Elsbeth and I were having lunch at Coffee to a Tea with Sugar last week, a funky little eatery at the Junction that specializes in fancy pastries and light lunches of sandwiches and soups.

This interesting spot on California Avenue is a popular place for all sorts of groups looking for a convenient spot to hold meetings, have a tasty dessert and Coffee to a Tea with Sugar (or without).

Many of the patrons bring their youngsters because they have lot of things for kids to play on. Favorites on the pastry trays are the french apple tarts. Rugelach cookies are second. Shanon is the baker - she learned at her Grandmas knee - and Jodi handles the business side.

Last week was the first birthday for the business and owners Shanon Jensen and Jodi Baker and they report that business has been brisk since they opened. Both are West Seattleites.

As we munched on sandwiches and a bowl of tomato rice soup, I noticed a well dressed young lady sipping her coffee and reading a copy of the West Seattle Herald. I am always ready to boost our local community newspaper so I got up and strolled over to the lady who was so absorbed in her reading.

"Excuse me, ma'am " I said." That is a pretty good paper you are reading. Right?"

"Wrong," she said looking up to see who the intruder was. "The word is GREAT. I love the Herald. I read it from front to back. And it is getting better all the time."

I was tickled by her enthusiasm, explained that I did a little writing for it and would tell the staff back at the office what she said.

Editor Jack Mayne said, "We love hearing that. We hear it often but perhaps not with that much enthusiasm. West Seattle people love living here and have loved the Herald for 82 years."

What a great combination. Read the Herald and munch a french apple tart.

Jerry Robinson can come up to you anytime and ask impertinent questions, so beware. He can be reached at wseditor@robinsonnews.com