While exploring the streets of Richmond, Virginia, my parents and I came across a cafe on East Cary Street that caught our attention - Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe. Being mid-morning, it was high time for our good daily dosage of caffein.
Upon first entering the cafe, I felt a warm atmosphere, as the large windows that line the front entrance brought a lot of natural light in. The wood paneling gave a lovely rustic, cozy feeling. Pictures hung in patterns on the wall. In the back was a wall of wine. All along the counter, an array of sweets, treats and unique chocolates (including a dark chocolate raspberry bar which highly tempted my wallet and my taste buds!) filled the empty spaces. It appeared that there were 3 people working behind the counter. No one in the store seemed to be in a rush, it is the kind of place you come and relax, and can expect high quality coffee and food. Not to mention good moods in the customers, and the service.
I ordered a blond almond milk Café au lait, my mom got an almond milk mocha, and my dad got the classic Americano.
We sat ourselves on some comfy couches, and awaited out drinks. The kind lady who took our order also made our drinks and called them out to us, served in white for-here mugs. My café au lait was perfect - the almond milk was steamed beautifully - not to the point of being burnt, which has been my experience at many cafes serving almond milk. It was smooth, mellow, and beautiful. I could tell that the baristas really take care to be sure that every drink is made properly.
Their coffee is roasted by Williamsburg Coffee and Tea company. They offer organic soy and almond milk, and their dairy is delivered from the Shenandoah family farms. Their food menu offers locally sourced natural and organic ingredients promoting healthy living. They serve a variety of eggs, soups and salads, fruits and yogurts, meats and even some yummy home made desserts. Catering is also provided, with free delivery within walking distance.
This is definitely a cafe to sit and enjoy. The service was not like that of large chain coffee shops - where faster is considered better. Here, it's about quality - even if that means sitting and waiting for a bit. So come, sit back, relax with some friends or family, read a book, do homework, or write a blog. This is the perfect location to do just that.
If you're into organic, local, sustainable, quality coffees and food, then I definitely reccomend you check out Urban Farmhouse and Market in Richmond Virginia. For more details check out their website: http://theurbanfarmhouse.net/
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xx Songburd xx
In the little suburb of Mitchelton right outside the beautiful city of Brisbane, Australia, you'll come across a small corner cafe called "The Meeting Place Cafe". Stepping inside, you'll find a unique, home-made, cozy, welcoming atmosphere with soothing music playing, art hanging on the wall, couches to chill on and hand-made tables. You'll be greeted and served by friendly group of international volunteers who are passionate about not only bringing you a quality cup of Australian coffee, but also building into the lives of their local community.
The Meeting Place Cafe is run by an international missions organization called "Youth With A Mission" (GOYWAM.com), and is located at the bottom corner of the "YWAM" base. Because of this, much of the traffic that comes through The Meeting Place Cafe consists of young, energetic, positive missionaries from all over the globe. Every cup you drink or dessert you devour, you can pay for with little as a gold coin donation. Every dollar (or more) that you drop into their jar goes to support not only the cafe, but also local and over-seas missions. Not only will the caffein make you feel good, but you can also feel good knowing that you are supporting a worthy cause!
Every time I visited The Meeting Place, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and generous. People would often put an extra dollar or two in the jar to pay for a friend or a first-timer walking through the door. The fact that the workers are volunteer means that they are extremely passionate about what they do, and bring the best customer service around town. Rarely have I been to a cafe with service as friendly! Come with a mind and heart open to meeting new people - because you certainly will. You can expect incredible conversations and new friendships to form here.
Every Sunday night, people are busting out of the doors with an open mic night from 7-11pm! This is a time where people come and perform a couple songs, tell a few jokes, or do a skit. If you've got talent, the mic is open to you! This night continues to grow in popularity as the word gets spread around the community. Come ready to be entertained (or to be the entertainer,) to mingle and make new friends.
Their beans are generously donated by Elixir coffee, a local coffee roaster run by two brothers (visit http://www.elixircoffee.com.au/) They use the "Velluto" blend, which is a smooth, rich, medium to full bodied coffee with a sweet, creamy and nutty flavour to it.
The Meeting Place Cafe baristas are professionally trained and have fun drawing gorgeous latte art in each special cup. You can order your traditional long black, flat white, cappuccino, latte or mocha, or have something a little sweeter with their variety of flavoured syrups. Drinks are served hot or iced, served for here or take-away (I highly recommend you don't do take-away, come and sit for a while!) If coffee isn't your flavour, enjoy a nice chai or hot chocolate instead. Soy milk is offered for the dairy intolerant people (myself included.) They have a variety of hot teas that you can get in a full pot, or just a mug. They also serve many flavours of thick shakes, which are a big hit especially among the local high school students, and on hot summer days. Their desserts are always changing, ranging from yummy cakes, chocolates, to delectable tarts and cookies, made for you with love. They also have a side room which you can book out for events such as meetings or birthday parties.
I give this cafe 10/10 stars and highly recommend that you pay them a visit when in Brisbane!
Their address is 671 Samford Road, Mitchelton, QLD 4053.
Like them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YWAMMeetingPlace
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meetingplace671
Be sure to follow this blog for more coffee adventures around the globe, as well as follow me on instagram!
instagram.com/cafecultures
For my other adventures such as music, videos and travel advice, follow me at
blend.io/yoursongburd
youtube.com/user/lillyofozland
facebook.com/yoursongburd
twitter.com/yoursongburd
instagram.com/yoursongburd
xx Songburd xx
