Artisan Cafe Review

Navigation

User login

Online users

security_six
Laurian
PeaceCompass
White Rabbit
JT
The Fire Inside
memetic_alchemy
benny
Zero_One

Support OlyBlog

OlyBlog is run by volunteers who care about Olympia. If you like what we're doing, make a donation:

OlyBlog is powered by:

Who's new

memetic_alchemy
cfs
davefromcarolina
v4mp1r3
setty

Upcoming events

Artisan Cafe Review

Submitted by Norm on Wed, 06/06/2007 - 8:33pm.

I knew in the back of my head where the cafe was located. Knowing this I headed toward my normal broho drive and parked in the same general area I normally would.

My first impression while walking in was that it didn't seem like a cafe that would be in Olympia. The cafe was brightly colored, and very well lit. The pictures displayed wonderful scenes of, what I believe, was India.

As I walked up to the counter I saw the large menu and the paper menu's on the counter ( I took one home too ). The person at the counter was quite friendly and had the most impressive hair I have ever seen on a guy. I ordered my coffee (an iced black/white, very good btw) and walked upstairs to see what was up there and get a larger look at the cafe. The loft was really quit roomy and the building reminded me of a beach home that I used to go to as a child.

After looking around a bit more I picked up my drink and something to read and plopped down on the comfy couch to await the arrival of my fellow Olybloggers. As you may already know this was a futile wait and the only other olyblogger who was there was not aware of who I was.....and vice versa. Even with this in mind I sat and sipped on my drink and enjoyed the boring pamphlet I was reading.

The atmosphere was very warm, and inviting. The two employees that I spoke with were both very friendly and attentive. I mentioned earlier that the cafe seems out of place, I should mention that this is a good thing in my opinion. It was a little bit like a cafe I visited in London, it was much friendlier though, and I didn't have to pay a fee just to sit inside. I stayed in the cafe for close to an hour just sipping my drink and reading, never once did I receive a dirty look or asked if I wanted more coffee (hinting to my needing to pay more to stay in the cafe) and it was incredibly relaxing. Not only was it the highpoint of my day but it was certainly the most relaxing event I've had this week.

I'm not much into ratings, I'll have to learn that skill from Enpen, but if I were a rating guy I would rate it highly. Thanks to Rick btw for the suggestion.

Norm's blog
Login or register to post comments

Terrific Review

Submitted by Crenshaw Sepulveda on Wed, 06/06/2007 - 10:53pm.

A well written review of a place that you made me want to visit. I think you may have another career if you decide to change. I don't think that rating scores are necessary at all. You drew a good picture of the cafe, you explained to us how it met your needs and possibly your expectations of a cafe and you did it in an entertaining way. Good work, Norm.

"I would make it impossible for the covetous and avaricious to utterly impoverish the poor. The rich can take care of themselves."
^@^

Thanks!

Submitted by Norm on Thu, 06/07/2007 - 9:36am.

I appreciate the feedback.

what are you talking about?

Submitted by aleksey on Thu, 06/07/2007 - 9:23am.

Crenshaw are you kidding? That review was terrible. There's no address for the cafe and no hours mentioned. Nothing they offered was sampled excepting the coffee and there was no mention of even what kind of food is served. Is Artisan Cafe the name of the place? Even that is not clear from your review.

Cafes are about atmosphere...

Submitted by Rick on Thu, 06/07/2007 - 9:37am.

...and that's what the review communicated well, in my view.

When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion. -C.P. Snow

Shhhh

Submitted by Norm on Thu, 06/07/2007 - 9:50am.

Rick might hear you! He'll hold my paycheck for sure if he reads this.

Thank you for your constructive feedback though. In my next review I'll be sure to include the hours of operation and order something to eat even if I'm not hungry. ;)

Edit: Because I can't spell "hear"

They're open late, right?

Submitted by jlw on Thu, 06/07/2007 - 9:59am.

It's nice to have a downtown meeting place open in the evening that's not a bar. Although it would be nice if they had a happy hour with, for instance, discount decaf lattes. Let's hope the owners are reading this thread!

