A Neighborhood Jaunt: Bernal Heights

I can’t help but p-a-u-s-e a moment to deliberately breathe in the fresh coffee aroma that fills this small but inviting space. “Now this is a good cup of hot chocolate,” I muse, savoring another gulp of the calibration drink that I order at every café. Whole milk, no whip, please.

Nervous Dog Coffee in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco exudes a welcoming vibe, with its beckoning overstuffed couches (“get’cha butt over here!”), marigold walls featuring works of local artists, and a friendly barista whose upbeat “hey there!” would prompt any introverted visitor to beam in response. I’m glad we came here, randomly picked from a growing list of joints in the City that offer free wi-fi. With a playlist that includes acoustic recordings by Eddie Vedder, Curt Cobain, O.A.R., and Garbage (the band; not a commentary); and a colorful clientele of tattooed skaters our age and focused telecommuters, this place exudes energy that is anything but nervous.

Three hours earlier… Our lunch at Angkor Borei across the street is also worth a note. They offer a tasty Cambodian lunch special of a curry-based soup, rice, and two-item combo from a selection of nine entrées. At $15 for two, we were very satisfied with the chili pork, ginger beef, napa cabbage with shrimp, and crispy spring rolls; though my carnivorous companion has his usual complaint - not enough meat.

Four hours earlier… Under self-imposed exile, we took our telecommute on the road today, mainly to give realtors free reign of the house (yes, we’re selling), but also to get some fresh air. So glad we did.