By Caron Schwartz
This whole COVID thing has wreaked havoc on my retired life routine. It’s been months since I enjoyed the daily highlight of the gym followed by relaxing at a cafe.
The new normal involves pedaling my stationary bike or pumping some lightweight iron while watching YouTube or MasterClass in the privacy of my living room. I’ve become a connoisseur of Nespresso’s exotic coffees. It makes a damn tasty cup of joe, but I have to face the fact that my kitchen lacks a certain ambiance.
When JahVa Coffee Lounge + bravely opened during the pandemic at the South Pasadena Shopping Center, I longed to check it out. Opportunity knocked after a freakishly long wait (don’t ask) at Quest Diagnostics in the same strip mall. As I headed toward JahVa, I bobbed along to the reggae before I even smelled the coffee.
And I felt safe: A sign on the door said masks were required, and hand sanitizer was available at the entrance.
Two pretty, young, mask-wearing things greeted me from behind the counter. I ordered a drink but didn’t take them up on the offer of a pastry. (The s’mores doughnut looked intriguing, but I restrained myself.) The cafe also offers smoothie bowls and there’s the ubiquitous CDB shot for those who indulge.
With only one other customer I felt comfortable enough to sit, remove my mask, and enjoy a double-shot cappuccino. Don’t worry, I mused, drink coffee.
JahVa Coffee Lounge+
6800 Gulfport Blvd S Ste 207, South Pasadena
727-914-0566
Thank you Caron!!