Shelley Taylor

 

Incredible ambiance. Attention to detail. Attentive service with a smile.

 

It begins when you walk up to the door of this petite stone-clad Gothic castle. The only thing missing is the moat. Heavy timber planks studded with black clavos and a speakeasy peephole, the doorway begs you to enter.

 

And once inside, you never want to leave. That must be why a big clock looms over the main room: to remind you you've got things to do so you can't stay there all day!

 

Romantically moody, the interior envelops you with deep slate walls and ceiling, rich cherry plank flooring, paneled wainscot, comfy couches and chairs, a welcoming fireplace, tables set for backgammon, chess and Scrabble.

 

There's a drive-thru, of course, but 'tis a pity to pass up dining in. The umbrella-covered tables on the patio are rimmed by a profusion of crimson geraniums.  

 

The Tea Room featuring local art is available for meetings with the purchase of a $25 gift card. Eat while meeting and it's basically free. There's free Wi-Fi and a computer kiosk, too.

 

Adagio's proprietors, the Smith brothers, don't make cough drops. They and their wives are Dungeness Valley farmers.

 

The distinctive design touch is first-class all the way. There even are plans afoot for permanent croquet and bocce ball courts.

 

Once you do get around to ordering, after taking in the rich interior, the baristas will happily serve you tableside if you like.

 

There are plenty of choices to quench your thirst. It's almost certain you will return, so take advantage of a free beverage once you purchase 10.

 

Lattes are made with beans from Marysville roasted by Vinaccio, all organic and fair-trade, and can be bought by the three-quarter pound. Adagio offers custom blends, one a five-bean espresso blend (Quattro e Uno) or try the Smiling Dog or Ski Valley Mud blends. Served hot or iced, the Specialty Lattes are yummy. I savored The Lento with caramel sauce and toffee nut. But it was difficult to eliminate the others: The Presto with lavender and vanilla, The Vivace with vanilla and caramel sauce drizzle or The Adagio with dark chocolate and amaretto. But there are daily specials, too; sometimes suggested by their regulars. There's a variety of teas, flavored Red Bull and Pepsi and Diet Pepsi.

 

Explore their website for mouth-watering pix of the Adagio fare.

 

Breakfast-type items include made-on-site cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, scones, cranberry orange or Morning Glory (bran, raisins, carrots, and honey) muffins for only $2.95. I sampled those and oh my my! Also served are bagels and satisfying breakfast sandwiches.

 

For lunch (or early dinner) there are salads and sandwiches. I ordered their chicken craisin salad with candied pecans, feta cheese, field greens and spinach served with their homemade raspberry vinaigrette, the raspberry compliments of Graysmarsh Farm. All I can say is "delish" and … only $5.99. In fact, nothing offered at Adagio is more than $5.99!

 

I opted to be served at a table and enjoyed the attention and friendly conversation from baristas Ashley et al. Adagio also offers a colorful veggie taco salad with fresh lettuce, black beans, corn, red and yellow bell peppers, a smattering of cheeses and tortilla chips with a homemade tasty ranch-type dressing.

 

Or try their croissant roll sandwiches — substitute the croissant for a bagel if you wish. There's chicken salad, which blends the chicken salad with poppy seed dressing; or try their ham and brie or roast beef with bleu cheese and horseradish.

 

The baristas will warm rolls or sandwiches or customize your meal to allow for dietary requirements.

I couldn't leave without having something sweet but whittling down to one choice was nigh on impossible. There were lemon bars, toffee bars, cookies and those cinnamon rolls, carrot cake or chocolate cake deluxe. But I indulged in their decadent seven-layer cookie. And the presentation was lovely with caramel and chocolate sauce swirls rimming the plate.

 

Before you go back to your busy day, check out the coffee mugs. Or try a sample of the Pink Papaya Beauty Products. All make great gifts.

 

Don't forget to give your pooch a drink … a nice bowl of water awaits just outside the front door.