Saturday had finally arrived and my weekly pastry treat (be it sticky bun, scone, danish or croissant) from Snapdragon Bakery weighed heavily on my mind. It was a big decision as my self-imposed regimen of moderation had relegated sugary treats from the popular food category “staple” to the more rarified rank of “ration”–a wise course correction based on dicey blood sugar levels and sixty-some years of eating exactly what I wanted. (Old dog, new tricks.)
Snapdragon Bakery & Cafe’s iconic stature is well-earned: butter reigns supreme; one scone easily serves a family of four; and the proprietors Adam and Megan (and crew) are loved like family. And besides, Buddy (house celeb that he is) has access to the garden patio for unapologetic begging, crumb scarfing, and endless butt rubs and head pats. What’s not to like?
Today sunlight floods the shop, and the front of the house in full squint-mode greets each faceless, backlit silhouette before them. Every may-I-help-you is followed by an oh-let-me-look. The pastry case buckles under the weight of croissants, muffins the size of a child’s head, cinnamon rolls chockablock with seasonal fruit, and mazurka bars hearty enough to sustain a hiker. Today’s special treat, sticky buns bejeweled with walnut crowns covered in a sugary-spiced goo, catches my eye and appetite. Lip-smacking ensues. I point to the yeasty motherlode and request a slather of butter on side. (Hey, no judgement, it’s a once-a-week thing.)
With Buddy at my side, splayed on the floor, the kitchen crew chants, “Buddy!” and his lordship raises an eyebrow in acknowledgement before returning to his morning repose, of course now he’s spotlit by the sun. Next to him, a drowsy dad and timid toddler nod toward the pastry case with one eye on a slumbering bulldog. I ask the little guy if he’d like to say “hi” to Buddy, if okay with his dad. The little man’s countenance bespeaks a curious combination of intrigue and terror. He opts for a respectable compromise: waving out of reach. Buddy responds in kind with a well-placed snore and a minor spatial readjustment.
The gentleman behind me comments on Buddy’s wide berth (Buddy ignores him), and then smiles at the young lad, and turns to chat with his dad, asking the age of the little fellow. A very cats-in-the-cradle moment, the silver-haired elder waxes poetic about the virtues of raising his children, watching them grow up, and sharing new moments with his grandkids, even citing these years as the most special in his life. You could see by his smile he was reliving some sweet memories. Young pop was cordial, but the words seemed lost on him or a least attenuated by the underlying desire to be left alone in a quiet corner, with a quiet child, and a hot cup of coffee.
My order arrives and lands on the counter, where it sits for the moment. I’ve learned leashes and steaming cups ne’er the twain should meet when connected to an English bulldog. After tying Buddy’s leash to the picnic table, I return to fetch my (make that our) goodies. Buddy knows the drill, and waits patiently for his cut of the loot. He watches intently, he drools intently, he barks intently. A treat is given, bad behavior rewarded. Witnesses to this regrettable display of caving in laugh not so much at Buddy, but at me. (Yeah, yeah, I’m a pushover in case you weren’t paying attention.)
Saturday morning wakes up slowly on Vashon Island, and one by one, the line grows, chatter fills the room, a work week is washed away, and sleepy heads ease into the day with friends and refreshments. It’s Saturday at Snapdragon Bakery & Cafe where pastries are loaded, the conversations light; where the friendships endure and a man and his dog are right at home.
Thanks for having coffee with Buddy and me!
Oh Buddy so glad that your poppa shares his “once a week goodies” with you! I miss the bulldog drools. My parents had several bulldogs during the 80’s and 90’s.
I see that your parents are geniuses! 😉
There’s a two-bite dog tax on every meal in my household, too. Thanks for the inspiration! As I’m some 3000 miles from Snapdragon I’m going to trundle off to the kitchen and attempt some facsimile of those sticky buns here. (The dogs can hardly wait.)
Anne, “two-bite dog tax” I love it. Now I have a name for it, although Buddy may change my bracket at will: two-bite, four-bite, infinite-bite tax… Happy Baking!
You got it down to a fine art, sir.
Well deserved is the ration:)
Thanks Sarah, hope all is well in Dockton!
awwww….what a perfect place for both of you! megan is a lucky girl…she gets closeups with the two most handsome guys in the place!
Okay Joyce, Buddy and I just blew you a big messy kiss!
Nicely said, Tom. Caught it!
Thank you Molly!
Perfect homage to one of our favorite places on Vashon! Hope to see you and Buddy there on a Saturday morning soon.
Thanks Emily, always a treat to see you and Michael!
I LOVE Snapdragon. My meal was incredible on the patio and I long to live in Seattle and Vashon some day soon.
We’ll save you a spot and a croissant!
I feel your sixty some, dicey sugar comment, so glad for a strictly virtual visit to Snapdragon’s. Looks like such a homey, inviting place, I’m surprised you’re not splayed next to Buddy! 😉 If you’re ever on Orcas, I’d recommend Brown Bear Baking for a sweet snack
Perri, I’m always up a for a destination bakery trip! And Orcas is dreamy. As for splaying next to Buddy, don’t think I haven’t tried. 😉
Sounds like a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning, Tom!
Thanks Sandra, it is, especially when the afternoon involves weeding. Ha!
Buddy,
Life is sure good on Vashon Island!
I hope that you and Tom have a great Summer.
Tad
Tad,
Buddy appreciated you addressing him here; after all he said, “I run the place.” 😉
I loved the description of your cats in the cradle moment…but at the same time it made me feel the old melancholia bone stir.
Lately, i’ve been running into a lot of situations with younger people…30 somethings, that just aren’t interested in anything going on that is not virtual. They are clearly uncomfortable; averting of the eyes is common. Quick real-time chat? Not interested, no thanks….awkward sliding away without commentary has been perfected.
Not saying this was the dad in your story…he may have had a lot on his mind. Just a random commentary. LOL, I feel like a grouchy Andy Rooney and I’m not even that old!
Chris, your intuition is a bit spot on here. In fact, I was originally going to write a post specifically about this moment with more details as there was a sweetness to the older gentleman’s wish to engage and share, and really let the young dad know it gets easier, and that as a graduate of life, he knows from a been-there-done-that perspective that savoring each moment is a gift in itself. The sadness for me came in watching a delicate wall being built to silence a conversation that could have been fun and enlightening for him. And then, and then, I thought, oh Tom, give this guy a break, you can’t even keep your dog off of the kitchen table, empty the dishwasher, or do laundry on a regular basis. My inner voice, said “Now, Tom….” Love your Andy Rooney comment, I know of what you speak. Some days I can feel like the guy on the porch, saying “Hey you kids get off of my lawn.” 😉