A Meal at Judy's Java & Fire House Cafe

So, just how good is the food at Judy's Java?

As promised, though it took a bit longer than I anticipated, I went back to Judy's Java for another 'open mike.' This time I got there early and stayed late. This time I had dinner there.

On the way from the parking lot, I encountered a man carrying a banjo case. Standing just inside the door was another fellow with a double base and another with a guitar. 'Bluegrass' I thought as I headed for the coffee bar, a little excited.

I decided to keep my dinner on the light side so I could try a dessert and another sampling of the excellent coffee offerings. For my first, but certainly not my last, meal at Judy's Java I thought soup and a sandwich was in order. So, I asked Ian at the counter what was on for soup. His reply brought a smile to my face. "Home made chicken noodle and homemade split pea with ham."

'On a chilly evening there is nothing like a bowl of piping hot split pea soup,' I thought. "I'll have a bowl of the split pea and a ham & cheese sandwich." Ian then offered me some choices of breads and cheeses. "Okay then, ham and provolone on rye with lettuce, tomato and mayo. Oh, and an iced tea."

"Anything else you would like?" he asked, documenting my order.

"That's fine for now." I replied, knowing that I intended to order dessert and coffee later on.

"Have a seat. We'll bring it to your table." So I spotted a comfortable stuffed chair close to the front, sat down with my iced tea and awaited my meal and the music.

To my left and back a little way, there was a young man dressed in an outfit made entirely of American flags. 'A bit odd if he isn't here to perform.' I thought. On second thought, 'a bit odd even if he is.' Rick Rogers announced the first participant, "The Lyrical Technician." No surprise . . . the young patriot stood and walked to the front. Rap, as near as I could tell, Christian rap. Not being a great fan of rap of any kind, it is difficult to comment other than I have to admire his style. Then Rick did a few songs. A nice smooth voice, really easy to listen to.

My dinner arrived with a smile. The split pea soup was thick, rich and piping hot; the sandwich was exactly what I had ordered. Next up, "Chain Reaction," banjo, guitar, mandolin and double base. Some really fine traditional bluegrass pickin' and singin'. These guys could play a whole evening and I'd sit right there and clap my hands and tap my toes to the music. If you're in the Elkton, MD area and want some bluegrass for an event, look these guys up.

Ian McCammont still sounds angry when he sings, but this being my second time hearing him, I think I am developing an appreciation for his style. Besides, when he is working behind the counter he doesn't sound angry. Quite the contrary, he seems to genuinely enjoy waiting on the clientele at Judy's Java.

Some time during Ian's set I decided it was time for dessert. There were too many choices in the dessert case, so I asked Kathy to tell me about them. She had just started the recitation when I heard "Bread pudding."

Interrupting her I said, "Bread pudding... bread pudding and a double shot of espresso."

"Would you like the pudding hot?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am, please."

"I'll bring it right out."

In a few minutes she was at my table with a serving of hot bread pudding with whipped cream and a perfect looking double espresso. A bite and a sip were all it took to know that I was going to enjoy my desert.

Leif Poland stopped in for a bite to eat and a coffee on his way from Minnesota to Florida, (by way of Elkton?) He borrowed a guitar and played a few songs. Leif was obviously no stranger to playing on stage, though he said that it had been a few years.

Then there was Tasha Blevins. She accompanied Ian on a couple of songs with her violin. There was something about her music that stirred me. There are untold numbers of good musicians in this world but every now and then you get to see and hear a musician play who is so much at one with his or her instrument that you can't tell where fingers end and strings begin. When music flows like water in a stream and as naturally, it's like walking for us mere musicians.

I found out later in the evening that Tasha teaches the violin, and I wondered to myself whether or not one could be taught to play and feel the music like that. I have to refer back to a previous blog entry, "Talent on Loan from God." There is talent - natural abilities that some of us are just born with. There are gifts - that come from our Creator. And there is skill - that comes with hours of practice and determination. Then there are the very few like Tasha, who take their natural talents and the gifts that God has given them and put in the hours of practice to be able to play music that moves people. So what is this young lady doing serving coffee? I do not know, but I hope to hear her play her violin again.

There is something about a real coffeehouse that is familiar and comfortable. Judy's Java and Firehouse Cafe is a real coffeehouse. Stop by for some good music, great coffee, and a tasty bite to eat on a Friday night. You won't be disappointed.