Plank Coffee celebrated its one-year anniversary today. I watched the progress on the site pre-opening and have been enjoying the beverages and snacks (and air-conditioning and free wi-fi) since the first week.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8721764209/
Bringing a City friend here, I made a point to warn him in advance about the reclaimed timber décor that has become such a cliché. Afterall, what else could you expect from a place named Plank? (http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/888848 , http://www.modernluxury.com/san-francisco/story/burning-question-there-life-beyond-reclaimed-wood) But I added that I felt it was done uniquely well here. He replied with arched brow, “Reclaimed wood, ironically?” After he settled into the high quality upholstered chair, admired the lines of the tables, and shared a pot of organic tea with me, the easy warmth of Plank won him over. He noted, “You’re right. This is tastefully put together and shouldn’t be mocked.” The owners are dealers in mid-century furniture and picked up some interesting finds for the interior, such as this one-ton welding surface that serves as a community table.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8721771299/
The coffee roaster is Flying Goat and there’s also a long list of organic specialty teas. My favorite concoctions from the beverage menu include:
Arnold Planker – Organic Mango Ceylon tea blended with fresh squeezed lime and orange juices, agave syrup, and lavender
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8722899696/
Chai latte, hot or cold – When the barista asks if you want freshly grated nutmeg, say “yes”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8722889320/
and Aztec mocha – chile-spiked chocolate/coffee. Basically, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried with the exception of the Bangkok coffee (too weak on sweetened condensed milk). Prices are on the low side compared with the City.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8721767937/
Snacks-wise, a range of pastries from Healdsburg’s Flour Girl are featured, including gluten-free and vegan selections. I especially like the flourless peanut butter cookies,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8722881924/
and the wonderfully moist and dense orange-glazed vegan Bundt cake.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8721766815/
Recently, savories in the form of quiche of the day have started to appear on the board, but I’ve not had a chance to try this yet.
According to its FB page, Plank’s having a party tomorrow (Saturday, May 11) with free mini-cupcakes, starting at 6am.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=587337674623741&id=407268909297286
Plank Coffee
227 N Cloverdale Blvd
Cloverdale, CA 95425
(707) 894-6187
Daily 6am to 2pm
Free wi-fi
http://www.plankcoffee.com/
More photos (click on “slideshow”)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/tags/plankcoffee/
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