Sage Coffee Shop

The last few coffee shops the Crawlers and I have visited have left me somewhat uninspired.  I was needing to get to a shop that would "Wow" me.  Well, the blog and coffee gods must have sensed this and sent this week's Crawlers, Fran and Keith de Beer, Beth Vieira, June Nash, Leanne Waller, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Gail Darne, and Luanne Curren (a friend from the U.S.), to Sage Coffee Shop, #3 Pickering Park in Newton Park.  I loved everything about Sage, from its friendly staff to its sage green/black decor to its excellent Masterton blend cappuccinos prepared by barista, Ntosh. 

Sage is owned by Lindy Walker, cousin of Lise Sponneck, owner of The Picket Fence Coffee Shop (see May 6 post).  At the time we visited Lise's shop the Crawlers voted for The Picket Fence as having the "Best Coffee Deal" in town.  Lise now has to share that honor with Lindy, as Sage's coffee quality, beverage size and price make for an equally great deal! 

Meet the Owner
Lindy Walker



Meet the Barista
Ntosh



Sage Coffee Shop's hours are M-F, 8-4 and Sat., 8-2.  Lindy informed me that she will also open for private functions for up to 50 people.  Everything on the menu, including the extensive variety of baked goods, is prepared on site.  Lindy is proud of the home-cooked quality of all the meals served at Sage which includes daily lunch specials and an afternoon coffee/cake special.  The shop was quite busy while we were there but with the three-way combination of smart table/booth placement, a relaxed but efficient staff, and the calm, herbal (sage) atmosphere, we never felt cramped or rushed.  When I asked Lindy about how she chose the shop's name she said that while going through a book of baby names she came across "Sage"...not something she would name a daughter, but a really cool name for a coffee shop (w/implicit decorating ideas!!).  I'm a fan of Sage Coffee Shop and will definitely be a return customer.

The Crawl started with me delivering two messages from absent Crawlers to the group: 1) a text from Les and Nomusa saying hi, they're hiking in Cradock and will see everyone next week, and 2) Liz's reiteration of her comment on Deli Biscotti (Nov 2 post) where she blames the PE Coffee Crawl for her decision to quit her part-time barista job at Starbuck's...says her job hasn't been the same since the Crawl!

This Week's Crawlers
Ellen, Keith, Fran, June, Leanne, Stella, Beth, Gail, Beryl,  Luanne



 

As for conversation, Leanne entertained us all with stories (including phone pics!) of recent fire incidents at her house... harrowing at the time and (as long as everyone is okay) hilarious in retrospect.  In keeping with the fire theme, the bulk of the discussion centered around Guy Fawkes Day.  I was totally unfamiliar with this "celebration" and so was given the low-down on Guy Fawkes.  In 1605 he and 12 cohorts planned to blow up the Parliament buildings in England.  The plan was thwarted, Guy Fawkes was caught and executed for treason.  In memory of this event, Bonfire Night (November 5) is celebrated in England, and recognized in other countries as well.  Wow, the things you learn over coffee!  Oh, and one more tidbit of info... Keith's useless fact-of-the-week... a group of rhinos is called a "crash."  I saw a big group of rhinos on a game drive a while back... they were all nibbling peacefully on some grass (no crashing involved).

Check out the pic of a coffee shop that the de Beer's friends, the Adcocks, took on a recent trip to Taiwan!

The shop is the machine!

 

One last note- I realized this week that the only time I use sage is when making the stuffing for my

                      Thanksgiving turkey.  That reminded me to give a heads-up to watch for a special

                      Thanksgiving Coffee Crawl post at the end of November.

~Thank you to Lindy, Ntosh, and the Sage staff... everything was excellent...great Coffee Crawl venue!

~A belated wish for everyone celebrating Guy Fawkes Day.  I found Guy Fawkes e-cards and am making

   my card list out for next year!

Until next week,

Ellen