BEFORE DAWN

EXPLORING PALO ALTO’S EARLY MORNINGS

IN PALO ALTO, the early morning hours are the quietest time of day. When exploring the city before dawn, don’t be surprised to encounter deserted streets, solely illuminated by streetlight.

Amid the morning silence, some business owners like Victor Marku start the day earlier than most. Though 2:30 a.m. is not a typical time to start work, Marku, the co-owner of Douce France Cafe, uses this time to get a head start prepping baked goods for the shop.

“There’s a process,” Marku said. “You have to take the croissants that you are gonna bake, you have to get them to rise in a warmer temperature and that usually takes. … If it’s cold, three hours, and if it’s hot, 45 minutes to 1 hour.”

Verde traveled around Palo Alto to capture the city before dawn. v

DOWNTOWN DREAM (top left) The outdoor area of the Crepevine restaurant on university avenue is illuminated by the sunrise. The restaurant opens at 8 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

COFFEE CONVOS (bottom far left) — A Peet’s Coffee worker makes conversation with some early morning coffee grabbers in Town and Country Village. Peet’s opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.

DOUCE DELIGHT (bottom left) —The sign of popular Town and Country Cafe Douce France as the owner bakes his morning treats. Douce France opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.

GARBAGE GRAB (bottom right) — A garbage truck enters a service road to collect trash at University Avenue during the early morning.

LINGERING LIGHTS (bottom far right) — University Avenue with its lights still turned on even with the sunrise coming soon.