Standpipe and Hanna

The Hanna special is an experience that I have celebrated for the last few years. In Lufkin, Tx there is a coffee shop called Standpipe Coffee House. They always have the most amazing unique pastries. This place will always have a special place in my heart, Even though I do not reside in Deep East Texas anymore. There is the most delightfully wonderful barista that works there named Hanna Eddings. Hanna and I have a unique routine. My specific order is called a “Hanna Special”. Her response is hot or cold. 1 of two things happens at this point. Either she remakes something off-menu that she is currently drinking a lot of or she gets in her creative bag and develops this random concoction of synergistic flavors.
I stopped in on the date of 12/26/2021 on my travels to see family. I browsed the pastry window as I always look for the banana bread. It is the most amazing thing that you could ever put in your mouth. I KNOW I KNOW. Strong words. But I feel pretty passionate about this particular slice of banana bread. It contains no nuts. So if you have to have the crunch of some kind of nut this might not be the thing for you to consume. I did not see my banana bread on display so I look around. I then saw something that called to me. Literally, This dark chocolate pear tart called my name.
My Hanna special contained a mixture of honey and I don’t remember what the rest was. Honestly, I was hooked at “honey”. As I was checking out I saw this cake on the top of the pastry display. I asked Hanna about it. She tells me that it is a “Blood Orange Cake. Both were delightful. As the cake contained a subtle sweetness to it. The dark chocolate pear tart was perfect. The combination of pear and dark chocolate was unexpectedly graceful. The way the tart fell apart as I bit into it was the way it should have.

But let’s talk about Hanna and her old soul. I mean she is someone whose soul I admire. She is one of the most talented photographers I have ever had the pleasure Of meeting. As she grew up in a small town in Deep East Texas and was influenced by her parents and siblings. Oh and cows, I can’t forget cows. If you are ever in Lufkin, Tx, and want coffee then Standpipe is your spot. Say hi to Hanna and the rest of the crew.