Expectations were high a few years ago when it was announced that Rebecca's coffeehouse, a popular South Park hangout, would expand.
Months passed, yet there was no evidence of progress. A year went by, then another, and still nothing. Then one day, while walking through the neighborhood, I spotted a huge sign on the building next door: “HELL FROZE OVER.”
Open since last September, the new, much larger Rebecca's: A Coffeehouse is a welcoming space, furnished mostly with yard-sale castoffs and secondhand sofas, armchairs and tables, some donated by friends and customers.
Free wireless Internet draws people of all ages who sip coffee and snack on bagel melts and pastries while poring over their laptops.
“We took a lot of flak for not opening. They called us crazy,” recalls owner Rebecca Zearing, who relied on sweat equity and the help of friends and community residents to complete the project. “I sold a car, and toward the end we were rolling coins that I had saved for years.”
The coffeehouse, located in a 1920s-era building, has the feel of an expansive living room, with glass cabinets filled with knickknacks, along with teacups, mugs and old-fashioned coffee makers. A large bulletin board plastered with neighborhood postings hangs on one of the walls.
the buzz > > > > > > > >
REBECCA'S: A COFFEEHOUSE: 3015 Juniper St., South Park; (619) 284-3663. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; then continuously from 6 a.m. Thursday to 9 p.m. Sunday.
THE FOOD: Pastries, soups, sandwiches, iced drinks, coffees and teas.
THE SCENE: Cool neighborhood hangout with a comfy atmosphere and fun weekend entertainment.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Scones $2 each; soups, crepes and sandwiches $4.75 to $7.50.
DON'T MISS: The scones and soup of the day.
|
|
For anyone who has had the pleasure of trying one of Rebecca's scones, do not fear. She continues to feature these delectable confections. You never know what variety she will be offering, but her original recipes have yet to disappoint – from apple cinnamon and banana cream to pear ginger and a recent offering, four-berry.
Forget those sodden lumps you find in most coffeehouses. These scones have crunchy exteriors enveloping tender, buttery interiors. They're usually accompanied by homemade strawberry jam.
But the expanded Rebecca's is much more than scones. There are a number of savory offerings, including homemade soups, crepes and melts, some vegetarian, others with turkey or ham.
I especially liked the blue cheese and apple melt topped with sliced almonds. (The menu calls for pecans, which I think would be even better.) The sharpness of the cheese melds well with the semi-tartness of the apple and the crunch of the nuts.
Soup selections vary from day to day, but if the tomato basil is any indication, I would definitely sample more of Rebecca's creations. It was thick and hearty, with celery, sliced carrots and a generous addition of shredded chicken.
What makes Rebecca's a fun place to hang on a weekend evening is the varied entertainment. Friday nights the featured performer is usually Joe Marillo and his jazz band, while on two Saturdays each month, there is a Latin bolero band. And on the second and fourth Sunday evenings, poetry readings are held.
As good as the food can be, service is still a dicey affair. Waits to order are longer than they should be, and one night when I went, two of the menu items were unavailable.
But trust me, the scones are worth the wait.
