“I believe humans get a lot done, not because we’re smart, but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee.”
—Flash Rosenberg
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May 11, 2018: Quote of the Day
“We want to do a lot of stuff; we’re not in great shape. We didn’t get a good night’s sleep. We’re a little depressed. Coffee solves all these problems in one delightful little cup.”
– Jerry Seinfeld
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On the Merits of Coffee Chains
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
- McDonald’s McCafe
- Peet’s Coffee and Tea
- Starbucks
You know them.
You know their logos.
You know their colors.
You know what to order.
I am a huge advocate of local coffee shops.
I travel and search for the best local coffee shops. It is within the family-owned business, within the truly local scene, that you get a more personalized experience. It feels like your business not only means more in these places, but it has the ability to do more. Finally, it’s in these venues that you can explore the culture of a community. Locals patron local venues.
That all being said, there is something truly wonderful about coffee chains. I will not promote these brands with the same pomp and circumstance as Mothership, or Sunrise, or Affogato, but I will say that coffee chains are valuable and beautiful in their own right.
Coffee chains have standardized decor, menus, and processes, so you are quite guaranteed the same experience, and taste. Coffee chains are more likely to have drive-thrus, so you can keep yourself moving. Coffee chains are more likely to have rewards programs, so you can feel a little bit better about spending money on your morning cup of coffee. Coffee chains are by definition, everywhere–if I’m going to work, if I’m on vacation, or if I’m at my mom’s house, I know that there’s a preferred chain nearby–I know where I can get something I definitely like to drink.
These chains, by being ubiquitous, give you options. If you love a particular drink, but dislike a barista, or the parking situation, or whatever about that particular store, you don’t have to give up that coffee drink you love–you just have to hop over to a different location to savor the same coffee in a better environment, which ultimately enhances the taste.
There’s nothing wrong with a coffee chain.
I want to find the unknown location, the hidden gem, or the new hot-spot because it’s different and new. However, I do not condemn, or completely shun, coffee chains.
I like that there are certain places I am guaranteed to find wherever I go. That is security, and security feels good.
There’s no need to scour a menu or hope for a good recommendation or worry about the price. I know what I like, what I want, and how much it’s going to cost. That translates into even more security and comfort, even more of a good feeling.
What else is neat, arguably better, about coffee chains? Sometimes I find a new place and I think it’s only available to me for now, but then I discover it’s a chain within a specific region. That is an awesome surprise!
Places like Philz Coffee, Blue Bottle, and Dutch Bros. I originally thought were local gems have grown into, or been discovered to be, smaller chains. I don’t have to only be in *insert specific city* to patron this particularly awesome locale.
Smaller chains provide a measure of novelty as well as security–they may not be near me, but I’m traveling this summer and two of my favorite smaller chains, unavailable to me at home, are available during my travels and that’s exciting! If I want the comfort and assurance of great coffee, I already know where to go.
Each coffee shop, even each chain, has its perks and pitfalls. So, there is always room to explore and grow as a coffee drinker.
For instance, seasonal drinks: I love when new drinks or season-based drinks come out. It’s something to look forward to, or crave, even if it’s just temporary. It’s a way for a coffee chain to entice me to them–above all others–for just a few months.
The merits of a coffee chain are plentiful, and it’s okay to go back and make sure that our preferred drink from *insert favorite chain* in Ontario, California is just as good in Henderson, Nevada.
So I say go ahead and have your standardized, reliable cup–a cup you can get anywhere in case of an emergency. Enjoy the smaller chains, know you are special to live or be in a place where this brand has been established. When you travel, find comfort knowing that a big chain, or smaller chain, is available to you to fulfill your coffee needs. Relish in that feeling, enjoy that experience.
It is an amazingly secure and comfortable feeling created by a menu you know and trust. I can’t deny it, and that’s why coffee chains, big and small, are actually kinda magnificent.
Yes, coffee chains, you have my full love and support. Cheers to you!
**
Thank you to all the coffee chains for giving us all something so dependable in our hectic lives.
What is coffee?
My second attempt to answer “What is coffee?”
Coffee is . . .
- reliable (me)
- the best (me . . . lots of people . . .)
- my love language (meme/mugs)
- my drug of choice (meme/mugs)
- my favorite coworker (meme/mugs)
- like a high five in your mouth (meme)
- a language in itself (Jackie Chan)
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Caffeinated Ideas
So the tagline reads: Coffee Shops & Caffeinated Ideas.
Someone asked, where are the ideas? Well, I posted them, as they came to me, on the Twitter. It felt like the right place to put them. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it adds to the overall brand of Cups and Comments.
However, if I don’t say where they are, how would you have known?
From now on, I will make sure to include them here. While I still plan to put them first on the Twitter–you can follow me @cups_comments –I will make sure to periodically post them here too.
For your reference here are all of my caffeinated ideas so far (March 2018-April 2018)–at times unrelated to coffee, but definitely sparked after the coffee kicked in.
Caffeinated Ideas:
- March 20, 2018: Caffeinated Idea: What if coffee was named like sushi?
- Me: Yes, I’d like a screaming orgasm with almond milk please.
