RITUALS : Cafe au Lait Break

COFFEE IS for the morning, gulped quickly to wake us up. Tea is best for two with talk and tiny sandwiches. Cafe au lait , steaming and strong in a thick white bowl that must be nurtured with both hands is the perfect solitary pleasure. With it, have the final indulgence--orange-flavored biscotti , one side drenched in deep bittersweet chocolate.

Old Town Bakery, 166 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; (818) 792-7943.