With less than two weeks before the inevitable stupor brought on by the classic tryptophan-family one-two punch combination, there may be some early mornings this weekend and next where extra time to get prepared is required.
>> Nominate your favorite coffee shop for Best of Dayton
In addition to a few necessary early mornings, a few extra treats may also be required as motivation to make it though the day.
>> Rise and shine! Perk up with a cup from Dayton’s best, most unique coffee spots
Have you heard of Reza's Roast?
You may not have, but readers of the Huffington Post have.
In a story titled "Apple Cider Slushies: How to Make Fall's Best Drink" that posted to the website on Nov. 1, Garin Pirnia wrote, "While you undoubtedly associate apple cider with fall, it's highly possible you haven't had the best cider drink that autumn offers: the cider slushie.
“Slushies, which are essentially apple cider frozen in a machine, can be found from spring through fall at apple orchards across the country, and sometimes they make a fall appearance at coffee shops, like Reza’s Roast in Dayton, Ohio, and Krans Café in Bishop Hill, Illinois."
The Oregon District business located on Wayne Avenue has only been open four months, but is already garnering national attention.
>> Here’s what you’ll find inside the new Reza’s Downtown on Wayne Avenue
And for good reason. This woman-owned, family-run coffee company has some really tasty beverages and food for sale.
I recently enjoyed a fantastic soufflé stuffed with farm fresh eggs, gruyere cheese, sun dried tomatoes, a slice of jalapeño, cracked tellicherry pepper, herbs de Provence and rosemary. The hand-crafted puff pastry it was nested in was flaky, light and delicious.
Every Tuesday, they feature a Turkish special for $7, which buys you an authentic Turkish coffee served with your choice of baklava or date.
A basic drip coffee costs $2.50 and prices from there go up to $4 and $4.50 with the most expensive coffee drink clocking in at $4.75 for the quite delicious golden latte made with macadamia milk, freshly ground turmeric, pink peppercorn, ginger, allspice, lemongrass and black pepper.
The 3,500-square-foot space is immaculate and beautiful to walk into with a breezy, modern aesthetic that sparkles with warm touches dotted about that beg you to find a seat.
With breads and different baked goods from Blue Bike Bakery, pastries from Azra’s Mediterranean Cuisine, ice creams from Jeni's out of Columbus, this is a coffee shop that prizes the flavor of the food as much as the coffee.
Credit: Mark Fisher
Credit: Mark Fisher
New Jeni's holiday ice cream flavors have arrived including boozy eggnog, cognac with gingerbread, white chocolate peppermint, sweet potato with torched marshmallow and pumpkin cake roll, so now is a good time to make your way there for some coffee and ice cream to enjoy in the warmth of your home later.
If you have never been before, an accessible entrance and parking lot is directly behind the Cafe.
Don't forget about that apple slider slushie ($4 or $6 for large) made with local cider from Peifer Orchard in Yellow Springs.
There's a reason national websites are calling attention to it — it's quite the treat, but a little chilly, so bundle up.
>> BEST OF DAYTON: The 3 best coffee shops to try in Dayton
Credit: Mark Fisher
Credit: Mark Fisher
WANT TO GO?
What: Reza's Roast
Where: 438 Wayne Ave., Dayton
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sundays.
More information: www.rezasroast.com or 937-813-1748
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