I have come to realize that the number "4" in California is very significant. It seems that 4th Street in almost every town/city I have visited is a focal point. And San Mateo is no exception. Except here, it's Fourth Avenue. And if you think you've seen all the coffee houses in America, Le Boulanger is here to surprise you. What is even more bizarre is that Starbucks is right next door to it.

Part of the attraction here is the name; let's face it, if you're going to give your feet a rest from walking on Fourth Avenue, and you have a choice between a place that evokes French bakery, and Starbucks....who are you gonna choose?

Well it's obvious that most people didn't feel the way I did today, because Le Boulanger was fairly empty. There was some seating outside, and after we ordered our lattés, we got comfortable on plastic chairs and were ready for some serious people watching.

So what's different about Le Boulanger ? Their espresso menu is essentially the same, but they don't offer special flavorings; also there is only one variety of tea, and it isn't chai. They go beyond the scone/cake/focaccia sandwich: they also offer omelettes, soups, salads, and pizza. You can buy great breads here as well, such as Sour Dough loaves and French baguettes. They invite you to call them for catering affairs and sell wholesale to businesses like hotels, restaurants and other venues. They are very spacious, with table and booth seating, but no cushy armchairs and sofas like "you know who". And finally, they have not taken the country nor the rest of the world by storm. They reside only in California. Their beverages are priced a bit lower than the coffee house leader, but it's altogether a different ambiance.