Where to break your fast

Lauren Vane

Every morning as I rush out of my favorite coffee shop, hot

cup-of-life in my hand, I wonder why I’m in such a hurry. Then I

remember: It’s 8:45 a.m. and I need to be at my office, which is 20

miles away, in 15 minutes. There’s clearly no time to sit down, enjoy

the coffee, and God forbid, digest my breakfast.

Instead, I, and undoubtedly all of America, make the choice to

inhale breakfast while driving, spilling coffee down the fronts of

our shirts as we go.

On a recent weekday morning, I took it upon myself to test the

concept and see if taking the time to eat a relaxing breakfast can

really make a difference in the day.

Since the European idea of a morning ritual seems to be the

antithesis of our American way, I did my field research at a

restaurant with a decidedly European atmosphere: Anastasia Cafe and

Bakery.

Stepping into the cafe feels like you’re walking up to a

street-front cafe somewhere in France or Spain, but it hardly exudes

an old-world atmosphere.

The decor is modern and simple; both indoor and outdoor seating

areas are filled with metal tables and space-age looking chairs. The

walls are a muted light green, accented by several bright pieces of

artwork. The counter, where you place your order, is decorated with

an impressive display of fresh grapefruit.

On a Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. the cafe was half-filled with

people having breakfast together or alone. Most seemed to be working.

I walked up to the counter and glanced over the menu and saw a wide

selection of egg dishes and several appealing house specials.

I decided on the Belgian waffles ($8.45), gingerbread waffles with

a dollop of chantilly cream. I also ordered a glass of fresh-squeezed

orange juice ($3.45) and a latte ($2.95).

I took my number, picked a table inside and sat down to read the

paper. Relaxation was a new morning experience for me and it took

some getting used to. But after a few sips of the foamy latte, I

decided I may be changing my morning routine.

Served in a roomy cup, with the right amount of foam and a

temperature that was hot, but drinkable, the latte was near

perfection.

And the orange juice was a close second. The juice had three

characteristics that left no doubt that it had been squeezed not so

long ago: it was frothy, full of pulp and served at room temperature.

Reveling in the coffee and OJ, before I knew it my main dish had

arrived. The minimalist decor of the cafe carried over to the food

presentation. On a crisp and delightfully clean white plate, the

waffle was served with syrup and orange slices. It looked great, but

the waffles came without the chantilly cream I was promised.

I sliced up my waffle minus the garnish and covered my first bite

with syrup. The gingerbread was a subtle addition to the waffle and

added a cinnamon aftertaste. Over the next 20 minutes, I took slow

bites of my waffle while reading over the morning paper, continuing

to enjoy the accompanying beverages.

So, what did my research conclude? Fast forward to the end of my

day. At 7 p.m. that night I left the office with my work completed

and without a headache. When I got home I had enough energy to do

more than watch TV in a comatose state. And that’s more than I can

say for most weeknights.

After mastering the concept of a relaxing morning routine, next

I’m going to advocate a company policy of mid-day siestas. I’m sure

that will go over well.