If I remember correctly

Submitted by Norm on Thu, 06/07/2007 - 10:09am.

6 am- 10pm Monday through Thursday, 6am- 11pm Fridays and 8am- 11pm Saturdays.

And are located at 109 Capitol Way N.....not far from the broho.

artisan artisan's artisans artisans'

Submitted by blagoblag on Thu, 06/07/2007 - 9:49am.

I can't get past that ambiguous apostrophe in the name.

Artisan's.

Is it the cafe of/for a single artisan, or is that a pluralizing error?

I would be more comfortable with the name if they omitted the apostrophe - and even the s too, for that matter.

restaurant reviews..

Submitted by bubba z (not verified) on Thu, 06/07/2007 - 10:04am.

yes!

Im right now making bacon. I am addicted to bacon, and feel it is worth the heart attack because it is so yummy...

Good review Norm..

Yes, it is out of place.

Submitted by Summerisle on Sat, 06/09/2007 - 3:11pm.

Because it doesn't suck. Back where I'm from Artisans would be considered a regular cafe, not something out of the ordinary and all the rest of the cafes in Olympia would be considered weak beyond belief. Ok, maybe not weak beyond belief, but weak nonetheless, including Cafe Vita, which is so trying to be hip that it comes off as tacky Eurotrash. Same thing in general for the bars. Except the Brotherhood and now the Royal you're in suck city when it comes to purchasing alcohol in a social setting in Olympia. At least they have microbrews, which is out of the ordinary and really nice.

The Muffaleta sandwich is very good there, although like all cafe food very expensive. It's a New Orleans specialty, created by Italian immigrants to the city and made out of ham, cheese, veggies, and the thing that makes it---a spicy olive sauce.

Last time I had one of them was in an Italian market/deli in New Orleans pre-Katrina. Almost had a heart attack when I saw it here.

Artisans christian cafe?

Submitted by crashnostar on Mon, 06/11/2007 - 10:27am.

I've been in the Artisan Cafe a couple of times, and I really liked it. What first appealed to me was that it was open late and had a strong wirless internet connection. I found the coffee to be fairly good and the space to be well lit. The last time I visited I noticed the loft, which I thought was cool because I have not seen any other Oly cafe's with a loft and the space offered a bit of privacy from the rest of the cafe.

As I sat in the loft searching the internet for information about Seattle Pride and sipping my coffee I decided that I might frequent here regulary. As I was leaving I took a glance at the flyers on the table. I noticed a flyer for a Christian group and wondered is this the type of place that caters to the Christian orthodox. But then, I noticed a flyer for Capital City Pride and thought well maybe this place is fairly balanced.

Then I was talking to a co worker who said the cafe that occupied the space before was christian centric and that she suspected that this new cafe was just the same but a little less obvious. This thought made me feel uncomfortable because christians are not known for being accepting of queers. My co worker suggested that I listen closely to the music the next time I'm in there.

So, the next day I'm looking for a place to get a cup of coffee and search the internet and I walked into the Artisans. There's a live band playing and the place is fairly full. So I stand there and listen for a while, and sure enough the live band that's playing starts talking about rising up to God and what not.

Now, I know that many people in the community wouldn't find this a good enough reason not to frequent a place, but I myself consider this a significant reason not to frequent a place. Simply, my kind are not welcomed in a place like that, however passivley implied it may be.

I don't know if anyone else has any thoughts on this matter...? I could be wrong. My assesment doesn't explain the pride flyers on the counter.

I must have missed it

Submitted by Norm on Mon, 06/11/2007 - 10:41am.

I normally don't have a strong awareness for Christian things in general, but music I do. The music that was being played over the loud speakers when I was there did not sound Christian.

Just to clear the air, I'm Catholic and have no problem with people's choices in intimacy. Maybe the cafe is Christian but a little more modern/mainstream. I'm glad you brought this up though, I'll make sure and keep my eyes/ears open when I'm there tonight.

I consider myself a

Submitted by OperaGirl on Mon, 06/11/2007 - 10:51am.

