Saturday is a good day for eating breakfast out.  This morning’s gray mist made an outing even more appealing.  As I drove north from Bath on Route 512, I recalled my last visit to the BeanBath Café.  239It was a few days before Christmas and my son was just home from college.  We were looking for someplace with an urban edge, tasty food, and strong coffee.  I came across some rave reviews of a relatively new restaurant, new at least to me, the BeanBath Café.  “Sure,” my son said after I’d read a few lines. “Let’s try it.”  We weren’t disappointed.

Today I was greeted by a pleasant young man who said to choose my own seat.  “What ever is comfortable for you,” he said with a smile.  I chose a table by a large window overlooking the vast green countryside.   A waitress quickly appeared to take my drink order – coffee and a glass of water.

I read through a menu filled with appealing choices.  Omelets, Benedicts, scrambles, frittatas, burritos & quesadillas, breakfast sandwiches, French Toast, and more.  Other reviewers often comment on the superb quality of the Eggs Benedict served at the BeanBath.  (M would have loved the Benedicts, I thought. Always a favorite.)   In December my son and I had each ordered savory omelets – spinach & provolone for me, cheddar & bacon for him.  Scrumptious!  But today I felt like something different.  When the waitress returned I told her I’d like Yogurt, Granola & Fruit, along with a slice of whole wheat toast.

Frosty sceneryWhile I waited I sipped robust coffee and opened my Kindle.  Today I opted for a romantic short story I’d downloaded last month.  A good choice.  FLOWERS ON THE WATER by Helen Scott Taylor tells the story of Lucy and Dominic.  Divorced ten years before after the tragic loss of their young son, they meet again through a twist of fate.   Award-winning British author Taylor writes sweet, incredibly heartwarming fiction.  This emotional tale, though short, brought mist to my eyes, appropriate for the day.  (A tear-jerker, M would have said.  Why do we treasure a cry over a good story or movie?)  Nevertheless, it was a good choice for me.

My breakfast, too, was a good choice.   I’ve read that presentation is as important as preparation.  Presentation is an art.   If so, BeanBath’s chef  is an artist.   A base of crunchy granola was topped with yogurt overlaid with layers of sliced strawberries, perfectly ripened bananas, and sweet blueberries.  Browned whole wheat toast was a good complement.  Best of all, I savored the strong coffee.  235 “It’s Spice Island,” said the waitress when I asked.  “No spices, just a robust blend.  Some find it too strong,” she said.  Having grown up on the aroma and flavor of a strong brew, I didn’t.  I loved finding a restaurant where I can count on a good cup.

The bill for my meal – a yogurt parfait with granola and fresh fruit, a slice of whole wheat toast, and a large cup of coffee with refills, came to just over $9.00 (excluding tip).  Excellent service, well-prepared food, and a cordial atmosphere.  A thoroughly enjoyable morning.

The BeanBath Café is located at 2425 Plaza Court in the SouthMoore Plaza, two miles north of Bath along Highway 512.  Their hours are Monday – Thursday 7 am-2 pm; Friday 7 am to 3 pm, and 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm;  Saturday 7:30 am to 3 pm, and 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm; and Sunday 7:30 am to 3 pm.   Telephone – 484-287-2326.   If you enjoy this review (and the BeanBath), I hope you’ll share it with others.

Sara

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