Guest Review: Jammin Java

By DeLise Bernard

Check out DeLise's Blog and Site: Our Life Memories

August 15, 2011

                                   

I always heard wonderful things about Jammin Java but the idea of driving to Vienna from Maryland always deterred me.  A friend mentioned that The Great Zucchini would be performing as part of their Tot Rock Series, and, knowing that he would keep my toddler laughing, was enough motivation to get me in the car!

We arrived just in time to buy our tickets ($5 for everyone age 1 and older), a great cup of coffee (Caramel Macchiato for me) and find our seats.  There were folding chairs facing the stage and a large open space in front of the chairs for the children to sit “criss cross applesauce.”  A sweet mommy asked if RJ wanted to sit next to her 3-year-old son so he sat with his new friend on the front row and I grabbed a spot with our infant and the friend who invited us.

All of the children loved the show.  The Great Zucchini kept them entertained and laughing with remarkable skill.  RJ had a opportunity to join him on stage and participate in the fun and was sad when the show ended.  But, luckily, the fun at Jammin Java had just begun!

Our tummies were starting to talk to us so we checked to see if they had a kiddie menu!  YES!  PB and J, Turkey and Cheese, Chicken Fingers, and Hot Dogs...all great options that came with applesauce and a drink.  We made our choice and found a table to eat with our friends.  But, what happens when you try to sit down with 3 children to eat in a wide open space?  They’d much rather run around!  And, run they did.  I wondered if the team at Jammin Java would mind but, they didn’t!  Whew!  I guess with a kids’ concert every day of the week, they are used to the jumping and playing that is customary at this age.  Oh, how I appreciated that!  So, mommy finished off the sandwich, my infant scarfed down the applesauce and we enjoyed watching the children play freely. 

Soon, they noticed the video games at the front of the Cafe.  YAY, more Jammin Java fun!  I thought I could get away with telling RJ that he was “playing” them without giving him coins.  But, clearly, I was mistaken.  So, many quarters later, he became a pro at Donkey Kong and Centipede while mommy just became broke. 

Two and a half hours after our arrival, it was hard to pull the kids out of Jammin Java.  If your children love the freedom to play and laugh and you love not feeling the pressure to keep active children seated and quiet, Jammin Java is the place for you!   Their Tot Rock series takes place very weekday at 10:30am and, if you go, you may see us there! 

Jammin’ Java 227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180 Phone: 703.255.1566

www.jamminjava.com

Tot Rock Series (weekdays at 10:30am)

•Mondays:   THE GREAT ZUCCHINI

•Tuesdays:  RYAN BUCKLE & FRIENDS

•Wednesdays:  ROCKNOCEROS

•Thursdays: OH SUSANNAH

•Fridays:  BANJO MAN