Category: Misc. Coffee Posts

Happy Anniversary!

On January 19, 2018 this journey began . . .

In one year, I have developed as a blog writer, coffee photographer, coffee commentator, and social media user. I have written about coffee shops in California, Nevada, Utah, and Minnesota. I have traveled abroad, and written about coffee and coffee bars in Italy. I have read dozens of articles on coffee, and inserted them into my posts–as well as learned tremendously from these readings. I have started and kept designated posts for quotes, humor, pictures, lessons, and all sorts of lists. I have managed to keep up with a weekly schedule of 2-3 posts per week, for a whole year!

I’m so proud–aren’t you? 😁

Thank you to everyone who has joined me on this journey, and a special thank you to all of you who have supported me on this new path of growth and development–we’ve accomplished a lot, and it’s going to be even better heading into year 2!

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How much caffeine?

So I recently found this in a Google search: The Coffee Chain Flat White that Contains More Caffeine than Three Red Bulls.

There are moments in life when something pops up in your results, or your feed, and you have to make a decision–Do I really want to know? Should I click?

Well, I clicked on it.

Short answer: Costa Coffee.

Immediate reaction: Thank goodness I don’t have any near me, and I actually have never been. Now I know.

Next thought: Should I look up my caffeine intake?

I normally have my coffee in the morning; as stated in the article, caffeine intake should be monitored for the purposes of sleep. My caffeine will have left my system by bedtime if I just drink it in the morning.

I don’t drink energy drinks, tea, or soda. I normally have one big cup of coffee at home, or a fancy drink somewhere else. I’m really not ingesting caffeine outside of coffee.

I’m going to go ahead and keep my fingers crossed that my caffeine intake is a healthy dosage. However, if I ever make it to Costa, I’m definitely skipping their flat white!! Unless, I need it. 😉 😂

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What to look for . . .

I was recently asked what’s important to me when I go to a coffee shop. Obviously, great coffee is #1, but what else do I regularly note, observe, or look for?

Here are some things I note on my visits:

  • location (what is it close to, what can you do before or after your cup)
  • customer service
  • seating arrangement/options
  • food/food choices
  • milk options (not all of us can handle dairy)
  • plug situation (so many of us go with devices, or go to work, so plugs are important)
  • clean restrooms (we are drinking coffee, we may need to use the bathroom)
  • parking situation (I’m originally from southern California, parking is important)

This is not everything, but these are the most direct and most common range of things I think about when writing and reviewing a place.

As I started this process, I realized that finding a small business, a local gem, meant sticking to a predetermined set of criteria as well as noting the peculiarities of a single place–what makes them particularly interesting or unique–like the abundance of seasonal drinks, the option to exchange books, or the chance to play board games. I’m sure as I continue researching and writing, as I grow as a coffee drinker and writer, I will expand and change my considerations, but for now this is it.

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Taken at Sunrise Coffee House in Las Vegas, Nevada
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Italy: to-go

Recently I posted a brief summary on some of the differences between the US and Italy as it pertains to coffee, and coffee culture.

Now, sometimes you notice things right away, and sometimes you don’t realize things until much later. This is a much later realization:

No need for a to-go cup.

The quick espresso, the quick shot of coffee, is a momentary event. It’s served, you may or may not add sugar, you chug it, you leave the bar. That’s it.

Since it’s a brief stop, there’s no need for a to-go cup.

***

I was standing at the bar waiting for my drink, hearing all the glass clinking, enjoying the sounds–I don’t know why but I like the hustle and bustle noise–when it dawned on me: there’s no paper or plastic anywhere.

In fact, once it hit me, I instantly started looking around for any sign of paper cups. Nothing. I looked for cardboard sleeves, wooden stirrers, drink stoppers, and everything else associated with a cup of coffee to-go. Surely, I was mistaken. But there was nothing.

Three weeks into my Italian stay, I started backtracking to every bar and restaurant, had I seen a to-go cup–anywhere? From this moment on, I started looking for signs of a coffee to-go. Any signs, any options, any markings for a to-go option; I looked everywhere. After 6 weeks in Italy, I recall one in Rome, which I attribute to the abundance of tourists, and I found one in Bassano del Grappa. Nothing in all my other travels (Galliera Veneta, Castelfranco, Vicenza, Cittadella, Treviso, Padua, Venice, Verona, Asolo).

Italians may drink a lot of coffee, but they’re not producing nearly as much paper and plastic waste with their caffeinated habit–not as much as we do in the States. It’s pretty amazing and quite the contrast, and while I love the idea and the concept of it all, I sure do miss my big American cup to-go. I miss being able to savor some added almond milk and flavor in the morning. 😉 ☕ So, it’s great for the environment, and I definitely appreciate it, but I’m not a complete convert. For now, it’s just another difference to note. 😊

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But what about this place?

  • Let this be the next segment of “But what about this place?”
  • Let this be an addendum to my previous statement “Bring the suggestions, I will always go!”

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I recently stumbled across the following article: Coffee Shop with Fish Swimming Right at the Foot in Saigon.

I did some digging and read more on this coffee shop and the concept. I have come to the conclusion that I just can’t do this.

I feel like I’m adventurous, but I don’t think I’m that adventurous.

I can’t sit in ankle deep water, in an artificial tank, with fish just swimming by my feet as I try to drink my coffee. I would be too jumpy and end up spilling my coffee! And honestly, it just sounds gross. I don’t want the smell of coffee disrupted by the smell of feet, or fish.

Maybe I am overthinking it, but this is one place I don’t find appealing, one place I cannot say I will put on my list of places to try–but maybe you could try it and let me know how it goes? 😬

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Coffee Deliveries . . . of the future . . .

