Mudspot Inc   

For three years, owners Nina and Greg Northrop drove around town, selling potent coffee out of a truck to devoted patrons. They finally opened a storefront in addition to the truck, and now their addicts come to them for caffeine and comfort food. Mudspot is the type of joint you might conjure up when fantasizing about the commune lifestyle: brick walls, an ancient wooden door, small tables, relaxed service and plenty of eats. Acoustic guitar sounds softly from the CD player as the neo-hippie staff rustles up breakfast -- a choice between simple toast and tea, peanut butter-and-jelly with honey or banana, organic granolas and yogurts, baked or scrambled eggs and omelets. Lunch and dinner offerings include vegetarian chili or grilled panini (including prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato and basil pesto), accompanied by chicken noodle or a rotating variety of soups. A half-dozen different beers or wines are also available. Rounding out the menu are freshly squeezed juices, mineral water, an extensive range of 'hand-rolled' and Chai teas; hot chocolate or apple cider, plus coffees: latte, cappuccino, macchiato, espresso -- with soy milk, if desired. -- Rhonda Markowitz