In a world of corporate franchises with generic food and atmosphere, the expectation of quality has faded and Americans have become accustomed to the average. Scripted greetings and foods offered with slight variation seem to have encompassed our daily lives. We accept processed and preserved because we have forgotten wholesome and fresh.
Fortunately, however, nestled on a side street in the heart of historic downtown Truckee is a local treasure. A place where the atmosphere is anything but generic and the food is definitely above average.
Joe Coffee defies the norm in every aspect; it isn’t just a coffee shop. Joe’s resembles your neighbor’s kitchen. A place you go for an inviting smile, a good cup of coffee and a friendly chat. A place where something delicious is always cooking and you always feel welcome.
Organic, natural wholesome food is the theme at Joe Coffee. Having graduated from the New York Restaurant School (majoring in Pastry Arts), owner Cass Rodriguez strives for perfection. Cass was fortunate enough to train under Francois Paynard (a world renowned pastry chef) at restaurant Danielle in New York. Cass pours her extensive training in every aspect of her shop. Her heart and soul are present in everything that is served at Joe Coffee, providing her customers with a wholesome gourmet approach to the standard coffee shop.
There is a certain atmosphere that surrounds Joe Coffee, one that keeps bringing you back. It’s a fun place that’s always bursting with conversation and the warm enticing smell of fresh brewed coffee offers a comfort like no other. Three words can describe the menu at Joe Coffee: Delicious, fresh and homemade. With many tempting options to choose from you may find yourself indecisive.
Joe’s breakfast menu offers the tradiational bagel with a choice of three varieties: Basic (topped with cream cheese, butter or hummus), Veggie (Cream Cheese, carrot, sprout, cucumber and onion) or Ray’s (smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato and onion). If you are looking for something a little more filling, a breakfast sandwich should do the trick, from the Joey (Egg and cheese on a bagel or English muffin) to the classic B.L.T. there is a sandwich suited to every appetite and palette. A pleasant mix of homemade muffins, scones and breads are also offered to compliment your cup of coffee, latte or tea.
The lunch menu offers an array of sandwiches, salad and soups. All the deli meats and cheeses are sliced in house which provides the best tasting ingredients. The salads are made to order offering generous quantities that are sold by the pound. There is a daily selection of soups (two varieties, mostly organic) that are served with homemade corn bread. Cass also offers events catering, with a menu to suit your needs. Her custom cakes are so delectable they will leave you and your guests wanting more!
Besides coffee, Joe’s features a small grocery, offering mostly organic products ranging from teas and coffee to pistachios and pasta. Cass believes in supporting local farmers and businesses. Most of her products offered are from California farmers. She features breads from The Truckee Sourdough Company, bagels from Truckee Bagel and her coffee comes from Coffee Connexion in Tahoe City. Cass supports local business and serves local needs, exceeding the precedence set forth by corporate franchises. She brings to her business and to the community a strong sense of camaraderie and very satisfied bellies.
Highly Recommended
• For breakfast, Joe’s granola Parfait: With homemade granola, vanilla yogurt & seasonal fruits and berries, it’s a generous, deliciously healthy approach to breakfast on the go! All for under $6.
• For lunch, S.B.L.A.T: A gourmet approach to the classic B.L.T that is robust and full of flavor! Made with smoked salmon, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toasted sourdough. Escape from the office for a lunch experience that makes the rest of the day that much more bearable.
