I am very partial to coffee shops. The earthy, peaty smell. The bustle. The unlikely cook stepping out from the kitchen to encourage you to try something new and unpredictable. Just the early morning promise of it all.

There is a great one around the corner from my son's place in Wauwatosa. Rocket Baby Bakery. (It's a great name, too.)

It's a short walk through an Old World neighborhood in Milwaukee. The people who work there are friendly and quick, with genuine smiles that actually light up their eyes. It's a happy, welcoming place.

I love sitting at one of their cute tables, overlooking the street scene, cupping my mug of hot, steaming coffee, swirling with cream. It's the best way to start the day. And if I'm really feeling indulgent I'll have one of their savory scones. Perfectly crunchy on the outside, soft and melt-in-your-mouth goodness on the inside, rich with goat cheese, walnuts and scallions. Surprisingly sweet. Yum.

Rocket Baby Bakery
6822 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213