C&C (coffee and cake) time

today is a lazy day and as much as i like being home in my lounge-about clothes, i would love to be somewhere else. somewhere that is familiar and comforting and still out and being social.
i would love to be in any of these top ten places with a good friend.

1. gilli cafe, florence, italy--has the best hot chocolate in the world; is like a melted bar of chocolate in a cup; first opened in 1733, and has been a spot for romantics, locals, and ex-pats.


think warm winter's day, all bundled up and coming in from the cold, then you get a cup of the richest, hot
chocolate in the world, so rich it
develops a chocolate film on top, like pudding, making you reach for the spoon to eat that last.







2. the orangery at kensington palace, london, england--the perfect spot for having tea and scones; is a completely white building that is a part of kensington palace; was built to house orange trees for the royal family.

is perfect for anytime of year; in winter, its a warm retreat from the cold; and in the spring, it is bright and crisp filled with flowers. and anytime is perfect for the smell of bread and tea.





3. maison bertaux, london, england--a great little french "pastisserie" that has been there since 1871; great tea, regular
customers, heavenly pastries, and a socialable staff.











4. midnight oil, searcy, ar--a haven; the best white chocolate mocha i have EVER come across; great music, friendly staff, great homemade coffeecake, in a very comfortable old house.

5. serendipity, new york, new york--home of the frozen hot chocolate, simply amazing.









6. cafe in the crypt, london, england--a cafe in the crypt of st. martin's in the field church; they always, always, always have a great lunch special with soup, bread, and a dessert of bread pudding or apple crumble (both with a fabulous vanilla sauce) and this last time i discovered they do a really good basic cream tea; the staff is always friendly and usually young people from other countries living in england for a bit.

this has been one of my favorite places to visit when i am in london. plus, there is a brass rubbing centre in the back which is fun for everyone.





7. bottletree bakery, oxford, ms--i love, love, love the raspberry brioches here. i have never had anything bad here. and i love the artwork.

8. caffe mario, scandicci, italy--a big favorite with my friends and family. such a favorite, i have 2 cappuccino cups from there. 9. petit bar, scandicci, italy--ok, this place isnt beautiful and it has ghetto gambling machines that i can't make heads or tails of in the back, but they have the most wonderful cappuccinos and an amazing pastery that is probably bought frozen, but it is sooooo good: a sfoglia con crema (i think that is how its spelled.) kate and i would meet here a lot or go there for breakfast if i spent the night at her apartment (or at the shackelford's).
forive the stupidity of how i put those pictures of kate and i at petit bar on the internet. i dont currently have a scanner but i love these pictures of us at our favorite place.

10. cafe braun's, mondsee, austria--i can't remember the exact name of this place, but it is in a little town that is famous for its church which was where the wedding scene from "the sound of music" was filmed. BUT. there is a cafe that shouldnt be missed. frau braun's is very close to the church, is actually on your way if you are going to the church from the main road. they serve amazing apple strudel with vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream. do NOT be tempted to get the ice cream, get the vanilla sauce. you will love it. and you will love it more when you go with friends who love to eat good food and afterwards sit and enjoy a coffee and watch the people go by.

so, y'all, somebody call me and lets go for K&K (german for kaffe and kake time; but i guess here it is C&C time)