Skagit Valley's New Coffee Lounge and Gallery

1174 S. Burlington Blvd, Burlington,WA

Many of you know I am a boho coffee snob.  I revere great coffee and unique local cafes. Saturday, with enough of the snow melted, made it possible to get out and about in Skagit. Primo chance to experience a new café . Let me introduce you to Skagit Valley’s newest café now open in Burlington: Copia Coffee Lounge and Gallery.

Joseph and Marjorie: Proprietors of Copia

Braving the entrepreneurial spirit, longtime Skagit residents Marjorie and Joseph Plewinski ‘ pulled’ their  first espresso at Copia’s earlier this month.  Set back slightly just between Burlington Medical Clinic and Burlington Physical Therapist ,across from the Cascade Mall on Burlington boulevard, the “old garage” is being transformed into a quaint cottage-like café. And is now the homebase of the widely popular snack Cascade Kettle Corn. Though still  in-progress, Joseph and Marjorie envision a cozy community “hub”.  An inviting atmosphere centered around meeting friends , family, community groups or business associates enjoying good conversations over your favorite beverage and food.

Fireside chat anyone?

Conversational vignettes fill the indoor  space. One area begs for you to come sit by the fire and sip a Lando .  The walls right now are adorned with their private art collection. The plan is to invite local artist to utilize their vast wall space . There is also a small space for music artist to preform. Just a few of the many ideas they have planned for Copia.

Marjorie shows her handmade treats.Check out the gluten-free almond torte on the left. Yum!

I ordered my usual doppio [double espresso] for critiquing. [This being, ahem, the yard sick by which I measure all cafes.]  As Marjorie prepared my order, I caught a glimpse of a beautiful torte on the counter. I wondered if it was from a local bakery. Very local! It’s a chocolate almond torte handmade by Marjorie and to my delightful surprise it’s also gluten-free! Oh my, imagine the excitement at that news. [hard to find handmade gluten-free treats] I learned she is an avid baker as well as a barista. This is one of her signature desserts. Also on the light menu being served that day was Joseph’s own recipe of Minestrone soup with a slice of Marjorie’s handmade Irish soda bread [sorry not gluten free] . Oh mama mia, now this is more good news.

Copia is using Burlington’s local coffee roaster Fidalgo Bay beans for the coffee beverages. “A medium roast blend”  which he prefers says Joseph.  Just one of the many ways Joseph and Marjorie express utilizing local products as much as possibly. It is a important part of the overall plan for the future of Copia . The bean is only a part of what makes for primo coffee experience. The doppio Marjorie ‘pulled’  for me was served in a Italian style glass cup which I prefer, lends itself  for view of the crema. Which was very evident on this one. [ by the by, its not a traditional pulled shot, just used for expression] The experience of that first sip was familiar. Soothingly smooth, creamy and bold with a slight sweet aftertaste . No bitterness or heavy acidic taste. That’s the idol of really good coffee and makes you want more. I’ve had really awful- to -great coffee around the world and this one would certainly make one come back for more.

So delicious! Get your own slice of Copia’s Almond Torte and a cuppa that great espresso!This one is mine,yum.

Don’t wait another day to visit Copia Coffee Lounge & Gallery. Go get the coupon for a free latte with the purchase of a slice of that yummy homemade chocolate almond torte on their facebook page!  Say hello and tell them Mona sent you!

A special thanks to Joseph and Marjorie for being so generious with their time and for the great conversation.

See you at the Copia!

Be sure to check out their other established venture V.I.P Very Important Parties .

Disclaimer: I did not receive any stipend or favors for this review

update 5/22:  Copia’s will no longer be the home of Cascade Kettle Corn.

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