There are many good things about living where I do in Pasadena: My apartment and what I get for the price (fireplace! closets! free parking! nice neighbors!); two Whole Foods in close proximity; several farmers’ markets; the mountainous backdrop to say hello to every morning. What sucks: I’m in walking distance to nothing, especially a good coffeehouse.

I have some walking-distance(ish) restaurants and cafes nearby. I can stroll to Slaw Dogs should I choose (and you need to walk off the calories after a meal there), and there’s even a Roscoe’s, if a chicken-and-waffles craving strikes (it never does).  My beloved Euro Pane isn’t too far, but it would take a bit of a time commitment to walk there and back. Same with Daisy Mint, my favorite local Thai spot (spicy catfish salad–remember it).

But coffee? Nada. I can hit a Starbucks if I was desperate, but it’s not just around the corner. And I’m not that desperate.