As I’ve gotten older, and busier, and more addicted, my general discernment regarding coffee has waned considerably. Most mornings, I’m running late and chasing the fix—nuking whatever’s leftover from yesterday’s pot at home or swinging by McDonald’s to get three of their large $1 drips as if I’m doing the coffee run for the whole office instead of feeding the habit of one desperate man.
I’d forgotten what got me hooked in the first place: Coffee can be fragrant, smooth, nuanced, and nice. It can give you that boost to get started on a busy day when you’re drained, but paradoxically, coffee is best when savored slowly with nothing to rush to at all.
I re-learned that lesson on a recent Tuesday when I’d gotten up way earlier than usual to try some crepes I’d heard good buzz about before starting my regular day job. Instantly, Cups and Crumbs in old Orcutt felt like a place where I could spend the whole morning just relaxing, chatting, or reading. The decor was all “up-cycled” country chic—menus mounted on sliding barn door tracks and a long, communal bench that stretched across the back wall—creating an atmosphere that must be downright neighborly when the place is crowded.
I treated myself to a latte—the “magic” mocha made with a rich blend of dark and white chocolate—and asked manager Jenessa Rowan what crepe she’d recommend. She steered me toward the “rooster,” which had scrambled eggs, jack cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and “soyrizo” (like a meatless chorizo) with a mushroom cream sauce.
I’d never been a fan of crepes, but I think that’s because I tried the Nutella and fruit version once, found it overly sweet and kind of boring, and never bothered to go back.
This savory crepe had everything I want in a creative breakfast. The wrapping added a little bit of sweetness to a classic south-of-the-border scramble, and the creamy mushroom sauce added a deep, earthy dimension, almost like a gravy. Some people don’t, but I freaking love mushrooms. That sauce was fantastic and totally made the dish.
I chatted a bit with Rowan while I ate, and she told me that although the shop had only been open a little more than a month, business was already booming. Local customers have been super supportive, she said, and Cups and Crumbs hopes to return the favor.
“Customer service is such a lost art nowadays,” Rowan said. “We want to really take care of our customers.”
For some people, that just means being polite and prompt, but for Rowan, customer service means really providing a tailor-made experience and building a coffee shop that meets the community’s needs. They’ve tweaked the menu already based on early customer input so that it covers a wide range of tastes—from simple to fancy, with options for meat eaters and vegetarians—without being so expansive that it’s overwhelming. They added classic chocolate chip cookies to their offerings of scones, muffins, coffee cakes, and lime bars just to make one customer happy, and they have a variety of avocado toast offerings for health-conscious neighbors on the go.
All told, my breakfast at Cups and Crumbs was delicious, unique, and relaxing. My only complaint about this neighborhood coffee shop is that it isn’t located in my neighborhood, but what can you do?
Contributing writer Nick Powell is feeling fishy. Send seafood recommendations to npowell@santamariasun.com.
Powell’s picks
• It’s not too late to support the Lompoc Theatre Project by buying a case of 2012 syrah from Montemar Wines before the end of May. Every cent of the $480 price tag will be donated to the effort to renovate the historic Lompoc Theatre (pictured right). If you like wine, have disposable cash, and are reading this the day it comes out, hurry up and buy a case already! Montemar Wines is located at 1501 E. Chestnut Court, suite E, and is open from noon to 5 p.m.
• Enjoy a horseback trail ride through scenic vineyards followed by a barbecue cook-out at the Cowboy for a Day with Toretti Wine and Bob Torres event on June 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets cost $140 to ride and eat or $25 to $35 to eat only. Wine is included for cowpokes ages 21 and up. Estelle Vineyards is located at 2178 Mora Ave. in Santa Ynez. Call (805) 944-0493 to reserve.
• The Los Olivos Jazz and Olive Festival is happening June 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. Sample 30 olive-themed dishes (pictured left) while bopping to world-class musicians. Tickets are available online at jazzandolivefestival.org or by phone at (805) 325-9280. They cost $75 and include all the food and wine you could want. Kids under 12 can eat for just $10. This event sells out, so reserve spots early!
• Lots of uppity wine stuff this week, but you know what else is good? Burgers. They’re not too good for the environment, though, what with the methane from cattle and the glaciers melting and whatnot. But, I tried the Beyond Famous Star (a plant-based, meatless burger) from Carl’s Jr. the other day, and it was on par with any other fast food I’ve ever had. Not dazzling, but pretty solid. If you like burgers and coastal living above sea level, maybe consider making the switch and telling your friends.
Contributing writer Nick Powell is beyond famous. Send fan mail and delicious tips to npowell@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 6, 2019.