This issue’s food column stayed true to its name. After a slew of Instagram-worthy plates piled onto our table, we didn’t hesitate to dig right in, and were soon left feeling full, satisfied, and maybe a tad stuffed. For the second edition of Food Coma, Editor-in-Chief Katie Maier (KM), Arts & Culture Editor Esha Joshi (EJ), Web Editor Riya Kolappa (RK), and Editorial Director Lara Parikh (LP) ventured into the world of Australian cuisine at Bluestone Lane Los Altos Café.
As qualified food critics, we gave fair reviews of the cafe’s food and overall vibe; so, dear readers, rest assured that you’re getting the highest quality information (and definitely no Friday afternoon delusions).
How would you rate each item?
KM: Their iced latte was SO good, and I really enjoyed sipping on it while we chatted at the table. But, the matcha pancakes were dry, dense, and only faintly flavorful. Adding a thick dollop of butter helped the texture, and the matcha sauce on the side added some extra freshness, but they were disappointing on their own.
EJ: I’m a fiend for hot chocolate, and Bluestone delivered! While it didn’t have the richest chocolate flavor, it was piping hot and delicious with gorgeous latte art on top. I also ordered the soft chili scramble with avocado, which was an unconventional but delicious piece of avocado toast.
RK: I tried the spiced chicken wrap, and it was super flavorful and easy to eat. The tortilla on the outside was toasted to perfection, and it was stuffed with a tasty yogurt sauce and tons of fresh produce and chicken.
LP: I got my usual coffee order: a latte with almond milk and honey, and it was amazingly creamy and smooth. I also tried vegemite for the first time, and it was… something! But, the bread was really, really good. If you like seedy sourdough, definitely check out Bluestone!
Do you see yourself being productive here?
KM: Although the cafe’s vibe was warm and soothing, it seemed too formal to get actual work done. It’s a sit-down cafe that serves full meals, so it would be difficult to eat and work at the same time. They do have some pastries and drinks that would be easy to order to-go, but I think it would work better as a pre-study pitstop than a workspace.
EJ: Honestly, if I tried to study here, I would likely spill jam all over my notebooks or distract myself by staring intently at the beautifully tiled floor. Particularly with the music and ambient chatter, I think it best suits casual conversation rather than intense studying.
RK: While the cafe was beautiful and the bohemian decorations produced a calm atmosphere, I don’t think I could be productive here. The aura of the cafe is definitely more lively, and it seems like a great place to catch up with a friend or head after school with your classmates to grab a snack.
LP: Between neighboring conversations and ambient music, it can be hard to concentrate in such a vibrant environment, making it difficult to effectively work here. However, they do have tons of outdoor seating, so when it’s no longer literally zero degrees outside, I see myself being so much more productive while working in the fresh air.
Is it allergy/diet friendly?
KM: Their menu listed ingredients fairly clearly, and our server was patient and respectful with our table’s allergy questions. Seems like a safe spot for those with dietary restrictions!
EJ: Yes! They clearly state allergens and they have an awesome vegetarian and vegan selection as well.
RK: The allergen guide at the bottom of the menu was super detailed, and while I don’t have an allergy, I can only imagine how helpful this amount of detail would be.
LP: Based on my first experience here, I think so. I appreciated that they were also patient when I double-checked about the food 🙂
Would you come back here?
KM: Definitely! The atmosphere was beautiful, with huge windows and an open-concept layout. I’d love to bring more of my friends here and gossip over cups of coffee! It’s easy to split the check between 2+ people, too, so I won’t have to worry about paying anyone back.
EJ: Absolutely, especially for brunch with friends or family! If nothing else, I’d come back another time to try the vegemite on toast again and solidify my opinion on it.
RK: I’d definitely come back for the welcoming service, delicious and visually-appealing food, and beautiful decor. This is the perfect spot for a Sunday brunch with your family or a meeting with a coworker.
LP: Yes, of course! The food was honestly quite good, and there are still a bunch of things that I’d like to try. I wouldn’t necessarily come back to study, but more so to hang out with my friends.
