You’ll want to linger after you finish a pesto-brushed grilled cheese or a veggie sandwich laden with avocados and lentil spread. This glass-fronted coffee shop with warming smells of Ethiopian java beans is immediately comfortable. Soft-spoken owners Kenfe Bellay and Yalemzwed Desta offer a small but inviting lunchtime menu of salads and sandwiches (both $5.95 to $6.95).
Crusty ciabatta rolls hold such fillings as a curry-spiked chicken salad and a turkey club with bacon. While the half-sandwich/half-salad combo sounds tempting, the two salads—Caesar and house—have been disappointing. Instead, add a slice of pumpkin bread ($1.70) to your order. Open Monday through Friday 7 to 7, Saturday 8 to 6, Sunday 8 to 5.
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Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
