It's my favorite coffee shop.
Nestled in downtown Mountain View, this cafe epitomizes Silicon Valley. One look around, and what do I see? MacBooks, iPhones, chargers,
men.
A Yelp review once pointed out the two most prominent characteristics of Palo Alto, California - all high tech, and almost all male.
Until then, I hadn't really noticed this, but now, I notice it everywhere.
I think it applies to Mountain View, too, don't you think?
"You can fall in love at first sight with a place as with a person."
Unfortunately, my first thought about Red Rock was that it was, well,
But it found a place in my heart because it was rooted in community.
One of my best friends took me here for the first time, right after our senior BBQ, at the end of high school. For some reason, I hadn't known about bustling Castro Street, even if it was just a short drive away.
I'm glad to know about it now because it's home to many other uniquely Mountain View destinations.
Like Don Giovanni.
I was on an Italian craze at some point last year, and after a meeting in the area, I dined here. All by myself.
The waiter asked if I'd like some wine. Amused, I answered that I would.
He had just set the glass upon my table when the owner burst on over, breathless, asked if I was underage.
Immediately - Yes, I am.
Bewildered - Then why did you order the wine? (il proprietario)
Shrug - He offered.
I was certain that I would get in trouble.
I didn't.
So I watched the waiter return the wine, and I waited for his return with salad - mine,
and I ate, I paid, I left, no whine.
To my surprise, the owner ran after me, caught me on the street, asked me if I'd work as a waitress.
Bewildered -
I was speechless.
but service is a story,
and stories we remember.
Just like Don Giovanni's pasta.
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YOUR TURN:
What is most important to you when eating out? The food? The service? Or the memories? Do you have any special places you frequent, simply because of the stories?
4 comments:
<3 Red Rock - I feel incredibly silly ordering their chai mocha thing (everything but the kitchen sink is in that beverage), but you can't get it anywhere else and it really is quite a dessert. Also, John Dustman is one of the most knowledgable coffee dudes around.
What's really cool about finding a new place to eat out at is looking for some unique twist and/or marketing gimmick, such as secret menus, rare fusion dishes, or boardgames on the balcony. For instance, my favorite coffee shop in downtown LA has 3 sets of Jenga, and once a month or so I'll go there with a bunch of girlfriends and we'll play epic Jenga games - and my continued patronage stems from both their games and the memories that those games have facilitated.
an non-profit cafe? that is so cool!!! the graffiti is amazing too :)
xoxo <3
Hi Kelsey! I didn't know it was non-profit until I looked around and found the sign, right in front of me. Blogging really encourages you to see details... it's great
Katrina! It's wonderful seeing you here - your comment means a lot to me, really.
I've never ordered their chai mocha. Thanks for the suggestion! I love using Yelp to know what to order... but it only talks about Red Rock's second floor lounge and wifi. Definitely ordering that next time.
Secret menus - first thought? In-N-Out. Second thought? Jamba Juice.
Not quite gourmet places, but they might as well be. I love Jenga!! I miss it. If I ever own a cafe, I'll stock it with Jenga. Definitely.
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