Blend Cafe
12.Jan.11
454 E Main St, Collegeville, PA
http://www.facebook.com/blendcafe
I am a coffee addict, so my hopes to have a coffeehouse within walking distance have been historically high. Several attempts have been made, all with disappointment. There are also resources within a short drive, including the great Green monster, as well as a handful of places in Phoenixville.
So, it was with great happiness that Blend opened last year almost literally in my backyard. I have since been a pretty regular customer, though perhaps not as often as Ryan would like since I tend to make my coffee at home to take to work with me.
I could perhaps post something on my ideal elements of a coffeehouse, but I will limit myself here to say that Ryan has done a good job of incorporating many of them. First, it must be comfortable, and Blend’s decor mixes first a great aesthetic, and then a variety of seating options — comfy chairs, tables that allow for work to be done, but also moved for groups of people. Second, it must have decent, largely unobtrusive music, and he has chosen a good Pandora station to supply him (today, “Transatlanticism” was on; need I say more?).
Third, and most importantly, it must have good coffee. Here, Blend also succeeds. Is it La Colombe? No, but not all of my wishes can come true. However, the drip coffee and espresso offerings earn a B+ at least, and that’s certainly serviceable.
Oh, this is a food blog, so the food? The bakery items are fine, and that’s about all I’ve had. Sorry.
Anyway, I wish Ryan the best, because Collegeville needs a coffeehouse, and definitely should have one. I only hope the community (better) supports him and he continues.
