JENNIFER JOHNSON: WARM UP AT THE VANILLA BEAN CAFE >>>

A cheery red wall draws the eye while a bank of stools offers a peaceful sun-warmed perch, perfect for people-watching from the front window of newly arrived Vanilla Bean Café on St. Helens Avenue. Owners Rick and Tobe Collier are not new to the roasted bean game, having operated on Puyallup’s Waller Road before relocating to downtown Tacoma and opening Dec. 1. Like a hermit crab, Vanilla Bean now occupies one of the former homes of Black Water Café.

I stopped in Saturday to smell the air, and yep, that’s the inviting aroma of good coffee.

Vanilla Bean is supplied pastries by Upper Crust and serves hearty soups on weekdays â€" hot tomato, creamy potato and Ivar’s clam chowder. The barista working shared that more tasty nibbles “possibly from Corina Bakery will be added in the near future, since we only just opened.”

Hot and cold teas, juices, sodas, and hot cocoa are also available.

Open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

[Vanilla Bean Café, 743 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma]