Out and About: Vovito Cafe & Gelato, Bellevue WA

When I can find a local, independent cafe that serves a decent cup of coffee, you'll find me there.  Vovito Cafe & Gelato, located in The Shops at The Bravern in Bellevue, this cafe is great for those afternoon pick-me-ups or even a casual business meeting.  I have been many many times, and I've experienced this cafe evolve into something worth going to.

Parking at the Bravern is free with validation.  Take either the red or blue elevators up to the 2nd floor and you are there!

You'll find your assortment of espresso beverages using their own single origin bean made deliciously on the famous and very expensive Slayer machines.  Don't drink coffee?  Vovito has a wide array of non-caffeinated beverages including sodas, teas, juices and alcohol.

The food assortment is your typical coffee shop pasty items taken to the next level.  With a nice offering of sweet and savory, you'll be able to enjoy a bite to eat.  My favorite is their soup de jour and chocolate chip cookies.  Just recently they revamped their menu, which is evident in the quality and selection of their food offerings.

For those looking for a frozen treat, look no further.  Vovito offers a variety of gelato flavors delicious at any time of the year.  Can't decide?  Get their sampler which you choose 6 flavors to enjoy.  Vovito also offers made to order cakes for your special occasion.

Tip:  service is slow, so expect to wait if ordering a beverage.  It's relatively warm and the air can be stuffy, probably due to the panini presses.  Although there is ample seating, it's usually full with your MSFT employees taking over the seating area.

Out and About: Issaquah Coffee Company, Issaquah WA

I rarely end up in downtown Issaquah, but if I'm there and looking for good coffee I head to Issaquah Coffee Company located on the south part of Gilman Village.  Proudly pouring Stumptown.  There is a large parking lot and relatively easy access.

Free wi-fi, lots of seating and a good cup of coffee makes for a great hang out.  You'll find lots of families, especially on the weekends.  They close early (7 weeknights, 6 weekends) so don't come if you're looking for an after dinner something something.

Ample selection of coffee shop quality pastries, including gluten free (provided by Flying Apron).  You'll find your usual selection of espresso beverages including some blended selections.

My beverage of choice:  Tall, 3/4 full americano....that's it.

Dining Out - Serious Biscuit, Seattle WA

This South Lake Union eatery is hopping!  Tokuro and I happen to be in the area and stopped in for a late breakfast.  The atmosphere is very open and Serious Biscuit is shared with a wine shoppe and Serious Pie (upstairs).  Seating is limited and on this particular Sunday it was PACKED.  Table service is available upstairs but the wait can be long.  There is a quicker, self service option at the counter - just order your food, wait and then sit and eat.  We chose the latter.

We ordered "the Zach" which is pictured above (one to share).  Fried chicken, Tabasco black pepper gravy, fried egg and bacon graced this glass plate.  In addition we had the Kentucky bourbon & bacon beans and a bottle of Panna.  It's probably worth mentioning that their menu includes biscuits topped with a variety of goodies, side dishes and beverages.

The verdict - well, that was a lot of food.  It was what I expected in a Tom Douglas southern breakfast cuisine.  Our dish was rich and creamy with the gravy (but lacked in Tabasco and black pepper, I expected more).  Chicken was nice and crispy, but I would have liked it hotter (we noticed a bunch of pre-fried chicken piled high, just waiting to be used - I get it, saving time).  The beans were made fresh and had a distinct taste of cumin which my husband just LOVED.

OK, I'll be on a treadmill burning this breakfast off!

Out And About: Cafe Cesura, Bellevue WA

Yes, Cafe Cesura serves coffee (Stumptown) but I like to head to this cafe for lunch or a quick bite to eat.  It's in downtown Bellevue and parking sucks (street parking and a limited number of stalls in the garage) but if I can park, I will eat.  Service is great, very helpful folks behind the counter.  Lots of seating (tables and chairs), especially with the big communal table.  They were recently featured in Seattle Met magazine.

They offer a soup of the day (aka Market Inspired Soup) which I have found to be delicious in flavor and freshness.  They also top them with things like roasted nuts and infused oils.

Pair the soup with the Mt Townsend Creamery New Moon Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  It lends for interesting flavors with the caramelized onions.

I've also had their Smoked Salmon w/ Picked Onion and Caper Aioli on Baguette - great flavors, but I was a bit put off by the baguette.  I (as well as my son who ate the other half) found it to have a pretty tough crust.

Finally!  A place in Bellevue that serves delicious coffee and delicious food to go with.  That's a rare find on the eastside.