August 27, 2007

Charming Orange County cafés
These local cafés provide more than just a java jolt.

By LISA DELAO
Special to SqueezeOC.com

I consider myself an artist. I write, draw, study dance – anything that allows me to express myself in a creative way.

So I seek out those little corners that will engender creative thought and help me to feel relaxed and uninhibited. I depend on them for a sense of tranquility, comfort, and rejuvenation.

When you only have 30 minutes to spare and are at wit's end due to a horrendous work shift, or simply exhausted by the stresses of a long and busy week, try one of these delightful local havens for a re-energizing quickie.

CAFÉ ENCHANTE

328 11th St., #E, Huntington Beach; 714-369-8377

Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Café Enchante has been a mini-paradise for me. I was introduced to the place by a local whom I interviewed for an article. I found it instantly charming and kept coming back to it at least twice a month, even though I lived in Fullerton at the time.

The kindness of its staff, the rich, delicious aromas wafting from its tiny kitchen, and the gentle ocean breeze dancing through the open doors bring solace to the weary soul. The combination of the café's ambience and the beach just down the street is a perfect balm for my wounds. I did end up moving to HB recently, due in no small part to the promise of renewal, healthy environs, and artistic rejuvenation that Café Enchante came to represent.

Owner Chet Thong chose carefully when naming the café: "Enchante means 'charmed.' In French it also means 'Nice to meet you.' That's really my philosophy for the place." He puts equal care and attention into choosing the local musicians who perform at the Saturday night jazz and blues sessions. Staff members like Bridget Finn serve up a dizzying variety of hot and cold coffees and teas, including their own special seasonal creations, and scrumptious breakfast and lunch dishes and tasty desserts like key lime tarts and tangy lemon bars.

But beyond the delicious menu, there is a sense of community that makes you feel as though you are home. As Bridget told me, "I grew up in Huntington Beach and never liked it until I started working here. It's such a great place."

KÉAN COFEE

2043 Westcliffe Drive, Suite #100, Newport Beach; 949-642-5326

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Owned and operated by famous local coffee king Martin Diedrich (formerly of Diedrich's Coffee) and his wife, Karen, this coffeehouse named after their son buzzes with local energy. Decorated in warm, rich colors with magnificent floral arrangements from a vendor down the street, Kéan is a fresh and vital spot for lively conversation and top-of-the-line coffee.

Says Karen (aka Lilla Varese, a local belly dance instructor), "We are focused on coffee as a culinary art, and take very seriously the coffee roasting and beverage preparation techniques, right down to the latte art on the top." This attention to detail is evident in every drop of coffee that Martin and his staff roast daily and present to customers with tremendous care and warm smiles.

Indeed, Martin's years of experience and craftsmanship in the coffee arena are second to none, but what really makes Kéan shine in my eyes is the amazing atmosphere – so vibrant and revitalizing. As Karen says, "Our hope is that our patrons leave Kéan Coffee feeling a little indulged, a little uplifted, and connected with their community and the fabric of society."

(For info on Karen's dance classes: lilladance.com)

CAFÉ VIENNA

31542 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; 949-499-3015

Hours: Monday-Tuesday 7 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Ideally located on Pacific Coast Highway, Café Vienna gets my weekend off to a perfect start. I began coming here with my friend Brianna after our hikes down from Laguna Niguel. We'd make the café our rest stop before crossing PCH and hitting the beach.

I was immediately charmed by the friendliness of the staff, headed by owner Eva (in her stylish outfits), and the quality of the breakfasts and beverages. They make a mean spinach and sun-dried-tomato omelette, and their Mate Lattes always energize us for our trek back up the steep hiking trails.

A European-style café, with sister spot Café Heidelberg up the street, Café Vienna is the ideal place to spend an hour people-watching and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze. Pets are welcome on the patio, and the staff will often be ready with a doggie treat in their pockets. The café is also open for lunch and dinner, with a vast menu that offers everything from shrimp pasta salad to beef stroganoff and rack of lamb.

THE UGLY MUG

261 N. Glassell St., Orange; 714-997-5610

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-midnight, Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-midnight

A favorite hangout for students from Chapman University just up the street, this coffeehouse also draws a decidedly artistic crowd. The Ugly Mug has been home to "Two Idiots Peddling Poetry" for seven years – a creation of friends and poets Steve Ramirez and Ben Trigg, who host open-mic poetry and readings by established artists on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

More than just because of its convenient location, Steve and Ben chose the Mug as their creative space because, as Steve puts it, "The atmosphere is really the best thing. It's a cozy place to sit down and relax. The couches are great, and it's obvious from the minute you step inside that the owner, Phil, cares about how it looks to his guests. He likes to put on his Coffee Nazi hat whenever he thinks it's funny."

The décor is marvelously funky, with mismatched sofas, neon signs, and unusual artifacts hanging on the walls.

A visit to the Mug on poetry night is a great cap to Hump Day and is a true bargain at $2, or the price of one of their tasty beverages. And if poetry's not your thing, no worries: The Ugly Mug is a comfy place to rest your weary bones anytime.

419 VERONESE CAFÉ

419 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton; 714-578-8265

Hours: 10 a.m.-midnight daily.

Located in the bustling downtown district, 419 Gallery and Café Veronese is ideally situated between both Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton. Open until midnight all week, the café is a safe and charming place for students to study and congregate. There are many soft couches and chairs to curl up in for some intense review before a test, or perhaps a refreshing nap or lazy interlude after taking that nasty exam.

Beyond the inviting interior is a beautiful garden strewn with lights, statues, books – a veritable "Secret Garden" that immediately soothes the soul with its fresh air and fragrant flowers and blossoms.

Café Veronese also hosts an art gallery and classes for mediums such as painting and calligraphy. I can't forget to mention their unique, delicious varieties of Korean teas and light sandwiches and pastries that make a visit to this charming locale a refreshing experience to remember.