Daughter’s Log: Tea Time
By Rachel Parker Since my mother moved to Silverado Berkeley, we’ve been trying different small outings. She’s always loved “getting out” — whether it was when she lived at her own home or in a senior community. The chance to see new shops and watch gardens change through the seasons, to engage in commerce, and just hear other conversations.
So, I’ve found that a tea or coffee excursion is just right: I don’t have to worry about finding a meal that she’s going to actually eat and it is a chance to just be out for a little while — I do a monolog of what’s going on in my life, and she enjoys seeing other people. All good.
Our favorite spot was Towne on University Ave., but one of its prime appeals to us (that it was quiet) probably lead to its closure. But, it was perfect. We could walk from Silverado, have a delicious coffee and an equally delicious cookie or pastry and watch the world go past. Then walk back: She got out, a little stretch of the legs, and I got a sweet treat for my being a good daughter.
Since Towne closed, we’ve tried a number of options. The Peet’s on Shattuck Ave. is just a little too challenging with street people and police activity just outside the windows. The Peet’s on 4th Street has minimal indoor seating, so not a good choice for winter months. In early January, I took her to the Claremont Resort for a formal afternoon tea. The charming server brought an assortment of tiny, elegant sweet and savory treats, individual pots of tea, and took our photo to commemorate the visit. But, Mom didn’t appreciate the craftsmanship of the treats and was ready to go after finishing just a few. And, it was a foggy afternoon, so she couldn’t enjoy the view. An expensive miss.
Another week I tried a different approach: Sweet Adeline on Adeline Street. Many locals consider this bakery to be one of the best of the bay area — loads of cookies, pies, and cakes to choose from, and good coffee options. Unfortunately, there aren’t very many indoor tables or chairs — in fact, just two. We parked my Mom at one as we ordered and paid, and I felt only a little guilty about it. The treats were yummy: I had a cherry crostata, Mom had an apple harvest cake, and my daughter had a slice of cauliflower quiche. We were done in 30 minutes, then took a short stroll up Adeline Street, which was the only disappointment in the visit.
This week, I decided to venture to an area where the street scene is more to my mother’s taste, the Rockridge area’s Katrina Rozelle. Despite some very tempting cupcakes, my mother wanted only an oatmeal cookie — remarkably restrained for her sweet tooth. They only do drip coffee here, but it was strong and tasty. We took a short walk up College Ave. (past a shoe store), and then headed back to the car.
I’m going to keep trying different coffee/bakery options for our outings. Based on current conditions, we may not have a long time for these indulgences. I’m Rachel Parker (rachelroperparker(at)gmail(dot)com), tell me what kind of activities do your parents or spouses like best?
