Cafe Culture: Take Time To Sit And Enjoy

There is no shortage of coffee shops in Colorado, nor is it difficult to secure a sweet treat at a moment’s notice. However, it can be argued that many of the shops leave something to be desired. Seating is often scarce and pre-packaged, grab-and-go options outnumber freshly baked goods by a landslide. Seeking a well-made breakfast without adding your name to a waitlist? Good luck.

So, where does one go on a slow morning – or afternoon – to sip and eat? Maisonette, a cozy street-side cafe off Walnut is a place to start. Touting itself as an “authentic French café and bakery,” this charming space offers scratch-made artisan pastries, fresh bread, and a variety of French breakfast and lunch options. Seating is ample – seriously, it seems almost impossible to fill every chair.

For the full selection of pastries, it is advised to arrive early. I wandered in on a Saturday afternoon to find a fraction of the desserts left in the display case and opted for a classic almond croissant. After destroying said croissant with delight and enthusiasm, I asked myself the question, “Do I not eat enough almond croissants, or is this the best almond croissant I have ever tasted?” The verdict is still out. After all, the pastries are made by a Michelin-starred French chef, Florian Tétart.

I decided to try the scrambled eggs with truffle and chives, opting to enjoy a little breakfast for a lunch treat. The eggs came out more like a French omelette – and, yes, the taste of truffle was pronounced. It pleasantly lingered in my mouth for the rest of the afternoon.

My eggs came with a small side salad and a slice of toast. It may seem like a smaller portion for some, but I appreciated having room for my aforementioned croissant. The meal was washed down with an iced strawberry matcha. As someone who generally avoids sugary coffee and tea drinks, I was surprised myself by my choice but they hooked me with “house-made strawberry puree,” which had the flavor and consistency of a nice French jam.

I easily could have stuck around all afternoon. The ambiance is open and inviting. Despite being a counter-service establishment, one of the staff members came over to my table for a genuine and friendly chat.

Do I want to return? Absolutely. With so many items to try and endless places to sit, Maisonette is a lovely addition to Downtown Boulder.

It should be noted that the goal of my café quest was not to find particularly unique menu items. I sought out well-made staples in spaces designed for prolonged visits. On another occasion, I decided to venture to Suti & Co., off the East End of Pearl Street, at 2031 16th St. A cursory amount of research was done prior to my visit.

This distinctly European café is precious. Owned by Chef Andrea Uzarowski of Copenhagen, everything about the aesthetic makes you want to stay awhile. Part Scandinavian-style café, part artsy, aspirational lifestyle shop, Suti & Co. is both an influencer’s dream and a coffee drinker’s paradise.

There is a fair amount of seating on the patio, with tasteful outdoor furniture covered in comfy sheepskin. The café is located in a small house that was preserved from the 1890s. Upon entering, I was directed to a gleaming display case of handmade shortbread cookies, a house specialty made with Danish butter and locally milled flour from Moxie Bread Co. I found a cozy corner to post up and sample the signature shortbread, alongside a latte. Specifically, I enjoyed the ‘Melting Moments’ shortbread cookie with a subtle citrus filling and my humble latte featuring Boxcar Coffee and organic whole milk. As advertised, the shortbread cookie melted in my mouth.

Each of Suti & Co.’s display cases appeared well-stocked with a gorgeous array of treats. I am eager to return for more, especially the pastries and savory toasts. Amazingly, I managed to make it out the door without impulse-buying a pair of earrings or an artisan candle.

Whether you are seeking a wallet-friendly European-inspired jaunt or a spot to enjoy well-executed goods, Maisonette and Suti & Co. are both excellent options. Rather than picking up a coffee somewhere that is brimming with people who have places to be, Maisonette and Suti &. Co are the places to be. Here’s to enjoying slow mornings (or afternoons) and basking in simple pleasures.

Masionette is open Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Suti & Co is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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