Monsooned Malabar (Photo credit: ritchielee)

Conversation hums all around. A barista moves briskly. Customers relax in a neighborhood blend of friends and flavors.

I’m at the recently-opened Lasaters Coffee & Tea (http://www.lasaterscoffee.com) in the Cleveland-Bradley County Public Library, Cleveland, Tennessee.

This shop shines. Think wood, black leather, low lighting. The aroma of coffee. See thick shiny cups fired in earth tones. Listen while tall thermal tumblers speak strawberry red and lime green, blazing blue and subtle silver.

Look up and see the French Press coffee contraption you know your daughter would love for Christmas. Think of her favorite color and say that one. Imagine your son warming his hands over a campfire after unpacking your exquisite gift of India Monsooned Malabar.

Consider your friend and yourself too. Ponder the small possibilities and sheer delights of caramel mocha; toasted marshmallow latte; gourmet hot chocolate; blended spice chai; custom fruit smoothies and iced white chocolate mocha. Or  maybe it’s black iced black tea or Rooibos with a roast beef and Provolone sandwich. Maybe the Southwest grilled chicken wrap or the turkey and Swiss rosemary bread panini.

A customer orders the turkey and Swiss, encouraging the baristo to include the buttery flavor when he grills the sandwich. With joy, that customer anticipates the melted marvel.

A man wearing Lasaters classic black slacks and shirt explains how refreshment and community often happen over a cup of coffee.  He turns to help another friend.  In shades of sunrise and sunset, shop lights glow.

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