the look of it that this was the kind of place I was going to like. Upon entering the front room I was greeted by a gentleman with a menu, which he handed to me as he told me to take my time looking around. So I began to walk around, just looking. One of the first things I noticed was that the music playing was Jack Johnson, which is one of my favorites, and such genre played throughout the evening. Inside, the cafe is decorated with interesting paintings, and cute tables which are all different and homey. After being completely charmed by the inside, I saw the back door and was led by my curiosity. I stepped outside and oh my goodness, I don't know how to describe it but to borrow the words of a friend of mine and say that my endorphins began a party. The entire place is rustic and charming, and just oozing with character. And it just keeps going! As I walked out onto the back patio, to my right was an old-fashioned popcorn machine and a quite colorful piano displaying vases and pottery and such on the top. To my left was more seating and then the porch wrapped around the side, to be discovered later. In front of me was a bar with stools that looks over more tables and garden area, and beyond in all directions were tables and little rooms and alcoves, gardens and a little fountain. I walked under archways into little areas where each table and chairs are unique, even more so than those indoors. There are little collections of things everywhere- through the gardens, on shelves.. it was somewhat like being in Grandma's house, where there are so many old trinkets and things all around, and you just get the feeling that each has a story. Now don't let my description cause you to picture this grand establishment full of beautiful antiques and artwork. It is a quaint little place, quite homey, with somewhat random little old trinkets and knick-knacks, but absolutely busting with character, and I have to say I fell head over heels. I literally want to go back and sit at every table just to experience it. I felt like I was in an old, small town cafe that should be found back where I'm from, rather than here in Southern California... I think that's why it was love at first sight for me. Anyways, I walked around this place for at least 20 minutes, carrying my little menu, just drinking it in, until the man who first greeted me saw me and told me I could sit down :) I had difficulty deciding on where to sit! I finally chose a rather large white tile table with wicker chairs, which was next to the part of the garden that housed the water fountain. Once I was seated I finally succeeded in getting my brain to focus on Biblical Literature, and enjoyed a yummy hot mocha and God's Word for the next 2 hours. Although I have to say the prices will keep me from being able to visit often, the atmosphere will definitely cause me to save up my pennies and look forward to the occasional opportunity.