I recently stumbled upon the following: Coffee Drone Could Predict When You Need Caffeine–and Deliver It.

This delivery system is in new technological terrain. It would not just have a drone, instead of a physical person, delivering your coffee, it would have a smart system connected to you to be in tune with your exact caffeinated needs. Nifty.

Now, I’m a bit of a late-adopter when it comes to technology.

I didn’t get a Kindle account or a read a book on a device until about 3 years ago. I didn’t listen to audible until this year. I like older model cell phones–the kind that still fit into my pocket and have been paid off for years. So, the idea of an app connected to my body monitoring my caffeine routines doesn’t sound like fun. I won’t even wear a FitBit for my steps, heartbeat, or sleep patterns–I don’t want all this information documented or shared with me, my brain is full enough.

Furthermore, I still kinda like people. Kinda.

I still want some human interaction.

Yes, I truly believe we are robbing ourselves, slowly, of the remaining opportunities to practice conversation and basic human decency with strangers. It bothers me. So a drone? Not for me. I either want to order my coffee and speak with the barista, or thank the delivery person.

This is not for me, but maybe it’s for you. What do you think?

Would you want a coffee drone delivery system in your life?

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Coffee & Poop: Thanks SEO

I recently took a digital marketing class through eCornell and started learning about SEO: search engine optimization. I had heard the term but through this coursework and some added research I feel like I have a greater grasp of what it is and how it’s used.

In my learning and research, I was directed to Answer the Public to generate quality questions and ideas that not only provide inspiration for posts, but also help me find the right words to promote readership.

Nevermind the technical aspects or purpose or application of new learning. What I discovered was that the keyword “coffee” often leads to, or is connected to, the word “poop.”

I typed “coffee”, 197 questions were generated, the following stood out:

  • Are coffee enemas dangerous?
  • Are coffee enemas safe?
  • Can coffee cause constipation?
  • Will coffee constipate you?
  • Will coffee cause constipation?
  • Will coffee make you poop?
  • Which coffee makes you poop?
  • Why coffee makes me poop?
  • Why coffee enema?
  • Why coffee makes you poop?

That’s 10 poop-related questions. 10 direct references to coffee and bowel movements.

And what-the-hell is a “coffee enema”? Well, I didn’t know, and of course I had to look it up, and now I’m terribly frightened and grossed-out.

My reflections, conclusions, on coffee and a SEO keyword search:

  • Coffee belongs in your mouth. That’s it. I don’t want to hear anymore on this topic.
  • All food and drink consumed will be expelled, that includes coffee. However, it appears coffee and poop are quite closely related and associated with one another. Who knew?
  • Despite it’s clear connection–this will be my only bowel, poop, #2, constipation, etc. related post.

. . . and there you go–thanks SEO, you’re frightening.

 

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How shall I drink my coffee?

I came across this article and question: Would You Drink Coffee Out of an Ice Cream Cone?

First of all, why is this a question? Coffee = amazing. Ice cream cone = amazing.

Therefore: coffee IN ice cream cone = DOUBLY amazing. Logical–truly the only conclusion.

But if you need more. Then I ask: why not? If a new way to enjoy coffee, a new added feature, a new way to make it, or a new way to bring out flavor is possible, it is actually required to partake–in my world at least.

So, would I drink coffee out of an ice cream cone? Yes. Of course!

What about you?

 

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Minneapolis, MN: Prelude

I recently made an unexpected, daring, trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I had heard things over the years about Minnesota and Minneapolis in particular. For me, it was a place I wanted to see, but not at the top of my list. It was a place that I would avoid at all costs during the winter–me and cold are not a good mix. It seemed nice, but just not exceptionally enticing.

Then life gave me a reason, a desire, and a sense of adventure. I bought a ticket with little planning–very unlike me–and I went for it. I took a chance.

I admit I went for romance. I went to see more of a person and maybe a little less of the city.

Life is kinda funny in this way. I didn’t get romance but I did renew my love of coffee. I ending up see less of the person and more of the city.

I discovered more than just coffee, I discovered a genuine love and appreciation for a city–a city I can’t wait to go back and visit!

And that’s how life goes sometimes. You make a decision thinking it’s all about one thing and end up with something better, something you hadn’t intended for yourself. You thought you would get ABC and it turns out the universe sent you for XYZ.

Over a long weekend, I spent one day realizing my situation needed to change. So, I changed it. Then, as a reward, I got two and a half days to do what I do best: finding art, being a tourist, walking around town, enjoying the unknown, and, of course, finding great coffee.

Stay tuned my friends! Minnesota isn’t just home to 10,000 lakes, Prince, and Target–it’s also home to great coffee!

 

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What do you mean by “coffee shop”?

When I refer to a “coffee shop,” I have a specific image and understanding.

For me, a coffee shop:

  • serves coffee (duh!)
  • serves breakfast items, specifically small items like pastries, cookies, croissants, and/or bagels
  • exudes coffee–as its main item served, I immediately see coffee, smell coffee, and hear the sounds of coffee

For me, a coffee shop is NOT:

  • serving a wide variety of drinks–it may have tea or chai or lemonade, but the overwhelming focus is coffee
  • serving meals–it may have a couple of food items, but there is no waiter/waitress taking my order

I have recently received a slew of recommendations for great coffee and future coffee shop posts. I will definitely try them, I can’t resist a good cup of coffee. I will consider all visits a possible post item too.

However, for the most part, when I research or consider coffee shops to travel to, partake, and share with you, I have a very specific set of criteria that I keep in mind and prioritize for my ventures.

Now you know my focus, but perhaps I should expand my definition. So, I ask: what do you define as a “coffee shop”?

 

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