A Coffee Date

Today I had the joy of meeting face-to-face with a new blogger friend, Jen of Letters & Pearls. After about six weeks of getting to know each other via our blogs and Instagram, we decided to meet for coffee at what is veritably Tampa Bay's best gathering place, the Oxford Exchange (which I blogged about before here and here, and Jen wrote about here after visiting on my recommendation!). Since moving from California to St. Pete six months ago, I haven't had the opportunity to make many new friends, so it's been absolutely lovely to start building a friendship with another like-minded gal who gets the ups and downs of military life, and an even bigger pleasure to actually meet in person. Jen is warm, down to earth, and easy to talk to—just as sweet as can be. And super stylish, too! (We both share an affinity for booties, so I wore my new ones for our date.) We joked prior to our meeting that we'd probably be so busy taking photos of the beautiful surroundings at OE that we'd be too distracted to really talk. But the opposite happened! Instead, we were so busy chatting, swapping stories about our hubbies (good ones!) and life as military wives, that I only had a chance to snap the above photo of my vanilla latte (that's a large, gorgeous skylight reflecting off the table). So while I don't have much eye candy to post, I'd say our meeting was a success. Today exemplified, for me anyway, the best part about blogging: connecting with people—and often, kindred spirits—you otherwise may never have met. I'm looking forward to more coffee dates (and wine nights!) in the future.

An Evening at the Oxford Exchange

Last Thursday, the hubby and I journeyed to the Oxford Exchange in downtown Tampa for a book signing with stationer Anna Bond, the creative genius behind one of my favorite brands, Rifle Paper Co., and illustrator of the gorgeous Puffin in Bloom book collection. Unfortunately, when we arrived we learned that the signing had just been canceled due to a family emergency. I was disappointed of course, but totally understood—family always comes first.

But, since we had gotten all dressed up (I instructed the hubby to put on nice pants and a button-down shirt for the occasion) and made the drive across the bridge from St. Pete to Tampa, GT and I decided to make the most of it and poke around the shop, which is far more than just your average bookstore.

Housed within a white brick building on West Kennedy Boulevard, across from the University of Tampa, the Oxford Exchange truly is a thing of beauty. A modern market with an English sensibility. The shop is perfectly designed and decorated to mix old and new, the contemporary with the classic, in seamless fashion. Rich details let you know you’re somewhere special the moment you walk in the door. Italian white marble, reclaimed white oak, leather panels on the walls and ceilings, brass fittings… Even the bathroom is stunning. (I'm not kidding. Proof below.) If I could live there I would.

But OE is more than just its looks. The expertly-curated shop and bookstore are brimming with lovely treasures—some rare, some vintage—just waiting to be discovered, scooped up and given a good home. I could spend hours browsing through the coffee-table-worthy books, fine art prints, luxury home goods and décor, unique stationery pieces and delightful gifts that fill the space.

Fortunately, if all that browsing works up a hunger or thirst, there are plenty of options on site to quell that appetite. OE offers artisan coffees and hand-steeped teas at Buddy Brew Coffee and Tebella Tea Company. My vanilla latte was so pretty I didn’t want to drink it! But I did and it tasted as good as it looked. 

There is also the o.e. market with cold-pressed juices and tacos, but for those seeking more sustenance, Oxford Exchange boasts a gourmet, in-house restaurant, which is where the hubby and I ended our evening with a delicious dinner.

Created by Executive Chef Erin Guggino, the menu features fresh, seasonal dishes prepared with local and organic ingredients. I had the Macadamia Mahi Mahi with sautéed kale, coconut black sticky rice and citrus kaffir beurre meunière, and it was incredible. The macadamia nut-crusted fish transported me to Hawaii, and the rice had a chocolatey flavor that I couldn’t get enough of. I ate every bite. Likewise, GT thoroughly enjoyed his Spaghetti Squash tossed in a truffle kale pesto with shaved ricotta salata, parmesan, oil cured tomatoes and micro basil. Like our favorite pasta, but better.

We sipped (Bee's Knees gin cocktail and Trimbach Riesling) and dined under twinkling market lights in the seriously beautiful atrium, which has an airy, al fresco feels thanks to its glass ceiling. It was a romantic and, like the rest of OE, enchanting setting; no wonder it's a favorite private event venue in Tampa. (I mean, just look at this OE wedding. Breathtaking!)

Our server recommended coming back for breakfast—the OE restaurant was voted one of the top 100 places to brunch on Open Table—and I think we’ll follow his advice. In fact, I’m looking forward to several return visits to the Oxford Exchange, whether the book signing gets rescheduled or not. With a calendar full of events and a shop stocked with interesting curios, there’s always something new to discover.

To be honest, I’m jealous of those UT college kids. If I were them, I’d be studying (or, not studying) each and every day at Oxford Exchange.

A Latte Love for Coffee

As the terrible pun in the title of this post might suggest, it turns out today is National Coffee Day. I'd venture to guess any Monday is "coffee day" in this country, but hey, any reason for an extra cup, right?

Before logging on and learning that Sept. 29 is dedicated to caffeine appreciation, I unwittingly celebrated the "holiday" this morning. I had my routine cup of hazelnut coffee in my giant Anthropologie mug, but I amped it up with a splash of sweet cream (I've been drinking it black for a few weeks) and a side of Nutella-smeared French baguette slices. Yep. Somewhere in my heart I must have known it was National Coffee Day. 

Do you drink coffee? I didn't always. Hated it as a teen, mostly ordered high-calorie sugary frappes in college, and only recently got to the point where I could drink it black, willingly. (That's how my husband takes it.) And since being forced to become an early riser (thanks to the puppy), I really do crave a cup of coffee in the morning. It makes keeping my eyes open before 8 a.m. substantially easier. (I am so not a morning person.)

How do you prefer your cup of joe? We love our Keurig and our flavored K-cups, but if I'm at a Starbucks, 9 times out of 10 I'll order a hazelnut macchiato—hot or iced depending on the time of year. Though, in the fall, I have been tempted away from my routine by the ever-popular PSL... Those are devilishly good even if they are completely over-hyped.

Anyway, cheers to National Coffee Day! I'm raising a mug to java-lovers everywhere.

("But First, Coffee" Calligraphy Print via Goose and Gemma)