Vero

Locally, one of my favorite places to write is a newer cafe in an old house
 that is so beloved, it's frequently difficult to find a table...

On-street parking is hard to come by

(and its 2 hour parking limits writing time)...

Tea prices are nearly double some of our other local cafes...

But something about its sweetness and charm,
with hardwood floors and mismatched furniture,

makes the downfalls worth it.
(It could also have something to do with serving Stumptown Coffee from Portland
by baristas specially trained in the art of espresso.)

 

Often filled with students from the University

and real estate agents from a closeby firm...

it's a good mix of higher learning and Go-Get-'Em energy
as well as a great place for a light breakfast or lunch.

I find myself a coveted vacant spot, unleash my computer or notebook,

sip my chai and set about trying to focus on my w.i.p.'s most pressing questions.

On my birthday last year,

I cheated and simply brought a good book, curling up for some decadent, quiet reading time.

While I have a different regular cafe for writing in (with a few less difficulties),

I do on occasion indulge myself here just for a lovely change of pace!

Vero means Truth in Italian.

True, real, genuine.

Maybe that's what I love about it.

(All photographs copyright: Kirsten Steen)