- Barista: Would you like whipped cream on top?
- Me: Absolutely
- March 21, 2018: Today was my double-star day
@Starbucks but here’s a caffeinated idea: What if I could choose my double-star day? Like maybe during the month of my birthday? … it’s next month, just saying.
- March 24, 2018: Caffeinated Idea: Cadbury Creme Egg flavored coffee — it could be a great spring flavor!
- March 25, 2018: Caffeinated Idea: all dating sites should have a filter to let men know when they look normal v. when they look like a serial killer.
- March 28, 2018: Caffeinated Idea: Let’s create a culture where we buy each other coffee at a cafe, just like we buy someone a drink at a bar . . . A new and BETTER way to flirt . . .
- March 31, 2018: Caffeinated Idea: since it is the season of spring breaks, I think
#Starbucks should give extra bonus stars for getting coffee in more than one state
- April 4, 2018: Caffeinated Idea: Coffee walk in the morning . . . Wine walk at night —same day, same location, one price: Make. It. Happen.
- April 17, 2018: Caffeinated Idea: online dating forum – “KissandKaffeinate”
- Concept: where all the hot baristas, and the patrons that drool over them (and their drinks), come together for more than just the love of coffee
- Concept: where all the hot baristas, and the patrons that drool over them (and their drinks), come together for more than just the love of coffee
St. George, UT, USA: Affogato
One thing to know about me: I LOVE Utah.
Utah has a near monopoly on all the beautiful land in the United States . . . I think. It literally astounds me how much natural beauty is available in Utah. It’s ridiculous actually.
If you haven’t been to Utah, GO! There are so many active things to do. If you’re not active, there’s so much beautiful land to see.
Go. Now.
***
St. George, Utah is situated about two hours away from Las Vegas. I heard from locals that it’s one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
When I have driven to the Big 5 (Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon National Parks), St. George was always a layover. It was nice, small, clean, and a great place to stretch my legs before I continued to a park, or continued home. Recently, I decided to investigate St. George. Surely it had more to offer . . .
***
When you’re near Zion National Park and Bryce National Park, two of the most visited and famous national parks in the United States, it’s easy for people to miss something smaller.
St. George is home to Snow Canyon State Park. It has a mere $6 entrance fee, it’s an easy 4 mile scenic drive from one end to the other, and it’s quite simply gorgeous.
Snow Canyon offers a variety of trails, as I was recovering from an injury, I stuck to paved and easier trails.
I went at the beginning of March and it was the most perfect weather imaginable. As a hidden gem, there were hardly any people too, so there was a higher level of serenity and peace to enjoy during my visit.
I loved every moment of Snow Canyon. There were beautiful rocks and budding vegetation. For me, I was stunned to learn about lava tubes on one trail and then end up at a sand dune on another trail. What a mix of life!
As an experienced hiker, I had my backpack full of water and snacks to keep my energy up and keep moving from one trail to the next. Eventually though, it was time to stop. As I stated earlier, I was recovering from an injury and didn’t want the excitement to get to me, and I was starting to crave some post-nature fuel.
I drove away with a great sense of peace. I loved every moment of Snow Canyon, my love for Utah had somehow grown even more.
And, just when I thought this trip couldn’t get any better, I found Affogato.
Affogato is a local gem, just like Snow Canyon.
It’s a coffee truck, so seating is limited, just a few chairs outside. It’s a locally-owned business, a woman’s pride and dream come to life, and a relatively young business, so there’s an added element of beauty and joy in patroning Affogato. I have to say that something small, something uniquely belonging to a town, and a place that is someone’s dream makes the whole experience more worthwhile and special. You are more special and so is the coffee.
When I arrived at Affogato, I spoke with the baristas and received great direction. They had an interesting array of speciality drinks that peaked my interest, and I just couldn’t decide on my own what I should order.
The Feel Love Latte intrigued me because of one ingredient: molasses. I was further intrigued by my milk options–oatly milk?
The woman helping me with my order recommended the Feel Love drink (espresso, moscovato sugar, molasses, milk) based on a few likes and flavors I mentioned enjoying.
I ended up trying two drinks: Feel Love Moscovato Latte and an Americano. I also had a vegan brownie.
The Feel Love was a perfect choice for me. A smooth drink, flavorful but not too sweet. The Americano was good–I drank that on my way back to the hotel. The brownie I saved for dessert later. The brownie was outstanding; it was moist, rich, and I wish I had bought two.
Affogato was an outstanding experience. I loved the kind of coffee they offered, it was truly different. I appreciated the staff–they were incredibly friendly and helpful. I liked the idea of a coffee truck, when you’re surrounded by so much beauty, you need to sit outside and enjoy the view.
Go to Utah. It is incredibly beautiful, everyone I have ever encountered has been so kind, and there is truly a tremendous amount of natural beauty everywhere you go.
Start off with St. George, Snow Canyon, and Affogato–trust me, you’re gonna fall in love too.
March 20, 2018: Quote of the Day
“I love it when the coffee kicks in and I realize what an adorable bad*ss I’m gonna be today.”
— Nanea Hoffman
Me too!
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