North Fork Chai Co. in Newcastle: Drinks, breakfast sandwiches, meals online and 'the best scones'

A very good friend (Terry Dudgeon) called me a few weeks ago and said, "Susie, you have got to see this little coffee shop in Newcastle right behind Denny's. They have the best scones I have ever eaten." Now, coming from this #1 baker, I knew I had better take notice. The North Fork Chai Co. is located in the building that held the candy shop (the sweet couple decided to retire), and now we have new coffee, tea, pastries, etc., to enjoy. It is next door to Calvary Chapel Church. I stopped in recently and was welcomed by an engaging young man named Joshua Hendrickson. He said they were actually closed, but I told him I wanted to do an article for the Auburn Journal, so he introduced me to his sister, Chelsea Bruce. (Later, I will tell you who these two young adults are related to. Many of you that have been around the area for some time will know them.) Chelsea is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, a very qualified person to open a shop such as this. Of course, this is why Terry was raving so over her scones. Her love for creating, preparing and marketing food is her crown jewel so to speak. Chelsea has a 4-year-old son who is active, but she said, "I was the only girl with four brothers so I can handle this." This has been a difficult time for the young business, now one year old, but they have faith things will begin to pick up as soon as this shutdown is fully lifted. The shop features a specialty Chai Concentrate. Mix 2 ounces of chai with 8 ounces of milk or other liquids. As we talked, a lady came in and ordered an iced chai with almond milk. She said she really loves the drink. I must say I am looking forward to having one soon. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday. They are window serving at this time – coffee, tea, Chai, lemonade and other drinks; morning-fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, quiche (I cannot wait to try this one), and they make home jams. They also sell their coffee by the bag and donate $1 toward the Auburn Bike Park. They are offering online full meals. Check their menu on the web on Monday, order your meal, and pick it up Saturday. This has become a most popular method of late, and I know this will continue after the shutdown is history. So please stop in and enjoy this new company headed by some lovely young adults. They will be so happy to meet you. It is refreshing to see siblings helping one another; the best to you both. By the way, the grandparents to these two are Ray and Sharon Vega. They would be so proud, just as their mom Mary is.