(No website found at time of publishing) – Warwick Village, Warwick, New York

How I heard of this place: Cafe a la Mode was first recommended to us by our new friend, Tracy, who, at Thanksgiving dinner, suggested we stop by to sample their Graham Cracker Coffee. On our walk to town with Samyar, we made our way in.

Type of cuisine: Gourmet coffees, desserts, premium ice cream, breakfast and brunch.

Ambiance: Walking up to another quaint brick building, we were surprised and happy to see the banner hung over the staircase leading up to the house porch, reading “Caffe ala Mode is excited to welcome its newest addition Ava Elizabeth Torres.” Flower baskets hang from either side of the staircase pillars leading up to the large, extended porch. Wrought iron chairs and tables sit at the foot of the stairs and on the porch for the beautiful north-east summer and sunny, crisp fall days. We enter the green door with 12 glass panes on the left (the matching one on the right obstructed by outdoor seating), while peering through the orange-colored lighting in the cafe, through the white, framed windows at either side. The most simple part of the interior space is the rustic hardwood floors, every other inch of space being used for something. The deep yellow walls are covered with chalkboard after chalkboard of menus written in colored chalk. The dark brown counter extends from the front of the store to the back, towards the flower-curtained doorway to the kitchen, all along which can be found ten to twelve carafs of drip coffee in a variety of flavors, including: Mocha Lava, Pumpkin Spice, Graham Cracker, and Cinnamon Cappuccino. Baskets of cups and lids as well as fresh baked muffins ranging from Blueberry to French Vanilla Chip, Double Chocolate, Banana Nut, Apple Streussel, Orange Cranberry, Cinnamon Swirl, Apple Bran, Banana Chocolate Chip, Berry Blast, Red Velvet, Corn Bread, and Pumpkin, to Rocky Road Brownies and Blondies. Just when you thought you had seen it all, directly beyond the register is the array of ice cream flavors, such as: Coconut, Coffee, Vanilla, Rocky Road, Chocolate, Green Mint Chip, Strawberry, Moosetracks, and Cotton Candy. To the right of the entryway, patrons may enjoy the cozy space of wooden tables and chairs, as well as one-sided booth seating against the half-wall between the ordering area and the cafe, with friends or in solitude under the dim lighting. More chalkboards, this time in framed squares, each with six panels (resembling the windows) noting food and dessert options.

What I ordered: I chose one scoop of the Caribou Caramel ice cream ($2.31) with mini chocolate covered caramel cups and ooey, gooey caramel swirl. Chris wanted to try the Graham Cracker Coffee, as did I, so he selected a 12-ounce cup ($1.52) and a chocolate chip cookie ($1.70) for dunking. Samyar, finding that Caffe A La Mode has the best Chai Tea Lattes he has ever had, selected a 12-ounce ($2.68).

What I loved: I think my favorite part of our cafe treat was the Chai Tea Latte. But, a close second was the chocolate chip cookie dipped in caramel ice cream.

Why I loved it: Simple. Homey. Young and vibrant.

Cost: Low (coffee beverages for $1.50 – $3 per 12-ounce cup)