BRUNCH & BREWS
Today, I found myself wandering through the city again searching for a sense of connection to something, anything. The streets were alive with people, each face a story, each step a journey. I felt like a ghost drifting through, unseen and unnoticed.
As I turned a corner, my footsteps as if having a mind of their own led me to my much loved Brunch & Brews Bistro tucked away like a secret. It was my Querencia, a place of comfort and solace.
****
Located on the charming Clemenceau Boulevard 12, Brunch & Brews is nestled between a vintage bookstore and a florist, surrounded by floral trees in full bloom and quaint shops.
Clemenceau Boulevard 12 is lined with tall trees and charming street lamp posts that cast a soft glow over the sidewalk after sundown.The surrounding buildings are a mix of old and new, with historic shop houses renovated to house modern businesses. These are the streets I used to walk hand in hand with dad as a child.
The exterior façade of the bistro is adorned with climbing ivy and Wisteria. The soft, golden lighting that spills out of the windows gives the street an enchanted look.
Inside, the bistro has a heartwarming air about it.The walls are painted a soothing shade of moonlit blue, complemented by warm wooden accents and vintage coffee equipment.
Plush armchairs and wooden tables are scattered throughout the café, with plenty of nooks for solitary diners or groups of friends. Soft jazz plays in the background, adding to the relaxed vibe.
The street now is a bustling one with locals and students from the nearby university, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. On the corner, a small garden blooms with vibrant flowers, adding a pop of color to the scene.
*****
Almost a month had passed since my dad's passing and my last visit to Brunch & Brews. As I walked down the boulevard, Querencia pulled me in.
Even though I hadn't meant to set foot in this charming spot, the memories poured on me like unseasonal rain.
My dad and I used to visit this very bistro on lazy Sunday mornings, indulging in leisurely brunches that would stretch into afternoons.
I swung the door inwards. The barista recognized me instantly and smiled, "Welcome back, Ms. Kamath. It's been a while! The usual?" I nodded my head in quiet agreement.
As I took a seat at our favorite table by the window, a mix of emotions swirled within me. Today, I wasn't here with Dad, but I was here for him.
The world outside seemed to slow down and I watched it go by through the steam-kissed glass, in a daze. It was as if the café had become a sanctuary, a refuge from the chaos of life.
I ordered his favorite dish, The Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich with a Mesclun Salad, a dish he'd often rave about. We had also shared a plate of creamy scrambled eggs with truffle oil and toasted brioche between us. And that too was ordered now as an afterthought.
It was a small way for me to hold onto the memories we made here, to relive the laughter and conversations that flowed as freely as the signature coffee we both lived for during these visits. The Star Weaver!
Made from expertly roasted Hawaiian Kona coffee beans it embraced a smooth, balanced flavor with notes of chocolate and nuts. A subtle hint of macadamia nut syrup added a rich, buttery flavor. Topped with velvety Coconut milk added a rustic flavor of the countryside cuisine to the steaming beverage.
This blend had a distinct and intriguing undertone, the aroma as intoxicating as a warm elixir.
The server, familiar with my dad's staunch love and patronage for this bistro since ages, smiled knowingly as he took my order. "Your dad always had a great taste in food," he said, his voice tinged with warmth. I smiled back, feeling a lump form in my throat. It was comforting to know that the people here remembered him as Mr. Kamath so fondly.
As I waited for my food to arrive, I let my gaze wander around the bistro. The decor was still the same – vintage posters on the walls, rustic wooden accents, and plush armchairs that seemed to whisper, "Stay a while, Child…" It was as if time had stood still, preserving the essence of our summer vacations and Sunday gatherings.
When the plate of Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich arrived, the hot-sweet aroma of the juicy Ranch, Chipotle and Honey Mustard sauces wafted up. I closed my eyes, savoring the first drizzling bite. The flavors danced on my palate, transporting me back to those carefree mornings with Dad. I could almost hear his gentle voice, see his smiling eyes as we shared plates among us having a taste of everything .
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but they were bittersweet. I felt Dad's presence around me, as if he were sitting across from me, enjoying his favorite dish once more. In this moment, the bistro became a bridge between past and present, a place where memories could be relived and cherished.
I lingered over my meal, enjoying every bite, every sip of coffee. It was my way of honoring Dad's memory, of keeping our tradition alive.
As I sat in the cozy bistro, surrounded by the mellow glow of lanterns and the soft hum of conversation, I asked the barista if he could play a particular song.
"Still My Guitar Gently Weeps" by George Harrison floated through the speakers on my request, its melancholic melody echoing the wistfulness stirring within me. The music seemed to teleport me back to the times shared with my dad when he would play the album every morning before leaving for work during his younger days.
The gentle weeping of the guitar strings felt like a reflection of my own heart, mourning the loss while cherishing the love.
I finished my solitary meal and prepared to leave.. alone this time.
Brunch & Brews is my Querencia, a reminder of something I'd carry with me, long after I left this cozy spot behind.
Time doesn't rewind, but memories can stay with us, and places like this bistro can become timeless in their own way. They hold the essence of our experiences and emotions, allowing us to revisit and relive them.
This charming nook has become a vessel for my moments with my dad, preserving the memories we created here over the decades.
Dad's presence would always be present around me…guiding me…wanting me to be happy always!
Nourished, I stepped out into the warm mid-morning sunshine out of the café, back into the bustling streets. I felt seen again, felt connected.
The city still pulsed with energy and I was no longer a ghost wandering through. And as I disappeared into the crowd, I was certain that I would carry this moment, this Querencia, with me, wherever I went.
In my hands was a takeaway packet with the Star Weaver signature brew—one for Dad. Dad's share is a must, isn't it?
PIC COURTESY: PINTEREST
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