I consider myself a Christian and I love and accept my gay friends and family because that is just who they are the same way that I am who I am. It makes no difference to me and I do NOT see it as a sin. And I am not the only one who feels that way so don't write off the place too quickly.

Amen. Until we know

Submitted by Merwyn Haskett on Mon, 06/11/2007 - 11:59am.

Amen. Until we know different just remember it was flyers advertising Pride that were on display, not Chick Tracks or other hateful shit.

Try talking to them...

Submitted by Phil Owen on Mon, 06/11/2007 - 7:58pm.

There are many Christian churches that have taken strong stands for inclusiveness. St. John's Episcopal Church and the United Churches are two locally. In fact, the national Episcopal Church is facing quite a bit of controversy in the worldwide Anglican communion for its ordination of gay priests, consecration of a gay bishop (+Gene Robinson), and installment of a woman as its Presiding Bishop (++Katherine Jefforts Schori). There have also been some priests in the church who have presided over same-sex marriages, though discreetly. I imagine that, once some of the tensions in the Anglican communion have blown over, the Episcopal church will change the canonized language in its marriage ceremonies to be more inclusive.

It may be that the owners of Artisan's are indeed Christian, and it may be that they are also advocates for inclusiveness. It would be difficult to tell without first talking to them.

If you would like info on the issue of homosexuality in Christian scriptures (and why many Christians are advocating for inclusiveness), please see this post on my blog, or read David Helminiak's book, What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality .

The Canaanite's Call

My two cents

Submitted by Sarah on Tue, 06/12/2007 - 9:01am.

The establishment in that space prior, Veritas, was distinctly and overtly Christian, you can still find some of their traces online. The current business, The Artisan's Cafe has a website on which they state:

Artisan's Cafe is very open minded and allows all kinds of art, music or other mediums. Our only limitations on the artist are family friendly.

And they are listed as a venue for Christian music on the NW Christian music site track10.com

I know a concern about Veritas is that it felt oppressive to some people who didn't know what they were walking into, at one point apparently they had an art exhibit of bloody graphic Christian symbolism. I've heard various community members wonder if Artisan's is more of the same.

Me, I'd like some indication if a business is heavily faith oriented in a particular flavor, if this is part of their business model. Or perhaps especially let us know if the music will be strongly religious themed. I guess in general, if a business has a focus on being part of " a scene "......Christian music or pagan or survivalists or whatever.....I'd like to know. Gimme a pentacle on the door, a cross over the counter, a confederate flag......something that lets us know where we are.

None of this means I would necessarily automatically avoid the place. Pride materials displayed is a good sign. But will everyone feel comfortable hanging out there if heavy duty Christian music starts up without warning?

Hmm...But then again, I hate

Submitted by Merwyn Haskett on Tue, 06/12/2007 - 9:15am.

Hmm...

But then again, I hate rap, and there are people who claim that alone makes me racist.

What if the hardcore Christian music is limited to Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, old skool Elvis or Ray Charles?

What if the owner's Christian, and doesn't necessarily want a "Christian" business, but doesn't want to be told what they can and can't have there?

Are people uncomfortable about going to Bagel Brothers because the owners are Jewish and keep a Kosher workplace? (I used to work there, we used separate utensils for the dairy and meat.)

Just speaking for myself

Submitted by Sarah on Tue, 06/12/2007 - 9:54am.

Ultimately I really should just speak for myself. I like to know. And I'm fine with other folks wanting to know too, or not. I don't think of this as a negative or adversarial thing at all.

I was more rambling than

Submitted by Merwyn Haskett on Tue, 06/12/2007 - 9:58am.

I was more rambling than anything else. It should go without saying that a person has every right to go, or not go, to any business they want. I certainly can't defend my right to boycott Stormans and then tell people they're wrong to choose a different venue from one I like over potential background music.

I have arguments concerning other tangents but that's probably best for another time.

I appreicate...

Submitted by crashnostar on Tue, 06/12/2007 - 10:56am.

