Red Canoe - coffee and books in Lauraville

I've been reading a ton about restaurants popping up in the Hamilton/Lauraville neighborhoods, but I had no idea where they were. So this morning, after referencing the September issue of Baltimore magazine, I jotted down directions to Clementine, and we hit the road seeking breakfast.

Long story short, I got distracted from my end goal when I saw Chameleon Cafe (another new restaurant I've heard tons about), so I parked and got out, only to find that they're closed on Sundays. Whoops. Fortunately, a bookstore and coffee shop called Red Canoe was next door and looked inviting.

Great find! The interior is super cozy, just like you'd imagine a bookstore and cafe to be. We decided to stay once we saw they had 1) breakfast burritos and 2) outdoor seating on a back deck. We pretty much had the back yard to ourselves, and we were happy to enjoy our accidental find. I would highly recommend the breakfast burrito with basil pesto. It gave a new flavor to a regular menu item.

I never did find Clementine, or Hamilton Tavern for that matter. But Red Canoe is worth a try. As we ordered, I could hear kids upstairs rehearsing music, and later a little ballerina came in for classes. Someone's making good use of all the floors of this rowhome.

Koffee Therapy - we all need it

Coolest new coffee discovery - Koffee Therapy.

Since Sundays are my coffee-and-a-newspaper mornings, I've been salivating over this super hip coffee shop in Mt. Vernon, silently willing them to offer Sunday hours. And imagine my glee as I was stalking the store yesterday and found it to be open! They now have summer Sunday hours, opening at 11:00am.

Parked myself at the front outdoor table with a croissant and coffee, and when the sun chased me indoors, I curled up on the black vinyl couch for 2 more hours of reading. The atmosphere is SoHo chic and retains all the original charms of this historic rowhome, like wide plank hardwood floors, giant windows, a fireplace and elaborate tin ceilings.

So check it out, especially on Sundays so they'll keep hours for me! Great venue for local artists or exhibits. Wireless internet. And major plus - an entire back terrace for outdoor, private seating! Jackpot!