Little Lasse's Coffee Shop

Sometimes when I'm a little down in the dumps or just frenzied, I need a place to go to get a home-cooked meal and a smile.

I can think of a couple of places like this in Milford, but this week I'll focus on Little Lasse's in Devon.

It's an old-fashioned, family-owned joint with wood-like tables and orange chairs, green stools and several counters. There's easy-listening music playing in the background. And even orange neon signs that read "Coffee" vertically.

Confused, irritable and hungry, I pulled into the Naugatuck Avenue restaurant to get a break Tuesday morning.

I sat at a large table even though I was only one -- and no one complained. I was actually greeted with a smile by the man behind he counter who was doing it all: greeting people, taking orders, making and serving food, and cleaning up.

Not an easy task, but he still wore a smile.

"Coffee?" he asked.

"Yes, please," I said.

Within moments, I had a hot cup of brew at my table with sugar and creamer. What more could a woman ask for? Prompt. Courteous. And then he left me alone.

I mean, he let me sit there -- for a while. He must've seen I had some things to sort out.

Only after a while, I'd say seven minutes, did he come over.

"Would you like anything else?" he asked from a distance. I must've had a look on my face. You know, that deer-in-the-headlights look.

He wasn't pressuring me to buy anything. He was just being polite, asking me if I needed anything more.

"Yes, please," I said again. "Bacon, egg and cheese on a roll."

He left quietly and a short time later returned with my sandwich. It looked like what Mom would make.

I sunk my teeth into the soft poppy-seed roll and gobbled up half my breakfast before I realized I should take a photo of it -- and make Little Lasse's my Great Escape column of the week.

I noticed specials on the menu like spicy fries for $2.95.

I also eyed a sign that read: "To all of our valued customers who make this place succeed. Thank you." What a heart-warming message. I felt even more welcome.

After taking my last sip and bite, I got up and walked to the register. The man, who had been washing dishes in the back, came out promptly and rang me up. I handed him a 10-dollar bill and got $6.60 back. What a bargain!

Little Lasse's is a great escape from today's world into yesteryear -- in more ways than one!