When it comes to coffee, we consume it with varying degrees of enthusiasm. One of us enjoys a nicely crafted espresso drink on rare occasions, and one of us believes that coffee is life-giving nectar of the gods.
Leaf & Bean, a coffee shop in downtown Newnan, has something for each of us.
In addition to the usual drip coffee, tea and espresso beverages of a coffee shop, they also serve an assortment of café foods and desserts. Those looking to unwind after a long day, can choose a beer or wine from the adult beverage menu.
We love the atmosphere of Leaf and Bean. It’s a small cozy shop with black and white tiled floors, tons of exposed brick and Edison bulb light fixtures.
The walls are liberally dotted with original artwork by local artists. Comfy stuffed chairs and sofas invite guests to relax while enjoying their beverages.
Leaf and Bean offers smart choices for the health conscious as well as decadent treats for those wishing to indulge.
Among the healthier foods available, is a daily selection of fresh pressed juice. We tried the carrot, celery and apple juice.
It was bright orange with a lightly sweet vegetable flavor. It was very good and so filling that it could serve as a meal replacement.
The chicken salad, served on a buttery, flaky croissant, came in generous portions. It was flavorful without being overly heavy on the mayonnaise, a huge plus for us.
We loved the hummus black bean wrap. It was a tasty way to get in several servings of vegetables. The pita wrap was spread with a spicy black bean hummus and stuffed with shredded carrots, greens and fresh tomatoes.
Each meal comes with a choice of chips or seasonal fruit. We were good and chose the fruit. We may have negated any healthy benefits of the fresh fruit by next trying a few of the handcrafted espresso drinks and fresh baked goods.
Nothing goes so well together as a great cup of coffee and a perfectly made pastry.
The vanilla cupcake was dense and moist with a strong vanilla bean flavor. The icing was thick and sweet.
This treat nicely complemented the caramel macchiato. It was creamy with a hint of vanilla flavor and a drizzle of caramel on top of the whipped cream. It could have been a dessert by itself.
The Danish is a traditional breakfast pastry, but we got crazy and had one in the late afternoon. We like that it is not overly sweet. The delicious cream cheese filling was accompanied by a sweet cherry jam with a light icing drizzled across the entire pastry.
We also got a plain latte. The simple nature of this drink brings out the espresso flavor. It was sweet and smoky with a slight hint of caramel, exactly the way espresso should taste.
Leaf and Bean is open seven days a week. They offer wine tastings, healthy cooking classes and monthly yoga sessions near the Newnan square.
Be sure to follow the Leaf and Bean Facebook page to be notified of upcoming events, special promotions and giveaways.