FEEL THE EXCITEMENT >>>
You know it's the most important meal of the day, but you just can't decide where to go. Let us help. The following breakfast meals were picked as the "best" by the Weekly Volcano staff and readers in our 2011 Best of Olympia almost a year ago. Enjoy.
Oh, and please vote in our 2012 Best of Olympia readers' poll. Thanks!
>>> BEST PLACE TO BUY ARTISAN BREAD
Bon matin. Voulez-vous un baguette avec votre croissant? The answer to this question (would you like a baguette with your croissant?) is always yes. At least it should be when you're shopping at the Bread Peddler. Opened in 2006, The Bread Peddler is le spot numero un for gourmet breads and pastries in Olympia. Whether you're jonesing for an extra-crunchy Baguette au Levain or a scrumptious Apple Slipper, the Bread Peddler offers a multitude of choices to satisfy your urge for delicacy. French press coffee and a delicious weekend brunch menu round out this boulangerie's menu. Oh, wait, they have wine, too. C'est magnifique! **Other great bakeries/dessert shops in the area: San Francisco Street Bakery and Tasha Nichole. - Brett Cihon
[222 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.352.1175]
>>> BEST PLACE TO GET AN APPLE FRITTER
Lattin's Cider Mill offers one hell of an apple fritter, but plan accordingly - They're only available on Saturday and Sunday. The fritters are hot, sweet and full of apple goodness, and you should come early to ensure they don't sell out. Lattin's also offers fresh local products, fresh produce, cider and pie. My favorite pie is the huckleberry - and it is worth the price. Lattin's is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially in the spring with all the baby animals. - Brooke McKenzie
[9402 Rich Road SE, Olympia, lattinscider.com]
>>> MOST APPROACHABLE COFFEE EXPERT
Oliver Stormshak, the Green Coffee buyer and roaster at Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., is a great local resource for all things java. Stormshak is down-to-earth, approachable and willing to explain almost anything about coffee. His 10 a.m. cupping sessions on Wednesdays at Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. are something everyone should experience - a great way to get in the know about coffee. At the cupping you slurp a selection of more than 10 coffees - straight up - while Stormshak leads you through the taste, scent, history and experience of each variety. - BM
[Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., 108 Cherry St. NE, Olympia,360.753.0066]
Best Donuts: Twisters Cafe & Espresso
Best Coffee: Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.
Best Barista: Caffe Vita’s Angie Dalton
Best Pastry: The Bread Peddler
Best Breakfast: Darby’s Cafe