Cafe La Vie

Just at the point in the summer when I was starting to get really nihilistic, free dance camp appeared, like a dream. I told no one about it, not really believing it could be true. But sure enough, this morning I dropped the girls off at Action Dance in the Nalley Valley. Not only was it really a free camp, but the owner did not appear to be an axe murderer and the classrooms are really nice. Sweet! It's like the universe said "You know what Jen? You could really use a break."

Anyway, the kids are at camp. I was up late last night, and after dropping them off I needed some serious caffeine therapy. Circumstances took me back to the Lincoln District, where I thought I'd try a new place, Cafe La Vie. There's been a Cafe La Vie on 38th Street for a long time, but recently they opened a brand new location around the corner on Yakima.

Inside the bright, spotless interior was a very nice guy, who poured me the strongest Vietnamese iced coffee ($3) I've ever had. (He'll pour it weaker for you if you ask.) We got to talking about the new place (they're keeping the old location open for the first year, but like this spot better because it's quiet) and I asked about the menu.

"You want the pork soup" he said. Not really a question, but a statement. "Pork, meatball, rice and shrimp." I didn't really think I wanted pork soup at 9:30 in the morning, but what the heck, usually when the owner of a restaurant tells me I want something he's probably right.

And he was. A mild broth with soft rice, sizable prawns, grilled pork and Vietnamese meatballs (which don't seem to contain any glutinous starch) grew gradually more flavorful as I worked my way down in the bowl and the chopped herbs had time to mingle with everything else. The dish kind of woke up along with me, which made it perfect breakfast food.

Amazing rice soup ($6) aside, Cafe La Vie is really known for its Bánh mì (sandwiches). Sadly, I can't try these out but they look really good. (Though not even vaguely vegetarian.)

After a stiff blast of coffee I was ready to explore the rest of the neighborhood, which was just as active before 10 am on a Monday as it is on a Sunday afternoon.

Cafe La Vie

S 38th and Yakima

Tacoma, WA

(253)472-3724

Lincoln, VietnameseJust at the point in the summer when I was starting to get really nihilistic, free dance camp appeared, like a dream. I told no one about it, not really believing it could be true. But sure enough, this morning I dropped the girls off at Action Dance in the Nalley Valley. Not only was it really a free camp, but the owner did not appear to be an axe murderer and the classrooms are really nice. Sweet! It's like the universe said "You know what Jen? You could really use a break."

Anyway, the kids are at camp. I was up late last night, and after dropping them off I needed some serious caffeine therapy. Circumstances took me back to the Lincoln District, where I thought I'd try a new place, Cafe La Vie. There's been a Cafe La Vie on 38th Street for a long time, but recently they opened a brand new location around the corner on Yakima.

Inside the bright, spotless interior was a very nice guy, who poured me the strongest Vietnamese iced coffee ($3) I've ever had. (He'll pour it weaker for you if you ask.) We got to talking about the new place (they're keeping the old location open for the first year, but like this spot better because it's quiet) and I asked about the menu.

"You want the pork soup" he said. Not really a question, but a statement. "Pork, meatball, rice and shrimp." I didn't really think I wanted pork soup at 9:30 in the morning, but what the heck, usually when the owner of a restaurant tells me I want something he's probably right.

And he was. A mild broth with soft rice, sizable prawns, grilled pork and Vietnamese meatballs (which don't seem to contain any glutinous starch) grew gradually more flavorful as I worked my way down in the bowl and the chopped herbs had time to mingle with everything else. The dish kind of woke up along with me, which made it perfect breakfast food.

Amazing rice soup ($6) aside, Cafe La Vie is really known for its Bánh mì (sandwiches). Sadly, I can't try these out but they look really good. (Though not even vaguely vegetarian.)

After a stiff blast of coffee I was ready to explore the rest of the neighborhood, which was just as active before 10 am on a Monday as it is on a Sunday afternoon.

Cafe La Vie
S 38th and Yakima
Tacoma, WA
(253)472-3724

Lincoln, Vietnamese