“Coffee, the favorite drink
of the civilized world.” 
Thomas Jefferson

I am not a coffee drinker. I grew up in a home where the preferred hot beverage was tea. The only times I can recall coffee brewing in our 38th Avenue home in San Francisco was when my parents had company for dinner and when my paternal grandmother would live with us for a couple of weeks at a time following hospital stays. Although I detest the taste of coffee, I savor the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. 

I fully agree with the words of Jessi Lane Adams who said, “Coffee smells like freshly ground heaven.” Yes, there is something special about the fragrance of coffee.

Consumers have many options for getting a good cup of coffee. Of course, there’s Starbucks. Some, however, prefer Peet’s. Still others don’t mind paying the prices at Philz. I’ve heard that Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s are also known for serving a good cup of coffee. The lines at Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco would also indicate that their products are highly desired.

As a non-coffee drinker, I still appreciate the ambiance at coffee shops. My favorite, by far, is Orchard Valley Coffee on East Campbell Avenue in downtown Campbell, California. I enjoy their orange-spice tea. Sandwiches I’ve purchased there have consistently exceeded my expectations, and the pastries and coffee cakes are a constant temptation.

Inside Orchard Valley Coffee there are about a dozen tables of various sizes, along with a few comfortable sofas and easy chairs. The wifi connection is consistently reliable, as well. This is why I thoroughly enjoy spending time at Orchard Valley Coffee to do some writing and reading.

The owner of Orchard Valley Coffee is Eve Ngov, better known in the Campbell community as “Mama.” She oversees the daily operation of the business. As a hands-on manager, Mama takes an active role in every aspect of the operation, including the roasting of coffee beans. The greatest gift she brings to her business, however, is her warm, hospitable personality. She and her staff make every visit to Orchard Valley Coffee a pleasant experience for their customers.

Downtown Campbell is a charming shopping and entertainment district offering a variety of shops, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and historical landmarks. Of all the establishments the neighborhood has to offer, Orchard Valley Coffee is my absolute favorite.