A Lady Who Lunches

As we enter the holiday season, when you want to catch up with friends and family over a good meal, we have some wonderful restaurants to choose among.

But where do you go when you need a moment to recharge in the middle of a hectic schedule of working, shopping and preparation? It just so happens Rhino Coffee, offers a perfectly peaceful respite for enjoying a bright fresh tasting lunch or bakery treat with a rejuvenating drink.

Centrally located at 721 Southfield near the prime business and shopping area just off of Line Avenue and a short ride to Youree Drive, the blue shop with large windows, French doors and golden wood still reflects the warm coziness of the house it used to be. In large rooms decorated with tables of all sizes, couches and cozy chairs, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to study, double check your shopping list, or visit with close friends over a warm cup. When the weather is nice, the shaded tables in the front and back courtyards offer the best seats in the place to soak in a pleasant day.

When Rhino Coffee opened, one sip convinced me I was more than willing to make the short drive for their fresh brewed espresso drinks. Do not be intimidated if you see a line. The baristas are very efficient, and the taste of freshly prepared drinks versus premixed coffee blends sometimes used at chains is worth the short wait.

Many people enjoy traditional Americanos, or cappuccinos, lattes and café au lait with 2 percent milk or whole milk. In addition to serving these, they create delicious specialties, such as the Eastside Latte (chocolate, vanilla, espresso, steamed milk with a hint of cinnamon) and seasonal drinks like pumpkin latte (fresh pumpkin, espresso, steamed milk and simple syrup). Hopefully, eggnog lattes will make an appearance soon.

However, when I splurge, I prefer the creamy weight of espresso blended with half-and-half on my tongue. Rhino understands and raises the ante with a dollop of rich chocolate, calling this decadent breve mocha, The Noble.

When you need to chill, they also have Iced Coffee and Iced Lightning. The website describes the frozen concoction, Iced Lightning, as “Generous with the espresso, heavy handed with the milk, liberal with the chocolate, dressed up with a little something special, this is a drink meant to keep you going, and it’s delicious to boot.” I can personally attest to its motivational qualities.

While coffee is right there in the name, Rhino serves other special beverages. Hot tea, iced tea, the Arnold Palmer (half iced tea and half lemonade) and London Fog (bergamot tea steamed in milk with just a splash of vanilla) are refreshing options for tea lovers. When I am looking for a change, I often enjoy the chai (spiced milk tea). Even here they excel, creating the White Rhino (spiced chai, vanilla and caramel).

In addition to my favorite warm or iced cuppa, Rhino Coffee has a delicious selection of breakfast and lunch options. I rarely make it in time for breakfast. However, the homemade Rhino Granola with nuts and local honey over yogurt, and The Rhino Breakfast (jalapeno cheddar) Biscuit sound worth getting there early.

Once again, at lunch last week, I could not resist ordering the Jake’s Roast Beef, thinly shaved roast beef with melted Swiss cheese and mixed greens on ciabatta bread with Dijon mustard. The sandwich is fresh and filling. My lunch companion tried the turkey BLT wrap recommended by a coworker. The wrap, bursting with veggies, must’ve been good, because it was gone quite quickly.

The salad and wrap menu with spinach salad (spinach, strawberries, feta, walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette) and salmon (mixed greens, house smoked salmon, apples and honey basil vinaigrette) look so good that I will definitely have to try one on my next visit.

Last, but not least, as if I waited until dessert to take a nibble, there is the bakery case filled with fresh baked scones, muffins, cookies, colorful macaroons and more.

My greatest weakness is the giant chocolate chip cookie; not overly sweet and rich with buttery flavor.

As if I am not giddy enough about Rhino Coffee, we are eagerly anticipating the opening of their second location, which was announced in downtown Shreveport just a corner away from my office. Now, there will be two opportunities to purchase bags of fresh roasted coffee beans and Rhino Coffee T-shirts.

Lynn Laird is a writer, fine artist and self-professed bon vivant living in Bossier. With “Flair for Cooking,” she seeks out interesting ingredients and techniques to help make everyday meals just a touch more fabulous. She can reached at flairforcooking@gmail.com.