Spencer Williams, Contributor

Wedged between Sovereign supermarket and Deli Works in Liguanea, the newly-opened Café Blue has already captivated the attention of some Uptown 'Kingstonians.'

Entering its front doors, which are shared with the deli, a slight look to the left might just take your breath away and diminish your daily frustrations:

Royal blue wall tiles, dark wood café and cocktail tables, cream cushioned 'bar-stools', old-fashioned 'hand' coffee mills, pebbles and mirrors that line the floor beneath the serving counter, and trays of 'green' and roasted coffee beans adorning the top. It just speaks to you - "Come to me, Papa ..."!

Tasty meal

So you sit on one of those plush leather stools, and you have no intention of ever getting up again. If only you didn't have to get back to the office or to your children.

The roasted vegetable panini on Italian bread, scattered with dried herbs, is filled with real (at last someone has found them) mushrooms, zucchini, onions and red bell peppers, all cooked to biting perfection. I imagine that without the dough's seasoning the vegetables would need a touch more salt and black pepper. I wouldn't say the same for the chicken and sun-dried tomato version, but go easy on the cooking of the meat. I get it, the fowl is dead!

The jerk chicken 'sub' sandwich is so scant on the inside that it might leave you wondering where the rest of your well-earned money is going. I know there's a food shortage, but must one spend so much on bread alone? Oh yes, it turns out that one must!

Potent taste

The tuna only gets away with this fact because this tinned fish has such a potent taste that you could detect a smear of it. The smoked turkey with brie 'sub' sandwich does have more substance. However, a couple short slices of cheese rind doesn't actually count as food in my book!

As for a 'wrap' sandwich ... well, it certainly wraps around, and around, and around so that there leaves little space for a sweet concoction of ham and pineapple. But perhaps the rest of what was allocated for my portion was given to another customer by mistake. That must have been it!

The toasted bagels are authentic and delicious, particularly the smoked marlin, which comes with cream cheese, onions and capers. Each ingredient compliments and is in proportion with the next. In order to complete this snack, you shouldn't leave without having a cup of coffee, however you like it. As a man who likes his black, I could be convinced to change. They make the best cappuccinos I have ever had. And you may find this a bit strange, but have a look at the staff as they prepare your shot of caffeine. The electric coffee grinder is impressive. Actually, the entire operation going on behind the counter looks clean and professional. Looks are essential, but as I've remonstrated above, they can be misleading.

With all the downfalls I have spoken about, there's still something about the place that makes you want to stay. However, when you get the bill it's possible that you'll change your mind. Fifty dollars for a cup of water! You have got to be kidding me. Like these people haven't taken enough of my cash as it is. Now I'm feeling blue.

Café Blue, Sovereign, Liguanea, St Andrew.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Look to spend: $100-$400 on a variety of coffees and smoothies, $350-$500 on sandwiches, $50 for a glass of water.