It is time to wake up and smell the coffee!

In American culture, drinking coffee has become so much less of an experience and so much more a part of our rushed, desensitized daily lives. We pick up a Starbucks on the way to school, or a Dunkin on the way home from practice or work. But can our paper travel cups and their disposable plastic tops do coffee justice?

I recently had the pleasure of eating lunch at Westwood’s new Sogno Cafe. The second my mocha was placed in front of me—in a real teacup and saucer—I was hooked.

It looked like something I would pin on Pinterest. But once I found the strength to ruin the beautiful foam, I realized that it tasted just as good as it looked. I like my mochas like Goldie Locks likes her porridge—juuuuust right. Not too much chocolate, but not too much coffee either. This mocha met my high standards.

A major part of Sogno’s appeal is the European-style barista feel. Not only is the coffee roasted in-store, but its tiny, artfully decorated interior could easily be transplanted into a Parisian side street.

The other part of the appeal is the crepés. Sogno’s menu includes a unique selection of both sweet and savory crepés, some craftily named after local streets. I indulged in the savory Broadway crepé (named after Sogno’s home avenue), which included prosciutto de parma, mozzarella, sundries tomatoes, and basil in a balsamic vinegar dressing. It was delicious, to say the least. With so many ingredients stuffed a thin crepé, I expected one to overpower the others. However, everything was prepared in a way evident of time and planning.

My only complaint is that there was too much of everything in the general sense—I could barely finish half of the dish before I was too full. I wish they had half-sized crepés, for those of us who are not starving when we come in.

Now, Cardinal Chronicle readers, do not get me wrong. I will continue to drink coffee during rush hour, English class, and babysitting sessions, when I am way too busy to actually enjoy it. But I look forward to my next real cup of coffee, in an adorable café, completely immersed in the experience—which, most definitely, will have to happen soon. Like, tomorrow soon.