Coffee Station

In the mornings I notice the fast food restaurants in Mahomet are packed to the gills. If you are passing through Mahomet skip Micky D's and try the Coffee Station instead. Located on Oak Street one block west of the exit for Hwy 47, Coffee Station has 5 brewed coffees available each morning, espresso drinks, and a selection of muffins. A large coffee (larger and MUCH better tasting than McDonalds) and a muffin ring up to only $2.75! Prices haven't changed in the 5 years Coffee Station has been open.

Aroma Cafe

Sometimes a blog post is so close you can't see it. Sometimes you write about demolition derbies and candy kitchens all while sitting in a place you have never written about. That's how it is with Aroma Cafe in downtown Champaign. I come here so often that I must have written about it - but I haven't. I'll remedy that today.

I love Aroma Cafe. I spent a large portion of law school here, now that I'm working in Champaign I come here every lunch hour that I spend in town. I either get the Beef & Chedda hot sandwich or the Aroma salad with a medium coffee of the day. The food is freshly prepared and yummy, the coffee is good, I like the atmosphere a lot. Today there is a series of yoga inspired paintings that are really beautiful. I've picked out several that I'd love to give as gifts. Oh and free wi-fi / fewer students is a big draw for me.

Other people like it too!

Honey, I'm hoooome!

It's finally March and I'm back here at Central Illinois Life to spread the links, love, and la la la largess. I have new blogs, new activities, and new restaurants to share with you all.

First up, Cafe Moxo! I adore this new-ish restaurant in downtown Springfield. If you are staying at the Hilton you should walk the two blocks to enjoy free wi-fi and good coffee. My sister found breakfast there to be scrumptious and I have liked every soup and sandwich I've had for lunch. I hear the pot pie is to-die-for and it must be true because they've usually run out by the time I get there at 1.

Trout Lily Cafe, Springfield

I always enjoy knocking around in downtown Springfield and with so many people heading to the state fair this week, I'll share a favorite coffee and lunch stop.
The Trout Lily Cafe is a cozy coffee shop with good lunches and great magazines to read. I'm a big fan of the quiches and chicken salad sandwich. The service is good and friendly. Trout Lily Cafe has free wi-fi which is new since I was last there. You can also reserve space for small gatherings like book clubs. I had my Springfield baby shower there and the staff really made us feel welcome. I couldn't believe it was the first visit for many of my Springfield girlfriends. I'm sure it wasn't the last.
In August there is acoustic music over the lunch hour every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. If you are looking for good coffee and great atmosphere in Springfield you can hardly beat Trout Lily Cafe.

Ville Caffe, Mahomet

Over the last two years I have spent a lot of energy finding places to sit, study, and generally wile away the hours before daycare pickup. One of the best places I've found is the Villa Caffe on Hwy 150 in Mahomet. (Can anyone explain to me why it is spelled with two fs?)

What you'll find is a full service coffee shop and bakery with free wi-fi, a variety of tables and overstuffed chairs, a train table and chalkboard. Staff arrives daily at 3:00 AM to start baking breads and pastries. For breakfast you can order on an extensive menu or off menu. They really will make anything you want for breakfast. The lunch menu is small, but good. I've had the egg salad several times and it is a big sandwich with a sweet aftertaste.

Villa Caffe is a family business and the owner is EXCITED about her product and really wants every customer to have a good experience there. One morning going through the drive thru for a large dark roast she decided I needed a pastry too and gave me a tasty almond scone to try.

A couple things about Villa Caffe could be improved. The stuffed croissants are weird and they just don't taste very good. I've tried them twice and both times threw it away. The wi-fi connection is spotty in the bar seating. A lunch of a coffee and a sandwich costs $10, which for me is pretty pricey.

But, I see groups of moms and preschoolers in there regularly getting good service and enjoying themselves. I see business people having meetings and doing deals. It opens early as a good coffee shop should. The bathrooms are clean and very nice. The drip coffee is very good. All in all Villa Caffe is a well executed coffee shop with a good location. I hope they do well.