I appreciate the comments and different view points presented under this issue. I certaily hope that no one thought I have a problem with Chrsitians in general. I know that not every Christian is a bigot, and I don't have a problem with any person who identifies as a Christian, buisness owner included. I also acknowledge that my aversion is a result of internalized oppression and fear. I guess I too was just hoping to have a better idea of what I was walking into.

I would appreciate it if someone wanted to interview the buisness owners. I know that the best way to addresss my concerns is through dialogue.

Why doesn't someone do an interview?

Submitted by Rick on Tue, 06/12/2007 - 9:37am.

If they have a website, they must have an email. It could be a virtual interview. Get some info on their mission and their responses to the questions posted here.

Just so ya know!

Submitted by slimshady on Fri, 06/15/2007 - 9:19pm.

One of the new owners of Atisans used to work for the previous cafe Veritas. They took over and changed the name whatever. They are for sure Christians. One of the bands that plays there and the guy with the fro is in a christian worship band called Fletcher...and the owners son. They used to play at Veritas all the time. My friend told me they are all apart of Calvary chapel and Reality church.I think the new owners and previos owners are good friends and planned the change over. Being overtly christian didn't work so this is the new approach to "getting the christian word out". Attract the outside and then "show Gods love". I'm pretty confident it's a christian cafe trying to fly under the radar.

And I'm pretty sure Bagel

Submitted by Merwyn Haskett on Sat, 06/16/2007 - 4:55am.

And I'm pretty sure Bagel Brothers is a Jewish joint trying to "fly under the radar", what's your point?

Yeah, dude. And I'm a

Submitted by Phil Owen on Sat, 06/16/2007 - 9:41am.

Yeah, dude. And I'm a Christian tryin' to fly under the radar as a homeless outreach worker. And Norm's a Christian tryin' to fly under the radar as a physical-therapy-tech-who-wants-to-be-a-cop. And (shhh, don't tell anyone) Olycop's a Christian tryin' to fly under the radar as an actual cop. And Operagirl is a Christian tryin' to fly under the radar as a musician and a mother (can you believe the gall?). And Merwyn... And I took communion once with Crenshaw... And Meta, well her mom's a Christian tryin' to fly under the radar as, well, er, a priest!

It's a conspiracy man. Get yer tinfoil hat out!

Joking aside, check out John's interview with the Artisan's owner for the real scoop on the cafe

The Canaanite's Call

You took the words right out

Submitted by OperaGirl on Sat, 06/16/2007 - 4:34pm.

You took the words right out of my mouth! And thanks for the posting link to the interview!

Great discussion

Submitted by Anonymously Larry on Sat, 06/16/2007 - 9:17am.

How refreshing to see this subject get discussed without the normal namecalling and such.

I'm a cradle United Methodist that dabbled in Pentecostal and Unity Faith (no wonder I confuse myself most of the time). My last stop was the United Methodist Church, where I was the Youth Director (no big surprise there). I'm now Recovering and finding my own path.

While I haven't been to this cafe and can't comment on their exact position, I'm fairly comfortable saying that the majority of Christianity is not bent on the "anti-homosexual" mantra, at least by my experience. I've also noticed that the longer someone's affiliation with their "faith", the less concerned they are about others lives and the more they mind their own.

Possibly it is the intention of these folks to "minister" to the gay and lesbian community, which really isn't a good business policy, but I also contend that we all have the ability to say "no, I'm not interested".

If the coffee is good, I'll give it a shot.

There is only one race, the human race - The Neville Brothers

OlyBlog.net

OlyBlog is devoted to hyperlocal news and discussion specifically about Olympia, Washington. Contributors to OlyBlog are citizen journalists who care about their community and are tired of corporate media.

If you'd like to contribute, please register for an account. Here is a list of local news beats that need to be covered. You can post your news as a personal blog entry, and it will be reviewed (and possibly edited) for promotion to the front page. You can also send news via email. All members of OlyBlog agree to abide by our Social Contract. You should also look at our comment and fair use policies. If you are frustrated about something said in a comment thread, go here.

Olyblogger of the Month:

decorabilia

Online users

Comment viewing options