Last week, while wandering around Saratoga, I stumbled across Virgil’s Coffee House on Henry St. I usually don’t venture too far off Broadway (the main street in town) for food and drinks, so finding the cafe was like finding a hidden treasure.
I was immediately intrigued by this sign on the counter:
A coffee shop without Wi-Fi!? That’s inconvenient, I thought at first. But then, I thought again…
As a blogger/writer, I am practically ALWAYS on my computer or my cell phone.The more I thought about it, the no-technology concept at Virgil’s seemed more appealing because it forces you to unplug, wind down, and relax. Can you remember a time when there weren’t cell phones, iPhones,and laptops everywhere you looked?
Fortunately, co-owner Kathleen Quartararo gave me the OK to use my camera, so I can show you just how awesome Virgil’s really is!
Of course, the no-technology rule isn’t the only reason that I fell in love with Virgil’s the moment I stepped in the door. I also love the funky and homey atmosphere.
While browsing the menu, I was excited to see that Virgil’s makes the Yogurt & Granola Parfaits with Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt.
[With an unsweetened tropical green iced tea]
And, I was EVEN MORE excited to see these signs on the counters:
But, Virgil’s is more than just coffee and parfaits.
They also carry a full line of organic teas.
They have a cereal bar…
And, perhaps, the most original selling point of all is that they serve beer and wine.
I wasn’t that hungry when I stopped in, so I only got the parfait. But, Virgil’s has a full menu complete with wraps, paninis, sandwiches, and soups. They serve breakfast all day and night. The next time I’m there, I plan to order the Sweet Grilled Cheese,comprised of granny smith apples and cheddar cheese on cinnamon raisin bread. Yum! [Check out the full menu]
The prices are reasonable, and all in all, it’s just a fun place to hang out!
Virgil’s is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
They also deliver around the neighborhood.
[Disclaimer: Virgil’s DID NOT pay me to write this review. Kathleen did give me a $5 gift card as a thank you, but only after I told her I planned to write a good review, and had already paid for my food. I have yet to use the gift card]
Now, here’s the fun part! (Read: GIVEAWAY)
Kathleen has kindly offered up a $25 Gift Certificate to one local Saratoga/Capital District Rosey Rebecca reader! (sorry non-locals). In addition, I’m throwing in a Buy 9, Get One Free Beverage Card.
HOW TO ENTER:
Simply leave a comment on this post, and tell me what you like to do on ‘technology breaks.’ How do you like to unplug and unwind WITHOUT your laptop, cell phone, and TV?
BONUS ENTRIES:
***Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry***
- ‘Like’ Virgil’s on Facebook and let me know you did so. This is REALLY a bonus entry for you, because when you mention that you ‘liked’ Virgil’s on FB at the counter, you get a free lunch (up to $7)! How awesome is that!?
- ‘Like’ Rosey Rebecca on FB, and let me know you did so.
- Spread the word about this giveaway via blog post, facebook, twitter, or e-mail, and make sure to post the link to your mention in the comment section. (If using twitter, make sure to include @roseyrebecca in your tweet, so I know you mentioned the giveaway!)
RULES:
- This giveaway is only open to Saratoga/Capital District residents. People who live within an hour or so of Saratoga are also welcome to enter. Please don’t enter unless you know you’ll use the gift certificate.
- You have until midnight on Friday, September 3 to enter.
- I will select and announce a winner on Saturday morning (Sept. 4) via the Random Integer Generator. The winner will have until midnight on Monday, September 6 to claim their prize. If the winner does not reply by then, I will choose a new winner on Tuesday, September 7.
Good Luck!
Non-locals: Don’t worry- I’m having another awesome giveaway for you next week!!
That place is too cool. Before I started blogging I loved going into a coffee shop to just sit and read a book. I forgot how much fun that is. “The Kite Runner” and I would have a date on that comfy couch and leave the technology in the car.
I “liked” Virgil’s on Facebook. Is that a verb BTW ?
I already like you on Facebook so I don’t think that counts. I did it for a different give away.
I tweeted too! I would love a nice soy latte, yummy sandwich and my book
Lately, i’ve been sitting on my back porch with a cup of tea, gazing over the hills in the distance. Taking even 10-15 minutes a day to do this is helping me feel so refreshed and better balanced!!!
just being, you know?
also, i tweeted
I love that place!! I’m not entering the giveaway just wanted to comment about how cool and cozy it looks
Sad that I can’t enter your giveaway BUT that is a VERY cool coffee shop!!
i already “like” rosey rebecca on facebook!!!
i like virgil’s on facebook too
ways i like to unwind without tech:
reading a good book
knitting or other crafty thing
AND tweeted.
