I’ve eaten a fair share of meals alone in a public place before, but I usually did so overcome by a feeling of shame and self-consciousness thoughts, but I want to reclaim the joy of spending time by myself. I get lots of alone time at home, but am working on being brave enough to do more things out in the world on my own.
In Austin, our most well known breakfast spot is Kerbey Lane Café, and someone in Anchorage told me that the Middle Way Café is Anchorage’s equivalent. So, one rainy weekday morning, I headed to Midtown to a strip mall shared with a Habitat Restore, Title Wave Books, and a handful of other restaurants and stores.
The entrance to the café had a little vestibule with a cute mural on the wall showing woodland creatures in various poses of work and leisure in a picturesque scene. On a small wooden sign on the corner of the mural written in cursive, it says “Welcome to Middle Way Cafe.” There was no wait.
I discovered that the café was structured using counter service instead of table service. To be truthful, I generally don’t like this style. It feels impersonal, like a school cafeteria (maybe giving me school lunch flashbacks!?!), and fast food-like. So, I was a bit disappointed that there was no table service. However, after reflecting, I decided this was actually the ideal scenario for dining alone. No awkward interactions with waitstaff, and no feeling guilty for taking up a table with only one person and worrying the server is secretly wanting you to hurry and give up your table to a larger party. Instead, I ordered at the counter: drip coffee (serve yourself from a station), a cup of almond milk at my request (replacement for cream), and classic Eggs Benedict. The people working behind the counter were very kind and patient with me, as I took a few minutes to wade through the lengthy menu and make decisions.
The seating area was made up of small tables set up to seat between 2-4 people. When I went the tables were at about 75% capacity, which gave me freedom to take my time without the fear that someone was lingering in the shadows waiting to take over my table.
Middle Way Café, like many cafés and coffee shops, features art collections from local artists. At the time of my visit, they were showcasing a really beautiful collection of collages called ‘Garden Party’ by Kersten Martensen Ross. I noticed common characteristics in the pieces included bright colors, with depictions of the outdoors, flowers, and portraits. I love collage art. I like the three-dimensionality, especially when the artist incorporates found objects and materials.
I forgot my earbuds on this outing. Sometimes, this can be a problem, as I have a hard time blocking out distracting conversations around me, and I can turn into a bit of a eavesdropper. Since I came to the café for a change of scene and cozy atmosphere to read and write, I wanted it to be a space where I could focus well. Fortunately, between the soft music and general hum of white noise, I couldn’t hear anyone else’s conversations. The sound ambience was perfect.
I was able to focus on a new book I’d recently checked out from the library, Fast and Loose by Edith Wharton. It’s my first time reading her, and I can’t believe I waited this long. This particular book was her first, written when she was 15. Like Jane Austen’s Juvenalia, it’s rather over-the-top, but I love the Gilded Age setting. It’s making me look forward to the next season of Julian Fellowes’ show.
My meal arrived very quickly. Overall, I thought it was tasty but a little heavy for breakfast. I just can’t handle a heavy meal in the morning. Over half of my plate was covered in hashbrowns, which I couldn’t even touch. Unfortunately, I think I just ordered the wrong thing for my morning preferences. Next time I’ll try something else. Their menu is very extensive, and they offer breakfast options until 1pm.
The atmosphere was very cozy: warm colors painted on the walls, soft lighting, fairy lights, and a big open space so the tables didn’t feel packed too tight.
After enjoying a book with my meal, I continued sipping my coffee and writing for another 30 minutes. After this, the lunchtime crowd was starting to trickle in. I did become self-conscious about taking up a table, so I gathered up my things and headed out. I’m definitely looking forward to coming back. What a gem!
Cozy in Alaska 