A Little Bit of London in Ramona

English Tea fans rejoice! I was privileged to be the first customer at a new bakery in Old Town Ramona.

The London Bakery  632 Main Street, Ramona CA.

I stopped in this morning for one of the best scones I’ve ever eaten…or savored really. Out of the large selection, I chose blueberry. It was light and fresh with the perfect amount of real blueberries. Not overpowering like some, and not dry like most scones in America. Everything is made from scratch by an authentic English baker – and it shows. I’m looking forward to trying more. The tea was Ty Phoo and delicious. It took a hint of milk and sugar perfectly. I’m not sure if it was the tea or the British maker but I will be searching out this one for home use. Love, love, love this place.

The London Bakery

The London Bakery

All our coffees are back in stock!

Back in stock! We now have Stacy’s Coffee available again. New, this time, Brando Commando available in both whole bean and pre ground. Sometime you’re just not awake enough to use a grinder so we’ve done it for you. Brando is our best morning blend. Wake you up and kick your butt. Click Here to Buy Stacy’s Coffee

Hot Summer Treat

Packards Coffee is a tiny shop in Ramona, California. The building is an old 1930’s gas station turned coffee shop with outdoor seating. If you are ever in the neighborhood, you shouldn’t miss it. There are some some photos on the walls from famous people who’ve stopped there, as well as postcards from around the world. If you love a small town atmosphere, roadside kitch and coffee house coffee, then this is the place.

(Full disclosure: It’s right near my shop so I’m a regular.) I normally get an Organic Blue Sky coffee with a little almond milk.  A smooth dark roast with a bit of an edge, it’s a perfect pick-me-up for those mornings I’m not feeling it. On a hot summer day, when I need something sweet, I order the Alaskan. It’s a special frozen mocha that will cure any sweet tooth.

Today, I was talking to the owner and she mentioned something new, so of course I had to have it. Simple, yet genius! Frozen Mocha meets Banana Smoothie in a dark alley and BAM! This drink has the best of both. Ask for the Frozen Banana Mocha. Real espresso, frozen blended banana smoothie and rich chocolate. Nothing here comes in powder form. All the ingredients are the real deal and the prices are way better than the chain stores.

They are also known for their flavored red bulls, the Ramonan (mocha, cinamon, nutmeg) as well as Italian Sodas and free wi-fi.

If you are lucky enough to be here on the weekends, they serve crepes, both savory and sweet. All fresh ingredients, made to order makes for a long line, but it’s worth the wait.

They don’t have a website but you can follow them on Facebook or Yelp.

Packards Coffee – 680 Main Street, Ramona, CA 92065  (760) 789-4262 

Coffee and Art

There is a little shop, tucked into a high rise building on the edge of the Gaslamp District in San Diego. It does not have much of a footprint, but the disproportionate height of the ceiling makes it feel a bit bigger. The walls are covered in paintings and works by ever changing artists varying in both style and quality. Art is art, right? On my most recent trip I strayed from my usual chai latte and had the peach iced tea. This is NOT something that comes out of a package or box. It was amazing. The real peach juice added a smooth flavor to the tang of the black tea, making it the perfect blend it was meant to be. Very refreshing on an unusually hot summer day. In a town that is becoming more commercial by the minute, I hope you make it to this European style coffee house. (The drink in the picture is iced coffee from a previous visit. The book is one I was reviewing for the shop. I didn’t like it.)

Coffee and Art 777 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (corner of 6th & F)