That place looks awesome. I so wish I were local. I’d go in with or without gift card.
WOW it looks like an antique store with all that funky furniture.
LOVE the pressed tin ceiling ::drools::..
When I can actually relax and wind down with no technology it’s with one of two things…. either a great book (definitely fiction so I can lose myself completely) or with my dog (it’s nice to take a long walk, just he and I, no interruptions!)
I liked Virgil’s!
And I liked Rosey Rebecca as well!
WOW! What a gorgeous place! I wish we had one of those in our area x
um, that coffee house looks amazing! I think it will be a good place to get lots of my reading done for classes this semester… you have made me very intrigued and I am actually debating driving there tomorrow when I finish my one and only class at 10AM.
The best way for me to unwind without any technology is a good book. That being said, I definitely do not do it nearly enough.
Hope your first day of classes went well
I have also of course also “liked” Rosey Rebecca on facebook
Wow, this place sounds fantastic. Definitely going to check it out the next time I’m up in ‘Toga! When I’m tech-free, I like to relax and read a good book or catch up on my ever-growing magazine pile.
I’m a fan of Virgil’s on Facebook!
I’m certainly a fan of Rosey Rebecca on Facebook, too!
Aaaaand I just tweeted about your giveaway on Twitter!
Awesome giveaway girl! The sweet grilled cheese sounds amazing. I am going to check Virgil’s out even if I don’t win
My favorite way to unwind is to read a book on my deck with my pup on my lap. You can’t beat it!
Virgil’s is an oasis in the coffeehouse/tech world we live in. When I unplug, sip, pause and reflect, I enjoy finding an old book I enjoyed at Lyrical Ballad or on my shelves. Reading an old favorite book is like unwinding and catching up with a dear, lifelong friend!
I “liked” Virgil’s on FB!
I “liked” rosey rebecca on FB!
I shall email and FB my local friends to enter.
Been following you on my Google Reader but I just love this coffee house…well, just about any coffee house. It looks very homey in a way, and the food looks and sounds delish!
I included your contest in tonight’s blog post- http://legallyfitkatie.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/a-punishing-long-run-and-days-17-21-of-the-wardrobe-challenge/
I LOVE VIRGILS! All summer that was my friends and I’s hang out place… I know that was horrible grammar but seriously, love that place. I miss you Rosey Rebecca!!
I’ve never been to this place!! I’m excited to check it out now!! I would use my “technology break” to read. Now that the semester has started, all I’m going to have time to do is homework…I will be shutting down my tech stuff to give my mind a break! And to read for leisure!
I became a fan of Virgil’s on facebook!
I became a fan of Rosey Rebecca on facebook!
Boo, I can’t enter but that coffee house looks awesome!
I like to be technology free on Sunday mornings. Having it sent to my door has really helped with this. Nothing better than a big cup of coffee and the newpaper to ease into Sunday.
I like Virgil’s on Facebook.
Just tweeted about your giveaway @CCJade23
[...] about the trend with than my blog friends? It started with this article. And this one. And then this blog post. And some more that I foolishly let expire from my Google Reader before starring them. [...]
[...] Crystal on: Wind Down & Relax at Virgil’s Coffee House (Giveaway!!!) [...]
I can’t believe I’m going to be a senior at Skidmore and have never spent time in this place. I really hope I win!!
Oh, and when I’m not attached to my technological devices, I practice meditation, read books, wander around outside, bake… I’m pretty good at procrastinating.
Yeah!
In my non-technological time, I don’t mind strolling around downtown saratoga springs myself! I’ll visit the mineral spring at high rock on my way to virgil’s where I’ll pick up one of those clear tube things filled with sand and random objects to see which random objects come across my way that day.
and virgil’s is cool because they have lots of gluten free stuff and are next to that bead store.
I went there once — and when I walked in, there was a dog on the couch. A dog. Inside. In an eating establishment. And people were making over it, so it wasn’t like they didn’t know it was there. Nu-uh. They’re not getting a single penny of my money — I walked right back out when I saw that ridiculousness.
M,
A dog!? That’s awesome!