Thinking about what to write about in this blog was tough since I had a lot of viable options. The whole adjustment to a new country, the weekend trips our group’s been on, and even working directly with heroin addicts were all topics that crossed my mind. When it comes down to it though, those things are all damn boring compared the toasted scone I had with butter and jam during the first week of our program. I’m not really the foodie type who can write an essay on a scone and walk you through what each individual bite tastes like, but here’s what I can say: since you’re given the butter and jam, I recommend going easy on the butter, and being generous with the jam. Why? Since it tastes delicious. I don’t have a proven algorithm about why my scone formula is better than someone else’s, but if you haven’t tried Accent’s Coffee’s scones yet, I would highly recommend doing so. They have a couple different options there, but I almost always go with the raspberry scone and pair it either with a dark hot chocolate or a Dublin fog.
Speaking of Accent’s Coffee, Accent’s has been my go-to place now for a while, and by awhile I mean about one month. I like basically everything about it. Aside from the phenomenal scones, Accent’s creates a great atmosphere that’s conducive to conversation. There’s giant, leather comfy chairs that sit facing each other with small tables in between to put your coffee and pastries on. I’ve gone to Accent’s just about every week of being here, often more than once during a seven-day span and it has never been disappointing. I’m friends with Daniel now, the main barista who doesn’t even ask what I specifically want to order anymore. “The usual?” he’ll ask. This intelligent guy practically has the scone heating up before I even order it. My man.
To be a little more specific about why I like Accent’s so much, other than nice setting, good food and great people that often accompany me when I go, there’s something about this coffee shop that reminds me of my favorite coffee shop back home called the Aroma Cafe. I can’t draw the similarities in terms of design, but more so in that that I personally feel comfortable in each place. Aroma is my go-to place in LA when I need to relax and unwind, and Accent’s is pretty similar. During the first week of our Ireland program, I felt a bit on edge, and finding a nice place that I knew I could go to consistently helped me feel grounded, and honestly adjust the country. Every time I walk into Accent’s I immediately feel relaxed and at home. Having a place I know I can routinely go to after class has been awesome, whether it be to talk with friends, finish up some last-minute reading, or even procrastinate by playing a few rounds of “Trivia Crack.” I sometimes joke with Daniel and tell him I should get a commission for all the people I’ve brought to Accent’s, and honestly, the more the merrier. I think everyone living or passing through Dublin should try the place. As my man Chris (nickname: Big Shausy) would say, “It’s all good Big Nickel (his nickname for me), it’s all good.”