Before Starbucks colonized Burbank, if you can remember such a time,
there was Priscilla's.
And when the corporate giant put a store across the intersection
from the independent java house, many of us feared it would be the
end of them.
Happily, that wasn't the case. Priscilla's is alive and well and
doing what they do best, serving up good cups of coffee, tea and
special drinks along with tasty pastries and a smile.
Priscilla's is situated on a leafy corner and brings the outdoors
inside with an English garden mural that wraps around the room.
Though there is seating inside, I usually sit outside with the
morning paper and a steamin' cuppa joe that has been brewed just
right.
It's full-bodied and delicious, without being too strong or
acidic.
If you're drinking it on the premises, you can actually have it in
a mug instead of a paper cup.
Novel idea for a coffee shop, eh?
The espresso-based drinks are also well made and feature the usual
line-up of lattes as well as more exotic drinks such as the Raspberry
Truffle Mocha.
That's a bit much for me, but to each their own.
For tea-drinkers, there is a nice selection to choose from, hot or
iced.
The pastry case features jumbo-sized muffins, croissants, scones,
coffee cake, toasted bagels and a variety of sliced breakfast breads.
They're all fresh and scrumptious, but I especially recommend you
try the sweet potato muffin.
The taste is similar to pumpkin and it is so-o-o delicious.
By the way, even their fat-free muffins are pretty darn good.
They're flavorful and don't have the gummy texture of many fat-free
baked goods.
But Priscilla's isn't just for breakfast anymore.
Stop by at midday and treat yourself to a flaky, warm croissant
filled with ham and cheese or mushrooms and cheese.
Or, check out the pre-made wraps and sandwiches such as egg salad,
turkey, ham and tuna.
Pair that with a delicious fruit smoothie, if you like.
Priscilla's also offers rich and delectable treats like brownies,
lemon bars or pecan bars.
Want to take some coffee home?
Priscilla's has a number of whole bean coffees from around the
world and a loose tea selection to match.
There is also a whole wall of gift items -- cups, mugs, teapots
and such -- as well as several racks of greeting cards.
There's a latte to like about Priscilla's.
So the next time you're headed for the corporate coffee store
across the street, why not perk up your day and give them a try?
Priscilla's just may be your cup of tea.
* BILL SCOLLON is a Burbank resident and president of Scollon
Media Arts. You can reach him at ewscollonhotmail.com.
