Eating- French Press Cafe

​I love tea.

Except Earl Grey which tastes like I am drinking perfume. And herbal tea, because what's the point? I guess I just love breakfast tea. English, British, French, Irish, I need to stop listing these before Theresa May asks me to read my tea leaves to determine the fate of Brexit. Even Lady grey knows...not good.

There is a place where problems like Brexit fade into the distant background. Because. Tea. And baked goods. And hollandaise sauce. 

The newest French Press which opened in Congress Park on Madison between 12th and 13th serves Boulder Breakfast. Or Bolder breakfast. I am not sure which. I like to think it is the local version but it is also quite strong and outspoken so either would be a fitting name.

Since it opened some months ago I have been lots of times where lots = > 15 and < infinity. I am almost universally happy with my experiencessss. I find the food fantastic, the portions large and the prices so low that I am left worrying about the longevity of my new favorite spot. I know eggs are cheap but at $7 ish dollars for eggs, asparagus, and spicy hollandaise, plus the B-lder tea makes me think about plate costing and other distant memories from my time as a restauranteur.

They have an enormous Chalkboard of food options which includes two crepes for $4. Oliver would give them two thumbs up but currently his thumbs are covered in Nutella. Friends have had shrimp po boys, veggie reubens, pancakes, and a variety of salads to universal acclaim. Inevitably as the dish is dropped on the table more quickly than expected my date says "I'll never be able to finish this all." A minute or two later I hear the scrape of fork against empty plate and satisfied sighs. 

What am I doing?

Battling my tea obviously.

Here is the one bad thing.:

The B-lder tea comes in this fancy spring loaded tea carafe. This thing requires the servers to ask each customer "are you familiar with how to use this?" It is a bit of a time suck for them but turns out to be an important question. Setting the contraption on top of the cup depresses the spring (and sometimes the tea drinker) and decants the steaming liquid. Problematically setting down the plastic doohicky on any other uneven surface does the same thing. In my experience uneven surfaces include but are not limited to: notesbooks, car keys, edges of plates, and laptops. The last of which is very upsetting.

It took concetration and practice but after several leaks large and small I figured out how to be careful with the carafe. Once when I had my confidence raised to a false high I approached the friendly counter staff and asked for more hot water. After my refill I decided to get a water to go with my other water. I ALMOST set the thing on the edge of that little nubbly mat that goes under the fountain drinks. But I caught myself. Because I am getting good at this. Instead I placed it directly on the mat ... the nubs of which caused my scalding water to fill the mat which is there specifically to collect liquid and overflow onto the counter. People were friendly. 

Natural consequences are the best teachers. I am ready. As the nice server offers me my tea she asks"have you used one of these before?" I sit up a little straighter in my chair. "Why yes" I tell her "I know exactly how it works.

Here is the thing though. The amount of tea in the plastic thing is exactly measured to the size of the mugs. They must come as a set. I don't know if the designers didn't do beta testing or if they are laughing at all of us but this means that if you have a re-fill (and who DOES not have a refill?) without draining EVERY LAST DROP you will flood the table.

​Which I did.

Interesting in trying my favorite breakfast and lunch spot? Look around. I will probably be there with my laptop, a huge wad of soggy napkins, and a seat for you as long as you have insurance on your electronics.