Decidedly Different in Vermilion,Oh

Address: 590 Main St
Vermilion, OH 44089

Phone: (440) 967 4664

Credit Cards: yes

Outdoor seating: yes

Wifi: No

Today was the day of the Woolleybear Festival. For those of you that don't know, it's the biggest one day festival in Ohio. Sure, it's a festival for an insect that just happens to be furry and cute...it's still pretty fun. I ventured into Vermilion, my hometown, for the Woolleybear and of course, had to check out the only coffee shop in the town that I haven't been able to review. That being said, there are only 2 coffee shops in this little town, it's not exactly a hot bed of caffeinated activity.

Decidedly Different is situated right off the main drag in Vermilion. It's about a block away from the lake and it gets a lot of local traffic. There is a coffee shop (Huggy's) across the bridge as well but there doesn't seem to be any sort of competition going on. It's a small town after all.

Now before I write this, it doesn't need to be said that I am a coffee snob. I like to watch my espresso shots come out and make sure they are perfectly timed before I feel comfortable drinking them. If I can hear my milk steaming across the room I feel physically uncomfortable. I am not happy with just a latte. I want a perfect latte, and I want it quickly. Knowing this about myself, I had to try and check my little quirks before I went in. Vermilion is a small town with most residents that are happy with just having a cute coffee shop in town. I am not the typical coffee shop customer and I know that I will need to lower my standards a bit before judging.



First off, the place is really cute. There are a handful of tables and chairs that are the typical mismatchy type that a lot of coffee shops have these days. There is local bakery in the display case like fresh biscotti and delicious brownies with frosting. They had some drip coffee (1 regular, 1 decaf and of course a flavored coffee) as well as the standard espresso menu on the wall. I asked if they had soy milk, and they didn't, they had almond milk. I am not a big fan of almond milk, but due to my intolerance of lactose it was my only option. I also ordered an americano for Chad. The young girl working there was one of the owner's daughter. From what I have read this place is owned by 2 local couples. When I was there I saw 2 women working, and some high school age kids helping out. Everyone was very very nice and helpful. The young girl helping me didn't really have a clue about coffee and even when one of the customers asked how one of the coffees tasted, she couldn't offer any help. If you're not a coffee drinker, and haven't tasted your product I am sure it is a bit challenging. And while she was nice, I had to repeat my order a few times. The young cashier also seemed pretty distracted by her boyfriend that had come for a visit. I know I know, it's young love. But dang it mama wants her coffee and I want my taste buds to be happy so SNAP SNAP!



They had a small, rather sad looking espresso machine. I couldn't make out the brand but it wasn't anything to be impressed by. As I watched by shots come out as slow as molasses, I became more and more worried about my drink. I won't even TALK about the fact the shots came out into a dingy looking measuring cup. I won't even mention THAT. When my milk was being steamed by the biggest milk pitcher ever created, and I could hear the shrill scream of the steaming echo in my ear drums, worry became dread. When I finally got my latte, I had to ask for more flavor syrup to try and mask the bitter taste of the espresso. Chad was able to drink his latte with a shrug but even he admitted that it was "just ok".

I know that Decidedly Different is a small town coffee bar, and I know there is something to be said for a locally owned business that is doing well in this economy. Also, I can't overlook their customer service. When I find that is there is good customer service going on, I can overlook a lot. The women working there weren't coffee snobs, they weren't worried about the perfection of my shots or the overall drink quality. But, the cost was reasonable and they truly seemed to enjoy their job and their customers.



So, I am a bit torn with this. Sure my drink tasted like bitter ass and my milk was burnt to hell, but they did it all with a smile. So, the truth is that I won't be coming back to Decidedly Different. But you know what? For their customer base, they are probably a perfect business. Some people want flavored coffee and a cozy place to hang out...I just want something more.

