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>> ORANGE'S NOT THE SAME OLD GRIND OFFERS COFFEE, QUICHE, CONVIVIALITY GROUNDS FOR PRAISE AT GRIND
Orange's Not the Same Old Grind offers coffee, quiche, conviviality
Date published: 10/9/2008
BY NANCY DEARING ROSSBACHER FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR She: What will get table-to-table talk among strangers happening faster than a liberal application of alcohol? Caffeine. On a recent visit to downtown Orange's coffeehouse, Not the Same Old Grind, we wound up in lively conversations with people seated at tables in every direction. Blame it on the addictive lattes and the companionable setting. He: The only one not talking was Grind mascot Jolene Javabean, the ebony mannequin nonchalantly seated near the counter where orders are placed and paid for. (Dishes for onsite diners are delivered to the tables). Mismatched tables are scattered indoors and out, and the surprisingly large, warren-like interior also offers cushy couches, an eclectic selection of reading material and even a battered game of Clue. Those into more modern pursuits can dawdle with a cuppa alongside their laptop--the Grind is also an Internet cafe. She: The ambitious hours kick off at 7 a.m. with breakfast, which includes egg platters, omelets and fresh bagels. Dinner hours commence at 5 in the evening, and weekends might see open mic night or a local band roll right on through 11 p.m. But it was a java-infused lunch we stopped in for, starting with warming, bean-and-carrot-rich minestrone (cup $3.25, bowl $4.25). He: The admirable Beefeater panini ($6.79) arrived toasty, with grill striations on sourdough bread that contained tender, thin-sliced roast beef and melted cheddar cheese. Banana peppers, onion slices and horseradish sauce added character. Alongside was al dente tricolor pasta salad. She: The quiche platter ($6.75) was a colorful combination of flaky-crusted broccoli- ham-cheddar quiche, several slices of bakery-level French bread, a generous serving of the corkscrew pasta salad, chunks of pineapple and fresh, crunchy apple slices. You know an under-$7 platter is a great value when it's a challenge to squeeze its contents into a single sentence. He: A case at the front counter contains an enticing display of desserts, from carrot cake to sugar-free baklava. We erred in choosing a slice of commercial-tasting banana cream pie ($2.50) rather than the well-browned homemade apple pie or the German chocolate cake. She: A note about service. We arrived in a midday Saturday crush, and our orders took a while. When they were delivered, it was with a smile, an apology and two $2-off coupons for a future visit. That's just the way to handle it, although they had no idea we were reviewers and can't ethically use the coupons. Dratted ethics. He: Last thoughts: a comfortable coffeehouse--plus. She: As it's just a short hop off State Route 20, it's a good spot to stop in at during this autumn's valley leaf-peeping jaunts. Nancy Dearing Rossbacher and Stephen W. Sylvia publish a Civil War magazine together. She likes to cook. He likes to eat. To reach Rossbacher and Sylvia, e-mail them at editor@nstcivil war.com. Or call 540/374-5430 with comments about today's review.
Date published: 10/9/2008
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