Not just businesses
My return to the copy desk at the Enterprise-Record and its nightowl hours have encouraged me to pursue anew a former languid daytime pastime of visiting Chico’s many fine coffeehouses. I’ve already returned to my old habit of playing the field.
I’ve rested my heels a couple of times at Café Flo, the perfect stop on a flaneur’s stroll from downtown Chico to Bidwell Park and back. It’s right where the businesses give way to residences. Café Flo was one of the first coffeehouses in Chico to offer fair trade coffee. Since then, it has become standard practice among the independents.
I had to smile when I overheard one patron tell another that the off-the-wall conversations that buzzed all around her could only happen at Café Flo. That may or may not be true, but customers there do seem to feel comfortable talking to each other. Café Flo feels like a large, cozy kitchen. It’s more than a place to drink coffee. It has a dimension of cordiality that goes a step being its function as a business.
I’ve also spent a couple of late mornings at the Coco Caffé on Mangrove Avenue. This isn’t a stop on a flaneur’s stroll. You don’t walk along Mangrove for pleasure. To find Coco Caffé you have to remember that it’s the more northerly of two almost identical-looking strip malls. Having made those disclaimers about its location, I can report that it’s as relaxing an oasis as Café Flo. The only difference is that there doesn’t seem to be any cross conversation among the customers. People do spend time hanging out there, they either come alone to read or use their laptop or with one or two friends to talk.
I continue to stick with my regulars: Café Mondo, Moxie’s, Café Paolo, the Naked Lounge and Jump Start Espresso every time I have the oil in my car changed. Jump Start shares the lobby with my mechanic, C & M Automotive.
These days I’m in an expansive mood when it comes to choosing coffeehouses, but my loyalty lies entirely with the locals. There’s no need in Chico to go to a chain.