When I was a tyke living in Irvine, where excitement is rather limited, I would often cruise on my bike to Rutabegorz for a toothsome coffee and ice cream concoction. Because, really, what could be more thrilling than the two palate pleasing components together as one! I felt so sophisticated sipping on my elaborate caffeinated libation. Perhaps I shouldn't have been drinking a mocha shake chocked full of liquid crack at age 10, but I indulged nonetheless.  

Sadly, the outlet in my childhood that provided complete and utter sumptuousness was short-lived. Rutabegorz closed their Irvine location when I was around 13 or so. With only Diedrich Coffee close by, I spent the next seven years sipping on crappy mochas concocted with powder and milk.

Recently, I had a evocative encounter at the Rutabegorz in Tustin. It brought back tantalizing memories of mochas past. I went with a couple of friends who had never been to Rutabegorz. They seemed rather elated when I pointed out the coffee and ice cream drinks on the menu. Frankly, I didn't blame them. I scanned the menu to find my beloved frosty beverage. Ah yes, the Jo Mocha Shake, a decadent melange of organic Viennese coffee and vanilla ice cream, topped with ephemeral clouds of cream and a dusting of cinnamon. I remember it well.

The coffee menu alluded to quality and care, the kind that had made an indelible impression years ago. "To extract our espresso beans to their fullest flavor, we use an Italian elektra machinetta, which pressure filters each cup to perfection." This was followed by the reminder that Rutabegorz is not to be equated with Starbucks. "Custom cafe requires a few moments. Be patient, be rewarded."

I don't know why, but I ended up deviating from what had been tried and true. There were too many flamboyant beverages beckoning my taste buds. I chose the Yucatan shake, which consisted of vanilla ice cream, bananas, and a dash of cinnamon blended with organic Viennese coffee & topped with clouds. One of my coffee guzzling companions ordered the Krakatoa Shake composed of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter and organic Viennese coffee, and topped with clouds. The more sensible member of our trio ordered the Café Milano, an unadulterated mocha. Just a java triptych of Viennese coffee, cocoa, and of course, clouds - save the light dusting of cinnamon.

Although thrilling in theory, I found the Yucatan and Krakatoa to be a little superfluous. I see why they are on the menu, but in the interest of tasting coffee, I would say the other flavors forcefully compete with the espresso. Although it did not contain ice cream - which is a bummer - I found the Cafe Milano to be the most pleasing out of the three beverages. The espresso, perfectly complemented by rich chocolate and augmented to luscious proportions by the clouds, was given free reign to titillate and tease the palate. As it should be.

The Jo Mocha Shake remains a nostalgic memory. Yet, I was still able to re-connect with the distinct flavors that helped to rescue my childhood from a banal and flavorless existence in Irvine.

Rutabegorz has several locations throughout Orange County. For addresses and phone numbers go to http://www.rutabegorz.com