The Root Cafe in Lakewood, Oh

Hours:
Mon-Tues 630am-11pm
Wed-Thurs 630am-10pm
Fri 630am-11pm
Sat 7am-11pm
Sunday 8am-10pm

Free Wifi: yes
Outdoor Seating: No
Credit Cards Accepted: Yes



Today's review is on a Lakewood hangout, The Root Cafe. The quick background of this place is basically it used to be a Phoenix Coffee. The new owners snatched it up and began to revamp it and make it into the coffee shop they envisioned. Very quickly they found out that the space they were working with just wasn't enough, so they moved just a few spots down to where they are now. On some nights they have bands or open mic nights. Because of their late night crowds, the also have a beer selection (including Great Lakes). From the reviews I have read, apparently there is a big late night turnout. That being said, The Root is also a big high school hangout. But luckily, I didn't have to listen to whats going on in the 90210 while I was there. The afternoon crowd was definitely a group of regulars and older local residents reading the paper and laptop surfing.

I really have to say that I actually kind of like Phoenix Coffee. It IS a little confusing though. They use Phoenix cups and Phoenix coffee but they aren't owned by Phoenix. Um...so the question is my friends...what makes them different than our local coffee chain? It could be the food menu. They serve fresh vegetarian edible delights like brown rice stir fry and vegan chunky vegetable soup. Their bakery selection was hard to pass up as well. Chad and I decided to "share" a molasses cookie (I say "share" because I am pretty sure our halves weren't equal:)





I ordered a toffee soy latte and chad went with his americano. There were two young girls working there and one older woman (though I am not quite sure she was older, her head scarf just threw me off). The girl who made our drinks was nice enough. Though,when I was struggling with what to order she didn't offer any suggestions. Which, I have to say, is disheartening. I want to feel like you care if I get what I really want, even if you really don't, you can fake it. Ask me what I like, ask me what I am in the mood for. Do I want something sweet? Maybe fruity? But to stare at me while I decide is a letdown. The girl that rung us up was a different story. She couldn't crack a smile to save her life and I am pretty sure if I was grading on customer service this girl would fail. She would fail miserably. Nevermind the fact she acted like she hated life when she was helping us, then started laughing a joking with her co-workers as soon as we walked away. Nevermind the fact that she never said thank you or have a good day...or...anything.



I have actually been into The Root once before with a friend of mine and there were 2 other girls working there. I thought maybe they were both having an off day. I mean, when I go to work I check my issues at the door but maybe not everyone can do that. Again, the girl who rung us up that day couldn't smile when I cracked a joke or...make it seem like she even liked her job. If you're in the coffee business, you aren't getting rich. People that survive in the coffee business LOVE coffee and they LOVE their job. I didn't get that feeling from that girl at all.

I have to say that other than the girl that made our drink, I have yet to have a good customer service experience at The Root. Sure you can steam milk ok, but would it kill you to be nice to the customers that aren't regulars? I saw the same girls that were rude to me show excitement and happiness when regulars came through the doors. I know I am not a regular, but I can guarantee I won't become one if the staff doesn't cheer the hell up.



Onto my drink. The first time I went to the Root, my latte was perfection. The girl that made my drink even gave me some latte art in my to go cup. And for those of you who don't know, latte art is a lot harder in a to go cup than it is in an actual ceramic latte mug. But this time, my milk was overly aerated and there wasn't even an attempt of art on my mug. And it was a ceramic, the main reason I asked for that was to get something pretty on my drink. I can even appreciate the attempt, that way I can see that you're trying, that you care. I don't care if it looks like two butt cheeks squished together, you tried. And come on...it's just funny to see butt cheeks on your coffee:)



Today my latte was ok. The milk wasn't hot enough and the tiny air bubbles were Starbucks quality. It tasted waaaay too sweet and I couldn't really taste any of the espresso. Chad's Americano had nice crema and he said it tasted "amazing". I could hear the girl steaming the milk from across the room, which is always a no no. If I have to raise my voice so the person next to me can hear what I am saying...there are some steaming issues happening.

I do love the decor of Root. There is an old church pew in one corner and the window seating (perfect for people watching) and most of the items look recycled. The table legs of the window tables were made of iron tree sculptures. The place looks very clean and eclectic. I love how the sun comes through the windows and seems to light up the whole place.

In the end, I will probably come back to the Root. It's sad that only a few people know latte art and their customer service is sub-par, but the first latte I held from this place had a big fat heart on it, and that is why I am going to come back. Because one barista took 3 seconds out of her drink prep to make sure I had a nicely made drink I will return. It's the little things that make me happy, give me a heart, and I'll come back for more:)