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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Las Vegas, NV, USA: Sunrise Coffee House

We’re back in Sin City!

As you know, I am the biggest fan of Mothership. That love is deep. That love is also very closely connected to Sunrise Coffee House.

Why? Well, they’re owned by the same people!

Yes, down the street from Mothership, is actually the mother (brilliant word choice I know).

Now, is it a duplicate? No. Each coffee establishment—here, connected, or otherwise–always has its own standouts, its own merits, its own vibes.

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What differentiates Sunrise?

First, Sunrise has a drive-thru, so if you’re in a rush, you don’t need to get out of your car.

Secondly, it’s bigger. It has ample space on the inside and the most wonderful outdoor seating area. It is one of my favorite places to sit on a sunny day–and there’s lots of those in Vegas. The inside, due to spacing, has more options for seating as well. There are tall tables for standing or high-sitting. There are normal tables. There are a couple of couches, and even a little nook right when you walk in.

I appreciate the varied seating, sometimes you need to put your feet up and sometimes you need to stand. Sometimes you want to sit indoors, sometimes you want to go outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Sunrise has it all.

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The size of Sunrise allows for more plug options. In fact, they have set up a few powerstrips to make it even more work/ device friendly. It’s a simple touch that makes for a more conducive work visit.

In addition to these added features, like Mothership, they have outstanding pastries–because Mothership makes them! I don’t need to tell you how much I love their baking. Just remember, it’s the best. And, everything is made fresh daily so come early, once it’s gone, it’s gone for the day.

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On top of pastry options, Sunrise serves actual food. It’s not a restaurant, but the menu has a few basic breakfast and lunch items.

Not only has everything I’ve tried been delicious–simple things like a bagel to more complicated items like the hot mess bowl–but there are vegan and gluten-free options. Healthy and delicious: that’s a winning combination.

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And the coffee? Well, it’s exceptional. My favorite is a hot Hazelnut Latte, and since I have the option of a large, it’s always large. It’s the best Hazelnut Latte I have ever tried–anywhere. I’ve also had their Nutella Latte, Butterbeer Latte, and Vanilla Latte. Everything is tasty. However, the most ridiculously important find: iced coffee.

When I order an iced Hazelnut anywhere else, I’m not a fan. Unless it’s just regular iced coffee, flavors seem to ruin my drink. And, to be honest, iced coffee was just okay.

I used to think that I didn’t really care for iced coffee, and certainly didn’t like it in flavors, which is incredibly unfortunate when it’s 115 degrees outside–for four months. I could drink it, but it wasn’t anything I ever craved or devoured. Then, a friend met me at Sunrise and ordered one. They encouraged me to try it, they said it was great, and to just trust them.

Curiosity peaked. I had faith. I took the plunge.

Sunrise Coffee House makes the best iced coffee I have ever tasted–specifically, the best iced Hazelnut on the planet. I have never come across an iced coffee I could chug, drool over, crave . . . until Sunrise. All of their drinks are great, everything I have had has been delightful, but the greatest find for me: an utterly outstanding iced coffee.

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Sunrise is a great coffee shop. It is top-notch. It’s in Las Vegas, it’s family-owned, by a Las Vegas native. It has a large drink menu full of delicious options, appetizing food options, a gorgeous outdoor seating area, plenty of plugs, varied seating for whatever your mood, mouth-watering pastries . . . and plenty of parking. And if it that’s not enough to convince you, then read this: The Best Places for Coffee in Every State–that’s right, in Nevada, it’s Sunrise.

. . . Time for some Hazelnut coffee y’all . . .

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Coffee Lesson #2

black coffee:

  • coffee served without milk or cream
  • coffee served without milk, cream, or sugar

Note: as I researched black coffee, it stunned me that definition #1 was the most prominent. I had always thought #2 was the only definition.

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Why Coffee?

  1. Caffeine.
  2. Taste.
  3. Style.
  4. Aroma.
  5. Legal.
  6. Easy to make.
  7. Readily available.
  8. Can be consumed on-the-go.
  9. Affordable . . . it’s not a steak dinner, calm down with any retorts on the cost.
  10. Why are you even asking? I mean, it’s coffee!
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A Valentine’s Day . . . with Coffee . . .

Dear Coffee,

Thank you for being the most dependable thing in my life. You have greeted me every morning for years, and my love for you has only grown as we have aged together.

Every day with you is better, every day without you is horrible. You have truly added to my happiness, each and every day.

When I hear you in the coffeemaker or the Keurig, I feel a rush. It’s as though I’m falling in love all over again. I simply can’t wait to hold you close–to enjoy your company and your warmth.

