[The following opinions on the 2016 presidential election are a reflection of the blog’s author and not the restaurant featured.]

At 7:30am this morning Lauren, Hope, and I sat at a corner table in the small coffee shop Lavender and Honey in Pasadena. While I wish we were having a typical morning conversation on lighthearted topics, the subject was serious. Over coffee, Danishes, and avocado toast the three of us were discussing the current state of the nation under its newly elected president, Donald Trump.

The coffee shop is adorable. Large windows at the face of the restaurant let in the light of the breaking day while delicate handwritten menus add a level of personality and warmth to the white walls enclosing shop. A few tables sit alongside the frame of the building where people linger with drinks in hand as others bustle out to a destination that follows the brief stop of Lavender and Honey. For us, we would sit for half an hour talking about the unfortunate election news that overwhelmed the morning. Although the ballot contained many measures and propositions of significance, I found none more important than the selection of the president. While I wasn’t in love with the idea of Clinton the way I was for Obama in 2004 and 2008, for me she was the better and most qualified candidate in comparison to others in the same running. How Trump managed to weasel his way onto the ballot and now into the White House was incomprehensible.

As Hope bit into her Pasadena Avocado Toast ($3) that came with a light spread of avocado topped with red jalapenos, and drizzled with lemon juice I saw myself growing angry as we discussed the results. My thoughts were racing as my mind processed irrational and illegal thoughts. “I don’t believe an assassination is the answer, but if I did how could we get that rolling? Asking for a friend.” Of course I don’t want him to be assassinated, I just want him as far away from Pennsylvania Avenue as possible. Plus, it would be horrid to kill a man who really hasn’t committed a crime because his family might be somewhat disappointed. However, the moment I remembered the comments he has made about sexually assaulting women or denying us the right to services such as abortion made me think he probably wouldn’t be missed. As Hope listened to Lauren and I rant she smiled and sipped her Iced French Lavender Breve ($4.25, 16oz). I could see her remaining calm in spite of my anger and Lauren’s frustration. Maybe it was the light and easy weight to her drink or the sweet taste of it, but whatever it was, I clearly needed some.

I found myself going through a set of emotions as minutes passed of us chatting in the shop. My initial anger soon turned into me making jokes: “I blame psychics for this. They knew it was gonna happen and for ten cents a minute, one of them should have said something. Fuck them.” I wasn’t as angry as before, but I also wasn’t singing like little orphan Annie after being adopted by Daddy Warbucks.  I wrapped my hands around my Hot French Lavender Breve ($4.25, 16oz) and put the rim of the cup to my lips. The sips of the incredibly silky drink quickly started to calm my nerves. How it did it so fast, I don’t know but I was thankful to the steamed espresso. The rich sweetness of it and the velvet texture dropped my shoulders from the tense position Trump’s nagging voice and empty plans had put me in.

As we spoke, it was impossible to dismiss the racist and ignorant comments Trump has made about people of my skin color, immigrants, or those of a different sexuality and it was getting to me. I was tearing apart my Almond Danish ($3.50) and Lauren started to look concerned. She too had a similar stance on the election results and hated Trump, possibly more that I did, but she didn’t take her aggression our on her pastry. I picked up some of the thin almond slices that I almost destroyed and gently tore some of the Danish to eat. The powdered sugar and the small custard in the center brought me back to reality. As I was becoming full, I was less angry. I still held the same rancor for Trump and his idiotic opinion on POWs and the military, but the food was helping to keep me even keeled. We had talked it out amongst one another with jokes and seriousness weaved throughout the discourse, but the energy was still one of disappointment and fear and there’s no Danish that could alleviate that.

I can’t believe I’m saying this but on January 20, we will have a man who dehumanizes women, insults veterans, threatens immigrants, and wants to eradicate the rights of the LGBTQ community sworn into office. It’s a frightening day where a man that most of us thought would never be placed on an election ballot will lead the country. In spite of the cruel joke known as Trump that has gone on for so long, for some reason the majority of the country sees him fit and in a matter of weeks he will be the face and leader of the United States of America. Yes those voters are clearly inane and wrong, but they are the majority. It’s a disheartening thought that has become a reality and ultimately a horrifying nightmare that won’t end for four years. As delicious as my lavender breve and almond Danish were, they won’t be able to rid the pungent taste Donald Trump’s so-called victory has put in my mouth. But although difficult as the reality of our new president will be, I have to hope that we as a people can come together with love and unity and make our communities, the country, and world better even under the arm of Trump. It may sound corny, but it’s the only string of optimism I have left after so much of it was ripped away last night when he was confirmed to be president.

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