Emerald Hills Coffee & Roastery

You are welcomed by the bitter aroma of coffee, and the bright colors of Grateful Dead posters plastering the walls. A tall man in a loud sweater greets you as you walk up to the counter, faint classic rock playing over the speakers. He lists the daily specials of a creamy mocha, and frothy lattes, an endless list that fills one with anticipation. Beside him is a large glass container with pastries delicately stacked and positioned. Vegan bars, donuts fresh from San Francisco, and decadent banana bread laid strategically in front of you, tantalizingly perfect. He scribbles down your order, and hands you the banana bread on a small, simple dish. You sit down, magazines scattered on a table next to you. The small tables and warm decorations give a sense of coziness and comfort as you look out the window as rain soaks the pavement. "Friend of the Devil" by the Grateful Dead begins to play as your coffee is set down in front of you; A warm almond milk latte with a delicate design drawn into the foam. You feel bad ruining the design as you bring the cup to your lips, the light and creamy liquid filling your mouth, combining the sweetness and bitterness of coffee to create the perfect winter drink. You tear a piece of banana bread from the plate and pop it in your mouth. The moist thick bread spreading the sweet flavor, adds a balance to the bitterness and warmth of the coffee. It is golden and crisp on the outside, while being sticky and soft on the inside. You are reveling in the combination of these two foods, which are lifting your spirits for the day. You drain the cup and leave the remains of the rich bread as you step out of the cozy little cafe and back into the cold of winter.