Cafe Zia is the little espresso stand at the ELEMENTS poolside patio. Why isn’t it ever open? We actually met at a coffee shop in the town where we both went to college. She was a super-smart, post graduate school, up-and-comer on the fast track for a career as a master of the universe. He was a film student, river guide, wannabe starving intellectual, coffee jerk. Truthfully, he didn’t want to starve; but it was a package deal, wasn’t it? Coffee was the first bond, so we take it pretty seriously.

Long story short, we haven’t found anyone on our little island ready to manage our espresso stand to the exacting standards we expect from a great cup of coffee. If you visit Elements San Juan Island hotel & spa, you might catch one of us behind the counter slinging lattes for old time’s sake. More likely you’ll find the Rancilio chilling by the pool as it quietly hums a never-ending fantasy about infamous Seattle baristas. Anyone know how to swirl steamed milk into a tree design, keep the grind perfect and brew at a constant temperature? Want a job?