What’s in a name? I was about to find out when I ordered the Oolalicious Lemon Chicken Melt at Coffee Republic in Folsom. 

It isn’t often you come across a word that entices you with the way its syllables roll off your tongue, so I had to see if it tasted as good as it sounded. The flavors of the melt had a flair and sophistication rarely found in a sandwich, while the tartness of the lemon was speckled with the delicate pungency of pepper in a citrus-pepper mayo that had the chicken, dill Havarti cheese, tomato, avocado and red onion singing—not overwhelmingly loud, but rather subtle and sweet. 

Then I asked again: “What’s in a name?” This time, however, I was referring to the exotic-sounding Butter Rum Latte that begged to be tasted. If the sandwich sang in my mouth, this drink did a little dance. The latte teased my palate with hints of melted butter and fragrant rum, and left me dizzy with excitement—I’d just found my favorite drink! When it comes to Coffee Republic, there is indeed so much to a name: The more delightful it sounds, the more delicious it probably is. Coffee Republic, 6610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom. 916-987-8001.

— Tara Mendanha