Campus THEN and NOW Series - Part 9: 7th and Monroe

Caitlin H.

November 1, 2009 - 11:34 PM

7th and Monroe, my favorite intersection in all of Eugene. And I can even sum up why in three simple words: "The Sweet Life Patisserie." Just saying it sounds beautiful. Eating at Sweet Life is like being served Heaven on a plate.

I can't say I know too much about the history of Sweet Life except to say I believe it originated from the kitchen of two sisters in 1993. The local newspaper ran an article including the company history that is framed on the wall near a table I particularly enjoy in the shop, but it has been awhile since I've scanned it for facts. But for all of you that know and love what I'm talking about, I'm glad you understand. And for those of you who have yet to experience Sweet Life, you need to go now. Unless it is after 11pm, then they're already closed.

Yes, it is that sad. I know the store hours. I'll admit there was a phase where a group of three other friends and I were going to Sweet Life far, FAR too often. It is a place of wonderful, comforting atmosphere with treats that warm your soul. Personally I think the four of us just kept going back because we had fun doing it and it was something to do, but when the staff behind the counter got to know us a little too well and the jeans started getting a little too tight, I realized it was time for a break. Thank goodness we finally learned how to indulge in moderation.

Anyway, let me back up and tell you a little more about this wonderful gem. It took me three years in Eugene to discover it - which is shameful, but it took me some time to start warming up to engaging with the local dining scene. The Sweet Life is one of those local places that I suppose could go easily missed. But being a small local company is precisely one of the things I love most about it. It also supports a lot of different diets in Eugene, including vegan and vegetarians. For three years I lived with someone who was lactose intolerant, which really meant no sweet shops for the two of us. There aren't many dessert places it would seem that offer "dairy free" options as we often would call them. I'm fairly certain we had heard of The Sweet Life before, but didn't really feel like there would be anything we could both eat, and if there was a "dairy free" menu, that didn't mean it would taste good. Then one day we tried it, and well, our pants haven't fit the same since.

Tonight was just the sort of occasion for a Sweet Life trip. It has been a long week. Week five of the term means a lot of tests. In my case even a final exam, since one of my classes only lasted half the term. I've been pushing to try and get grad school applications underway, and it has been quite the weekend of duck sports. I feel like I have hardly had time to do everything. Friday night I started with a Civil War volleyball match (meaning we played our rival school Oregon State). I went to bed at about 12:30am only to rise at 3:00am to attend the live taping of ESPN's College GameDay. Then, since I was already awake I figured I might as well get in line for the big football game, and I finished my Saturday watching a life-changing performance as our Ducks beat USC and handed Pete Carroll one of the worst losses in his time as head coach. Today was the home-opener of our basketball season. I love my Duck athletics, but my voice needs a break. There has been much to accomplish and much going on. Did I mention this was Halloween weekend as well? Of course, the natural way to close out any week with all that going on would be Sweet Life.