Medelin / Меделін Coffee Cafe in Lviv, Ukraine

Medelin is a small coffee centered cafe in Lviv that is located just a few short blocks from Rynok Square, that isn't infested with tourists. For that simple fact, that I don't have to fight people with fanny packs, white sneakers, and dumb expressions to get a table is enough to make me like a place, however there is more to like here. 

The decor is simple enough with black and white tile floor, neutral walls with coffee hanging off painted close lines and burlap curtains. I had the joy of visiting on a day with warm weather so two out of the three massive windows were opened . It made it feel like I was sitting outside, but if the rain did start I wouldn't have had to run for cover. When I'm sitting in a cafe, I'll normally put my head phones in and listen to music and write. I didn't end up doing that here. There was a mix of English and Ukrainian music, some might call it hipster music, playing. The English music was also a lot of covers, by talented indie artists that fit the relaxed vibe, with a subtle energy running through the space. All of the clients who were there in the hour or so that I sat there seemed to be locals. 

They don't have an English menu, slightly frustrating as my Ukrainian is still horrible, but I could read a surprising amount. The menu itself is also pretty to look at and is artfully done.  Don't let the lack of an English menu deter you from coming here. The girl working behind the counter had an excellent command of the English langue. I ordered an americano and she asked if I wanted to order something more complex, which I probably should have with all the choices for coffee and everything to put into it. They also had a big selection of teas, juice, soda, and water if you wanted something like that. The  americano itself was good, not bitter and came with a small cookie on the side. I also ordered a chocolate layer cake with cream filling to go with it. The cake was moist and fresh, which sometimes can be an issue in Lviv, but this also shows that either I got lucky with a good piece of cake or they are doing a lot of business everyday. I'm going to bet its the latter. The girl at the counter also asked if I would like chocolate, cream or jam drizzled over it. Against my better caloric judgement I went with the chocolate. (It's also my mothers birthday, so I'm thinking what she would have done to justify my actions.) There were a few different cakes and rolls that were offered. One had berries another looked to be a cheese cake. Some girls sitting by me also got an ice cream sundae. There might even be some more hidden sweets, had I asked. 

Everything was reasonably priced. The most expensive coffee topped out at 33 UAH

  ( a little over $4.05) and that was because it had rum in it. 

Americano 12UAH ($1.48)

Cappuccino 14UAH ($1.72)

Latte 18UAH ($2.21)

Mochachino 20 UAH ($2.45)

Macchiato 13UAH ($1.60

Tea 15-21 UAH ($1.84-$2.58)

Ice cream 100g 11UAH ($1.35)

 

Also on certain days of the week they show movies and sporting events on a wall with a projector. Check out there Facebook for more information. Medelin Facebook

Over all I enjoyed my time sitting drinking and eating. The wifi on the day that I was there was down, which I didn't mind as it gave me a chance to disconnect, but they normally have free working wifi. They also have well maintained toilets for customers, for those of you who may need them. I will most certainly go back again and get my caffeine fix, probably something other than an americano, and it will without a doubt have chocolate.

My Americano and also the Menu 

Chocolate Cake

Bus Outside

Bonera in Riga, Latvia

When I arrived in Riga, Latvia on April 14th, I decided to go find a cafe where I could get coffee and a little something to eat. I ended up at Bonera, which also was a vintage shop. I went in and ordered an Americano and what I was told was their most famous pastry. The girl at the counter told me that I could pay when I was done and she would bring me my order when it was ready. She was very friendly and had great English. She told me what everything in the pastry case was in great detail, without seeming pissed off that another clueless tourist had come in. 

I went and found a seat in a back corner by bikes, purses and blouses, all which were for sale. I only had to wait a little bit for my coffee and pastry to be delivered. The coffee was good, but came without milk, so it wasn’t 100% the way I like it. Then again the way I would really like it is from Starbucks or 158 Pickett Street Cafe. The pasty on the other hand was a fantastic change from the cake like things I normally eat. The base was a meringue with whipped cream in the middle, no sugar added to the cream, topped with sliced almonds, dried cranberries and chocolate shavings. The meringue was crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside, but not overly so. The whipped cream picked up the bits of the meringue that tried to escape my mouth, but I won. It also helped pull the toppings into the mix.   

The cafe had a good vibe going playing songs from the 50s and 60s, like My Girl by The Temptations and Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane. (Yes, to the older people who read my blog, I do know these songs.) I found myself singing along a few times, but no one seemed to notice or mind. When I finished my coffee and meringue, there was no one rushing to give me my bill or asking me to leave, so someone else could have my seat. I sat there looking around and taking a few photos. I remember wishing that I had brought my notebook so I could write letters, to loved ones, which I would have been able to do in peace for hours. I sat there until I thought it was time to leave and explore Riga a bit more, and by explore I mean find another place to eat.