Arriving in Maui on four hour’s sleep on a day that included a five a.m. wake up call, one layover, ten hours of flying time and five time zone changes, I was ready for something with a kick in it to tide me over until sundown, which was still amazingly six hours off. I knew just the thing to fix me up and just the place to get it.
The last time I was in Java Jazz
it was the coolest coffee shop on the West Side and still blooming. Owners Katherine and Farzad Azad had the place smokin’ with exotic decor that included sofas brimming with overstuffed pillows, a fountain swimming with fish, artwork enlivening every nook and cranny, jazz streaming on the excellent sound system, whimsical, wild and wonderful touches and, of course, coffee brewing and smoothies shakin’.
"Darling! You’re back!" the ever charming Farzad greeted with his accent rich as a double espresso sweet as caramel creme. "And I lovewhat you’ve done to the place!" I told him with a two-cheek continental kiss, "c’est magnifique!" I try to throw in a little French or German or Spanish when I talk to Farzad to show him I’m not decaf. He speaks five languages and that’s only a small hint at his talents.
For one, he’s used his artistic flair to create a superb interior design that is a bistro, casbah, cafe and coffeehouse all in one. He doubled the original space and included a full-service restaurant and bar. The new, larger quarters offer the essential display spaces needed for Farzad’s expanding artworks which include pottery, paintings, and sculpture. The instruments, guitar and amp next to the stool in the back are also Farzad’s. He puts on impromptu performances and jam sessions with friends on certain evenings. This guy would make you feel inadequate except that he always makes you feel so wonderful, which is just another talent in his overabundant cache.
That‘s Cool, But How‘s the Food?
Only the best of the best of local premium blends and pure Kona make it into Java Jazz brews so be prepared for a jolt. If you want a bit mellower drink, have a mango-pineapple smoothie. Breakfast and coffee service starts at 6 a.m. with french toast, waffles, eggs, burritos, omelets and bakery items.
A simple soup, salad and sandwich menu is offered for both lunch and dinner which includes falafel, burgers, Tuscany chicken, and blackened fish. There are just enough surprises in the flavors and sauces to prompt you to recall them later and then want to have some more. I’m still thinking about that sweet thai chili cream cheese that kicked up my turkey, cranberry and romaine sandwich on sourdough toast. Which reminds me of the candied walnuts and apples on my spinach salad which then causes the jazzy music that was playing through the speakers while I ate it to still linger in my ears.
Sensational.