The Arts Co-op – Analog Artist Digital World

I had an event on my calendar called Cafe Night Open Mic at Infusion Tea (1600 Edgewater Drive College Park, Florida.) I had been working on the Ivanhoe Park Brewery mural earlier in the day from noon to 2:30 pm, so I was sweaty and grimy from railroad dust. Regardless, I wanted to get a sketch done for the day, so I headed to Infusion with Pam to experience the Cafe Night Open Mic.

We ordered tea and sat, waiting for the event to unfold. There was no Cafe Night Open Mic. I kept sketching anyway. The ladies across from us had ordered a three tiered finger sandwich and tea platter. There was lots of lettuce on the top tier. It must have been a special occasion. They chatted and joked… when they were not lost in their phones. Behind them was the Arts Co-op with funky dishes, jewelry, and t-shirts. One blanket said, “Live by the sun, love by the moon.”

I often stop into Infusion Tea in College Park (1600 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL). I usually go to Soft Exposure to listen to poets and authors but this evening I just stopped in for a bite to eat. The food is delicious and it is always fun to try a new blend of tea. I get over whelmed when I order since there is a wall of teas behind the ordering counter. There is also a counter where you can order gelatos. Gelato is healthier than ice cream. It uses more milk than cream, and less fat. Additionally, it usually uses fewer egg yolks, another source of fat in custard-based
ice creams. Ice cream is churned quickly introducing more than 50% of air into the mix. Gelato is churned much slower which makes it more dense. Gelato has a more direct flavor. It always reminds me of Rome.

Infusion has a 60’s retro feel with the yellow Formica tables and lime green chairs. Some people come to sit for hours, sipping tea and working on a laptop. Outside a patio enclosure has been added that looks like it came out of a shagadelic Austin Powers movie. The Arts Co-op, a chic gift boutique inside Infusion is also a great place to get unique local hand crafted items for the holidays. Now through the end of the year if you buy one item, you get 1/2 off on another item. Many of the items are perfect as old fashioned Christmas decorations.