It’s hard to keep up with the incredible, inflated, exponential growth of the coffee-shop industry in west Orlando, but I found a pretty good one at the corner of Bluford and Route 50 in Ocoee (across the street from the old Scotty’s, which is now a Westgate call center). It’s called House Blend Café, in the new plaza. My cappucino was nice and strong–I have to believe the espresso could probably walk you to your car–and it was well-appointed for hanging out. The owners have included big leather couches, board games, coffee tables, etc. along with the usual mix of café tables.

I know they’ve already had a crawfish boil, and they advertise live music. They’re VERY big into charity and community events. Ask about their email sign-up if you want to be kept in the loop, because I think they’re trying to add new stuff all the time. And they have free wireless Internet access! Their site is www.houseblendcafe.com

If you’re sifting through the glut of coffeehouses west of I-4, I can safely recommend this one. Nice people, good coffee, free Internet…I’m a simple woman. That’s pretty much enough to make me happy.

Related posts:

1. My new coffee shop…
2. Tea (or Coffee or Beer) for Two.
3. Meetup.com Night at Z-Coffee
4. Thinking WiFi.
5. Ch-ch-chaaanges!