My dearest coffee, I appreciate the smallest details about you. I love the way you smell. It is a scent so unique, and so mine. There are days when you are a bit sweeter or a bit stronger, but I always know it’s you.

Coffee, when I hold you close, when I taste you, there are times when you warm my soul and other times when you magically cool me down. Our relationship feels so special; how do you know me so well? How do you know exactly what to do?

My beloved coffee, it is our special relationship, our 10-year dedicated commitment to one another, that I celebrate today.

I love you, and I’m so grateful to have you on this special day–and each and every day.

Happy Valentine’s Day XOXOXOX

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Boulder City, NV, USA: CRCR

CRCR: Colorado River Coffee Roasters

Boulder City is about 45 minutes from The Strip in Las Vegas. It is located near the Arizona/ Nevada border.

When I think of Boulder City, I think ‘under the radar.’ It’s very easy to look over it or to drive by, drive over the Hoover Dam, and keep going. I’m here to say: don’t. Don’t let it slip under your radar.

First, consider what they tell you on the sign: Home of the Hoover Dam. So go see it. Marvel at construction, technology, and a bit of U.S. history.

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View from Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Now you’ve seen the Hoover Dam. Well, the Hoover Dam is home to Lake Mead National Park. I’m a HUGE fan and advocate of national parks–they are American treasures, which now more than ever, deserve to be admired. People come from all over the world to admire our parks–you should too.

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Lake Mead from a viewpoint before reaching the Hoover Dam

Now, there’s lots to do. So, enjoy the lake. Walk through the Historic Railroad Trail. Take a hike. Love nature.

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Lake Mead

Not outdoorsy? Not really a nature person? Drive around it. There are dirt roads and paved roads to take great photos. In fact, I took a dirt road with a friend and saw a donkey. A real-life donkey, just in its element.

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Just a donkey, watching me drive by . . .

Ok, at this point you’re thinking a day with man-made and natural beauty sounds fabulous, but I think I need some coffee to make this day better.

Well, I have an answer.

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CRCR: Mmmmm!

Colorado River Coffee Roasters is a small venue for coffee education and purchase. It is not a coffee shop. It’s a place to learn and taste, and buy.

CRCR roasts Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. During this time you can watch the process and talk to the owners.

It’s a family-owned business. I went twice: once on a non-roasting day and once on a roasting day. Go on a roasting day, the smell is incredible! Not to mention, you get to see the action!

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Roasted coffee beans–it’s glorious!

The people are super-friendly, ready to show you around, and eager to share about their coffee and its origins. They’ll offer an espresso, or some coffee they have brewed for the day. Correct answer to a sample: yes, please.

It’s a small operation, and again it’s not a coffee shop. I visited for about 10-20 minutes. I took pictures, talked coffee, and purchased some beans. I loved it. It was a great way to sample some coffee, see the roasting process in action, and talk with people who are genuinely and fully passionate about coffee–my kind of people.

So, before or after Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, before perhaps some antique shopping even (Boulder City is great for this too), stop by Colorado River Coffee Roasters.

Tour, learn, taste, and buy.

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When I left CRCR I turned onto the main highway and saw Desert Bighorn Sheep. Fresh coffee, Lake Mead National Park, the Hoover Dam, antique shops, and the sight of Nevada’s state animal–Boulder City is amazing!

 

 

 

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Coffee Lesson #1

I am not a coffee expert. I am a coffee enthusiast. However, in order to write well, improve my writing, for this blog in particular, I am duty-bound to learn more about the particulars of coffee. Therefore, I present my first coffee terminology lesson:

green beans: coffee beans that have not been roasted

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Unroasted beans at Artís Coffee Roasters in Berkeley, California

 

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Real cups please…

Maybe it’s the Californian in me, one of the stereotypes I actually fall into, but I like coffee shops with real cups.

If I’m getting something to go, of course I will take that cardboard and plastic combination cup. But if I’m not, if I’m staying here to sip my coffee and enjoy my surroundings, I want a real cup.

I know some establishments, usually chain businesses, allow you to fill a thermos. That can get tricky as it’s usually their thermos that you have to bring in. Environment-wise though, I support the practice. I’ll buy your damn thermos. Whatever I can do to avoid the single-use cup.

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Back to real cups.

I’m sure dishes are more labor-intensive. I know they require water to be washed, water that is becoming ever more precious. Nevertheless, in my heart, I feel passionately that real dishes are the more environmentally-sound option. The sight of coffee in an actual mug makes my heart swell, and my love for those serving it increase exponentially.

Environment aside, real cups feel cozier. I don’t just come for the coffee, I come for the feeling. I want a heavy mug in my hand. I want to feel the smooth warmth of a glass mug. It seems silly, maybe snobbish, but I have to admit it—I like real cups, and if you’re serving them, I like you more.

 

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