Zuzus Leaf and Bean, Beacon NY

Greetings Bleaders (Blog Readers), I know it has been quite a few weeks since our last post but have no fear we are back! We thought that we would give Fishkill a try today only to find out that the two coffee shops are closed on Sunday so it was back to Beacon. Now on a side note, a true confession, yesterday we returned to Homespun Foods for a delicious Brunch and ate outside in the garden. Another great meal.

So after being shut out from Fishkill, we went to Zuzus Leaf and Bean in Beacon. As we were walking into the shop, we met one of the cooks from Homespun Foods. She advised us that Zuzus was serious about coffee but for food, Homespun can’t be beat. We continued in to small coffee shop with a scattering of tables, couches and counters. Today we ordered three coffees, two scones (Berry and Ham & Cheese), a yogurt parfait and bagel with cream cheese. The Berry Scone was filled with whole pieces of real fruit. The Ham & Cheese Scone was savory and delicious and the bagel was a bagel. The parfait was also delicious and included a variety of fruit and granola. The coffee was very strong but tasty.

Now, let’s talk a little bit about the atmosphere. This is a family friendly place with a separate section for kids filled with toys. There were many customers enjoying the free WiFi. The bathroom was large and the visitor was treated to poetry and other quotes painted on the wall.

Without a doubt, Zuzus fit our criteria for this blog. However, lately we have been spoiled by places that have more of a variety of foods. Although we enjoyed our trip to Zuzus, we did stop at Homespun Foods down the block for some coffee cake and cookies. This made us rethink the rating we gave Homespun. Since we have been there three times now, twice this weekend, we are upgrading the rating to our first four-cupper. It doesn’t get any better than this!

So, if you just want a quick cup of coffee and to check your e-mail, Zuzus is the place!

Homespun Foods, Beacon NY

This morning’s trip was to Beacon, NY. This once depressed town is enjoying a resurgence (has a long way to go). Easily accessible by train or car, one can stroll down Main Street and visit the quaint new shops (which are nestled between the empty store fronts). With many art galleries and the Dia Art Center, Beacon is becoming a mecca for the arts.

The Second Saturday of each month is a chance for visitors to celebrate the arts while exploring the town’s many galleries.

Joanne dragged Jessica and Leah to second Saturday and after a grumpy walk half way down Main Street, we stumbled upon a hidden gem, Homespun Foods. Walking through the door, Joanne immediately recognized the mismatched ancient tables just like the ones in her grandmother’s apartment in the Bronx. The dessert display was like a beacon in Beacon. Ranging from quiches to fancy layer cakes, salads to sandwiches, who could decide…! We were stuck at the tricky time of 11am- did we choose the mouth-watering lunch menu or a second breakfast.

Once again, breakfast won out. We ordered a Spanish tortilla made of spinach, goat cheese and potato (delish). We could not pass by the desserts, so we also ordered a cherry scone and a slice of coffee cake…and of course coffee. We asked for tap water and were served just that in a chilled glass bottle…nice touch!

The meal was fantastic, the ambiance homey, staff was friendly, coffee was good and prices were reasonable. The bathroom even had wainscoting and lavender soap! (a personal favorite).

There will certainly be a return visit in the near future for lunch…and maybe a specialty cake!

And for you pet lovers, be sure to stop at the Beacon Barkery. They too had a mouth- watering display of treats from woofie pies to cannolis. The owner told us that the ingredients were healthier than human treats.