Back when Jim and Patty's goofy visages used to decorate our fair city (before Coffee People was sold and bought and sold again) they were infamous (in snarky barista circles) for the saying that graced each cup of joe-- "Good coffee no backtalk." Why was this important to folks living in a city obsessed with the rich brew?
Because attitude is everything.
Well, maybe not everything. You still have to have the skill necessary to serve a decent cup and baking your own decadently flaky pastries is certainly a plus but the reason people love Crema so much goes beyond foamy artwork or the insanely tasty éclairs -- it's the friendly, laid-back vibe of Crema's kick-ass baristas.
For breakfast, Crema has a gorgeous array of fresh baked goods ($1.50-$4) from the oh-so-sinful double pain a chocolat (a flaky double chocolate croissant) and their ever-changing, bread pudding of the day to savory gallettes filled with goodies like pear, bacon and Gorgonzola or asparagus, Gruyere and roasted red pepper.
The charming baristas here crank out all the usual suspects and a few you didn't know you'd love, like the dreamy honey vanilla latte or the creamy Spanish latte all served up with a smile and a dose of witty conversation. In the mood for something cold? Besides the iced versions of their expertly made coffee, Crema offers fresh squeezed orange juice, killer lemonade or brewed herbal iced tea in intoxicating flavors like their crisply tart berry.
Whether you come for the steamy hot coffee or the thirst-quenching cool drinks you'll find that while breakfast (which also includes bacon and egg sandwiches and ham and cheese croissants) is decadently delicious, lunch is a must for your budget and your gourmet sensibilities.
While everything at Crema is priced less than $10, for $7, they will satiate your hunger with one of three lush sandwiches all served on fresh baked ciabatta: Caprese (ripe tomato, basil and mozzarella) Tuna (with dill and lemon aioli) and turkey (served warm with melty brie.) All sandwiches come with a beautiful mixed green salad (sometimes topped with colored peppers or corn or whatever is in season) with their signature balsamic dressing and your choice of pickles or Mediterranean marinated olives. Not only are the sandwiches big enough to wrap up half and take home for later but once you add in the salad and olives you really have a super deal on a meal that will curl the toes of the most epicurean among you.
At lunch, there’s always soup and quiche for those who aren’t in the mood for sandwiches and if you still aren’t full -- dessert! Cupcakes, fresh baked and lusciously layered with gobs of frosting (look for seasonal treats like the Ghost topped cupcakes for Halloween), sumptuous éclairs and a chewy assortment of cookies -- my favs are the Ginger and the California- dried apricots, nuts, coconut and chocolate chips make this one good for hitting the trail or washed down with that honey vanilla latte. Yum!
Stop by, have a chat with the baristas and tell ‘em Vanessa sent ya!
2728 SE Ankeny St
Portland, OR 97214-1847
(503) 234-0206
www.cremabakery.com
Comments
You may want to look up the definition of "infamous." Not sure that was what you meant...otherwise, this sounds like a great place!
It was "infamous" in snarky barista circles where a "bad attitude" is seen as part of your street cred for a coffee purveyor. It is only to customers that are of the non-hipster persuasion that good customer service and "No Backtalk" is valued. (The use of the word infamous then is appropriate, for we are through the looking glass here, Alice.) ;)
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