I tend to live my life in a cycle of constant hydration and dehydration; water, coffee, water, whiskey, repeat. And although doctors (besides Oz or Phil) would have you believe hydration is the most important part, I (a college dropout), beg to differ. I’ve never sat at my desk, ruminating over the little triumphs and defeats that make life, well, life, over a piping hot, freshly roasted, free-trade, delightfully aromatic, cup of water. Though I assume tap water is fair-trade, right? Either way, for most of us workforce zombies, coffee is likely the most important, part of the day. Lucky for us, local options have just expanded.
Enter Parker Coffee & Eatery
This cool little spot is the latest addition in the ever evolving couple of blocks of Louisiana Ave. just off the Perrysburg riverfront. And Parker has got the perfect P-burg atmosphere, a bit of smalltown charm with just enough hipster cred to satisfy everyone from stroller-toting real housewives to the trendiest of scene kid’s café cravings. Usually small coffee nooks give me the in-and-out vibe, despite the occasional recliner or acoustic guitar duo. Yet at Parker, the comfortable, clean, laid back ambiance invited me to enjoy a much more relaxed visit.
Aesthetics aside, when I first stepped in, the most striking thing I noticed, besides the cute cashier’s shoulder tattoo, was the impressive menu above me. There were the typical coffee, pastry and mocha-chai-ameri-chino options that you’d expect, but there were also full meal options billed as “Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Everything in between.”
Now before I get into the glorious details of the meal, I’m happy to note that PJ Phillips, the owner of Parker Coffee Co., is embracing the locally sustainable agenda by pairing up with Perrysburg roasters Maddie & Bella for coffee beans and Toledo’s All Crumbs Bakery on the bread/pastry tip. Phillips noted, “As a coffee fan it was great to bring in another local business and help bring the knowledge and more technical aspects of what café beverages and food can and should be.”
Sweet, salty, and caffeinated
I ordered an Iced Caramel Latte, Toasted Ham & Swiss Pretzel Croissant and the pièce de résistance; a Banana Nutella Crêpe. My companion, a more learned coffee snob, kept his order a bit more controlled, Cappuccino, Margarita Grinder and a Dark Chocolate Chunk Croissant.
Everything came out swiftly and was excellently portioned (which is rare in a region known for pounds of chicken chunks), on lightly garnished plates. The combo of sweet and salty between my latte and pretzel bun was excellent, but the Crêpe… sweet baby Jesus.
The word ‘magic’ does not describe the orgy of lavish hazelnut and sumptuously rich banana flavors that pranced upon my palate. I was transcended for a moment, from the realm of breakfast foods I had known, to a place in which time and space ceased to exist, a singularity of flavor and emotion. Indeed I was born again into a bacchanalian of saccharine glory, a utopia, in which all would bow before the one true Almighty, one of deliciousity, and her name would resound in the hearts of man… The Banana Nutella Crepe. My friend also really enjoyed his meal.
Needless to say the experience was extremely pleasing. Whether you’re stopping by for cup of local joe, or want to grab some great grub, Parker Coffee & Eatery delivers.
7am-10pm Monday-Sunday. 117 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-768-7223.
Facebook.com/ParkerCoffeeCoPerrysburg
