Dining Out : continued
( Crispy , creamy , fried vanilla ice cream served in a golden crisp tortilla with whipped cream and a sweet honey glaze : $ 6.99 ). Wow . Just wow . This was a winning ticket .
We all became kids for a few minutes ( at least that ’ s how I remember it ) as we enjoyed these delectable desserts . We laughed more , released the final stresses of our respective work weeks , and leaned into the desserts like the board members in a Haribo commercial lean into gummy bears . It couldn ’ t get any better . Then it was gone . Gone . We ate everything . Fast . I know sharing is caring but … it was all gone .
Regrouping , I took charge of the evening , asking Deb what she thought about walking over to grab a coffee at Vertigo Coffee Roasters . She liked the idea and approved . Piper and Brad were game , and off we went . We walked through the patio heading west just as it was getting dark , but still light enough to take in all the colorful flowers , lush plants , and abundant succulents on our way out the side gate . Down the street and around the corner was one of the coolest little coffee shops in the area .
Vertigo Coffee Roasters at 81 4th Street in San Juan has been a gem of a place for many years . They roast their own coffee , make their own pastries , and use only locally sourced products for their breakfast , lunch , and wood-fired pizza offerings . They offer local wine and beer , baked goods , and bring in local music talent regularly . Hapa Bros . food truck has a standing Friday night commitment onsite , and the patio can seat half the town . In a word , this place is “ happening .” I ’ ll write more in another article about this awesome place .
We ordered Cappuccinos and Lattes for our group , and chilled for a while inside as the place was buzzing inside and out . A Musicologist was setting up to entertain the patrons as we got our order . We sipped and talked , sipped and laughed , sipped and listened to music . Have I mentioned this place is incredible ? It was the perfect way to end the evening , enhanced by a fun walk over and back toward our horses … uhm , cars .
All in all , our experience at Jardines de San Juan and Vertigo Coffee Roasters was great . It was made even better by sharing the experience with Piper and Brad . If you haven ’ t been to San Juan Bautista lately , you ’ ll be pleased . Their downtown is looking great . Great dining experiences await you . And , if you make a day of it , you can hit San Juan Bakery , visit or friends Anthony and Monica Rodriquez at the 18th Barrel , walk the San Juan Bautista Mission grounds , and do some window — or real — shopping in their many boutique shops . The folks are great and friendly , and it ’ s right in our backyard . See you there !
34 SPRING 2024 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com