scott hutcheson

Porter, Coltrane, Armstrong, Parker, & Redding

It sounds like a standards-jazz-soul lover's answer to the question, "Who do you want to meet in heaven?" but it is actually the sandwich line-up at the Vienna Espresso Bar and Bakery. This place has been an institution in West Lafayette, Indiana for as long as I've been around the area, so at least ten or 11 years. The sandwich selections have been the same that whole time as well. The Cole Porter, the John Coltrane, the Louis Armstrong, the Charlie Parker, and the Otis Redding. They don't print a menu, so I snapped the photo of the whiteboard to give you an idea of what they have to offer. Besides the sandwiches, they've got a few salads, some great baked goods, and a full espresso menu.

They also offer free WiFi so it is a great place to semi-escape and still get some work done. On my last visit I took some work-related reading material and settled in with a lemon bar and a mug of java. This place is laid back and you can while away the hours with no pressure to vacate your seat. You'll see an eclectic mix of students and faculty of all ranges and seating is available at tables, couches, or outside.

Vienna is located at 208 South Street in West Lafayette, Indiana. They are open Monday - Friday from 8 am to 1 am and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 1 am. They can be reached by phone at 765-743-4446.   

Lunch with Bubbles

"Bubbles" is neither a chimp nor a burlesque performer. You'll have to keep reading to find out about my lunch with Bubbles. One great bonus of working on the campus of a large university is the access to a great variety of inexpensive ethnic foods. Basil Thai & Bubble Tea is one of those great places. On a recent visit I enjoyed a spicy Pad Kee Mow (stir-fried Thai noodles with basil, onion, bell pepper, brocolli, chicken, and lots and lots of heat.) This is a great bargin for just $6.50. Nothing on the menu (available here) is over $7.95.

To cool things off I ordered a Mango Snow with Bubbles ($3.25). This blended drink includes mango, ice, and cream. The "bubbles" refers to the tapioca pearls resting on the bottom of the cup. These bubbles are made with grass jelly and cooked in honey. The result is as much about texture as it is about taste. The extra-wide straw is just roomy enough to allow the quarter-inch sized pearls to zip up the straw into your mouth. This is great stuff. The bubbles are also available in slushes (a Snow without the cream) flavored milk, and flavored teas. All total, there are over 50 varieties of drinks available.

Basil Thai & Bubble Tea is located inn West Lafayette, Indiana at 135 S. Chauncy Ave (Chauncey Hill Mall). They are open Monday - Saturday from 11:30 am to 10 pm and Sunday from noon to 9 pm. Take-Out and Catering is also available. They can be reached by phone at 765-743-3330.