rev:text
| - I have been meaning to check out this coffeeshop cafe for a long time now, but often have passed it by on my way somewhere else thinking, repeatedly, "I have to remember this next time." Then, they made headlines this week when an angry vandal put a rock through their window with a political message on it. Hard to believe that the constituents of a governor who says, "Wisconsin is open for business" would be putting rocks through local business windows. Well, perhaps not hard to believe..
So, I found myself among those flocking to the Victory Cafe to order something and give a hand toward the window repair and toward restoring faith in our neighborhood as we come together to support a local business owner who was seriously wronged.
A bit over a mile away, the morning walk was chilled and brisk and a nice sunny-cold wake up before that first sip of coffee. I walked through the drapes hanging at the door keeping the cold out, into the coziest, friendliest space in town. There was soft Reggae playing, counter space stools stocked with today's newspapers, and little tables around the long, narrow room.
The window was temporarily patched up with tape and surrounded with fresh new posters (the presumed target of the vandal). A sign on the door read, "Also mightier than the rock."
I sat down at the counter with a hot frothy coffee drink and a muffin. Their coffee and blueberry muffin were perfect light wake-up fare. Two people were holding down the fort chatting with customers whom they knew by name and preparing fresh ciabatta sandwiches for the afternoon rush to come. I noticed they have plenty of gluten and dairy free pastry options for people with special dietary needs. When I ordered, I considered the breakfast ciabatta, but noticed that they don't accept debit cards and I had only come prepared with $10 in cash. The espresso drink and big blueberry muffin were only $6 together, very competitively, fairy priced. Without knowing me, the person taking my money generously offered to give me credit if I would like to order something heartier and pay them when I return.
This is a true neighborhood business. They were so welcoming and kind, knew everyone's names, and cared about the people who came in the door. They have been feeling the love since this terrible rock incident, which was a relief to hear. Nothing like having your personal space violated to threaten your outlook, but people came in concerned and supportive. A place like this deserves a long life held with warmth in the heart of Madison. I look forward to more morning walks and hope people will stuff their window repair jar generously with tips.
Oh, also, they are on the bike path for you Winter bikers who need a warm up.
|