I've been wanting to write about local coffee shops. I mean, why go to the same old place you can find in any city when you could go to a dozen inviting places just a few minutes from your home or work....each with it's own specialty, mood, and style.
When I heard about La Mancha, a new coffee shop in the Old North City neighborhood, I decided it needed to be investigated. Other than a few trips to Crown Candy, I haven't spent a lot of time this tenacious little neighborhood, so I was eager to go back and explore.
We found a cozy and welcoming space
with a whimsical,
tropical Puerto Rican flair.
Veronica Holden is owner and operator of the La Mancha Coffee Shop.
But she makes it clear this is a family effort.
For example, this coolest logo ever was designed by the oldest Holden son, Malachi.
Opening a coffee shop in North City may seem like an impossible dream
but for the Holden family it is a well considered plan.
The Holdens have lived in this area for about 12 years. They have witnessed and contributed to many improvements over the decade. Veronica simply says it was "iffy" when they moved in all those years ago. But a neighbor who was enjoying a smoothie, suggested a stronger word might be in order....like something to describe wakening to machine gun fire in the night.
But things are brighter now!
When the Holdens and several other families joined this neighborhood they were determined to be a part of making it a wonderful place to live. And though they still deal with all those challenging urban issues, they have definitely achieved a sense of community in the midst of it all. It really feels like a small town as everyone greets each other by name and takes a few minutes to inquire about news of their families.
In addition the cheerful welcome you'll receive at La Mancha they do have really good coffee and an enticing assortment of pastries from Companion Bakery.
And if you are not a coffee drinker don't let the traditional "coffee shop" name scare you away!
Tea,
soda and juice are also choices,
and enough flavorful syrups to customize any drink.
Whether you need to grab something to go
or have time to linger with a colorful mug,
your computer, or
a good book,
I think you'll enjoy a visit to La Mancha!
We sure did! Alli had a grilled tart apple and brie cheese on raisin bread with a pina colada smoothie and I had a grilled veggie panini, with a delicious cup of hot desert lime tea in a perfectly huge mug. While we were visiting after lunch Veronica was surprised by a visit from a member of the Prairie Home Companion staff who was searching out interesting St. Louis sites while they were in town for a show at the Fox.
So we said good bye until next time and continued our exploration.
La Mancha is just a few doors down from Crown Candy, that St. Louis Legend which surely deserves applause for loyalty to a neighborhood when most chose to abandon it. Continuing into the next couple of blocks is a recently renovated shopping district now called Crown Square. So on the first sunny day after so many rainy ones we were thrilled to stroll along this charming street, look at the "before" pictures and be amazed at the transformation.
After the walk along Crown Square, it seemed a necessity to go into Crown Candy. We would be having a birthday celebration with Brother Chris that evening.... what better birthday gift than a box of chocolates from St. Louis oldest candy shop. And while we were there, maybe just one chocolate covered coconut candy for the trip home.
Our trip had been a thorough delight, and we are planning to go back on Saturday because that is the day they serve homemade waffles!
Let me encourage you in the spirit of our dauntless hero, that knight errant, Don Quixote de La Mancha, to seek adventure in new and exciting places.
I really like this place too. Just a wonderful place to sit and sip some iced tea.
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