I apologize for having lapsed on my duties to create a comprehensive review of local area shops. I have had quite a crazy few weeks as I attempt to move myself out of joblessness and into the mystical territory of the employed. Seriously, I've had approximately 10 meetings and sent out 12 job applications in the last few weeks. I'm telling you, apply for jobs is a full-time job!
Now, down to business. Cafe Diem is one of 3 places to get coffee in the historical downtown district of Ames. Located right on Main Street where all the shops have the absolute cutest, most-intriguing, and stylistic window fronts, there is a pleasant demeanor to this shop, but it feels more like a well-lit cave than anything else. This is the type of atmosphere some coffee-loves crave, that underground speak-easy vibe, minus the alcohol. The walls are a coffee brown, the artwork is decidedly earthy in nature, playing off of the wood-tone hues of the suspended doors used to separate sitting areas into private little alcoves.
The cons: typical seating arrangements, cafe tables and hard straight back chairs, diner booths in dark colors, and only a couple of chairs that are indicative of a victorian-era salon. They have used the space well though and have included seating areas in the window display areas. There is even a bistro bar set with stools on one side.
It is a very dark shop with only one window at the front of a very long skinny room, granted it does span the width of the space, but with a very dark decor, it simply can't compete.
Finally, the baked goods are shipped in from that heavenly baking expert and genius in all things restaurant, SYSCO. UGH. I tried a scone and yes, they are clearly processed and just made to look perfect. This is my restaurant pet peeve. I'd rather see a bunch of disheleved, mismatched, slightly burned scones with REAL ingredients, than go to a restaurant just to sample the trash I can buy at the grocery store. Its 90% cheaper to buy raw ingredients and make foods (especially baked goods) from scratch. You already pay employees to be there, why not pay them to work? (Note: statistic is entirely made up but I'm sure it is not too far off-base). Did I come to your shop to sample the food stylings of SYSCO? No! I came to experience Cafe Diem.. So be something work experiencing.
The shop also boasts a pathetic lack of outlets with which to plug in this computer. I'm running very low on battery and scrambling to write these words before I retire to a location more appropriate for writing.
This lack of outlets serves two purposes. If you're trying to avoid this sort of freeloading, 8 hours of free wifi for a $2 cup of coffee, then you're a wise coffee shop owner. This only works if you're a Starbucks on Adams Morgan in Washington, D.C. though. You need so much demand that you have no room for seating for this to work.
If you're just too cheap to include outlets, it isn't a wise move. You're missing out on business and creating that coffee shop vibe of creativity, intense thought and reflection. For someone like me, who is applying to jobs and trying to beef up their blog, this doesn't help much. Although, I have bought two beverages and a scone since I've been here so maybe it is a moot point? Regardless, if I didn't have to be in downtown, I would have skipped it altogether and headed to Cafe Milo - but that's a different post.
The pros: It has internet access! You'd be surprised at how many shops don't in this town and when they do, it is shoddy at best. This shop boats a strong, continuous connection.
There is a lot of seating which is nice because anyone can find a private spot to do whatever they wish.
There is a great variety of teas, coffees, baked goods, smoothies, and believe it or not RAW juices! The only coffee shop I've seen here to provide raw juices, this is sure to be a reason that I come back (but I'd only be buying a juice to walk the street with, I wouldn't be staying). It provides a small breakfast and a full lunch menu which is a nice addition, although I have yet to try the food. Also, it is right across the street from the only local quilting and fabric store in the town - but that's a post for my other blog, Knits in Progress which can be found here. Finally, there is nothing industrial about the place which I find to be a welcome reprieve from the over-done, black-painted HVAC ducting many coffee shops have chosen to expose to their clientele.
Now, the coffee: It is not roasted in-house. I can clearly taste the commercialism in this cup of coffee - that sound so pretentious but those of you who are coffee connoisseurs out there, you get my drift. It had great foam, but the milk didn't taste like anything. It reminds me of milk in New York. Why? Why buy milk from SYSCO when you have the opportunity to partner with Iowa's dairy farmers. This is truly the land of bounty as I have never tasted such luscious, deeply intense milk. Really, this shop has missed out on a lot of great food opportunities. This is a seriously wrong move, especially in an area that is SO Iowa-centric. You'd really attract more customers and keep them coming back if you boasted a myriad of local ingredients and partnerships. Even if its terrible, people will come back to support local farmers and businesses.
On the positive side, they strive to rotate through a huge variety of coffees from all over the world. So, each day you come in, you will find a different coffee to sample. I really appreciate this. Some are Fair Trade or organic but not all.
The tea also seems less than perfect. It is a commercially produce package of ground-up herbs. This reduces the cost per bag for all involved but also kills the quality. You can really get a taste for these things when you exclusively drink herbal teas, as I do. They do have a large selection for a coffee house. You're usually provided with a black, a white, and an herbal. They have a few options for each.
Bottom line: If you're in the vicinity and need a place to meet with a group, need a place to read the paper, or grab a quick cup of joe on your way to the next stop - you could do worse. However, if you're in the mood to stay awhile, and have a truly existential experience with your coffee and food - go elsewhere. This place means business and nothing more.
In search of cool beans,
Alicen
Yeah, I gotta work on my sign-off. Suggestions should be posted in the comments. Thanks!
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