Tag: coffeelove

What goes with coffee?

Yesterday I gave a sweeping response to: What goes with coffee?

I realize that maybe not everything would be completely compatible with the taste of coffee. Maybe.

So allow me to list the very best pairings I have found . . .

What goes best with coffee?

I drink my coffee black at home. I like my coffee strong and dark. However, I have a sweet tooth. So my most prized pairings with coffee include:

  • cookies
  • croissants
  • ice cream
  • cake
  • pie
  • coffee cakes
  • sweet breads

Coffee is a drink that people often consume in communal spaces–think the coffeeshop. Therefore, the best things that go with coffee in these situations are:

  • good company
  • great conversation

Now, I stand by my initial response that given the versatility of coffee it has the capacity to go with anything. It can be enjoyed in practically any situation. However, there are certain times, moments, foods, and people that make it all the more beautiful.

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Las Vegas, NV, USA: Bad Owl

I am a Hufflepuff. I thought for sure I was a Ravenclaw. Alas, out of four tests, three times I was deemed a Hufflepuff–one test did say Ravenclaw though! I may have changed a few responses on purpose, but I still think it counts. 😉

Anyway, I have accepted my status, and even embraced my designation–it is an inclusive house. I am incredibly loyal, I am a hard worker, and I do love yellow.

I am a Hufflepuff.

If this introduction made all kinds of sense to you, if you’ve read all the books, if you can name all the Weasleys, and if you know why July 31st is a sacred day–then you might just find yourself in love with Bad Owl.

***

Bad Owl is a Harry Potter themed coffee shop in southern Nevada. At the time of my writing only one location was open. I say this because as I type another location is in the works.

Bad Owl is a beautiful coffee shop with lots to offer for the Potterhead and the coffee connoisseur alike.

The decor is on-point. It’s simple, not overdone, and clever. The first 10 or so visits I kept noticing a detail I had missed in my previous visits. Potter fans will instantly notice the subtle and brilliant references.

In terms of the layout, the location I have visited in Henderson, NV has a few cushioned chairs and a small outdoor seating area. Additionally, there is one nice picnic-like table, some high seating, and some smaller tables with regular seating. The small tables are my favorite as they have Harry Potter inspired quotes on them.

I appreciate the varied seating. I can read on the cushioned seats, stand at the tall tables, sit outside, or spread out on the picnic table.

The amount of plugs is fairly decent. Wifi is free and works well. It is usually relatively quiet; I have been on weekends and weekdays, early morning and late at night, and have always found it to be an exceptional place to work or read while I drink my coffee. Although, I must say I know its popularity is growing as recently I have encountered increasingly larger crowds and some waiting. This fact warms my heart though–more people are discovering this place and now it’s time you do too!

Let’s begin with the all important factor: the coffee.

They use coffee from a local micro-roaster, Colorado River Coffee Roasters–a local and family-owned roastery. The coffee and non-caffeinated specialty drinks are superb.

For some time I was obsessed with their Pistachio Latte; my favorite styling is actually with no espresso, iced, and with whipped cream.

The Butterbrew Latte is seriously the greatest concoction in life. With this drink, if you need caffeine, you do have to add the espresso, as this drink does not automatically come with it. For this drink, I prefer hot and butterbrew whipped cream on top. 🤤

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When have I had their coffee? How can I call myself a coffee reviewer and writer? Well, I tried their Almond Latte. It was good–it has actual almond bits in it too, which was super different and unexpected.

I have had their Nutella Latte and I have to say, so far, in all my coffee adventures, it was hands-down the best Nutella Latte I have ever had. It was rich, strong, and smooth. I have a sweet tooth; I have been told it’s too sweet for some, but for me and my sensibilities, it’s perfection.

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And, finally, drum roll please, I have had their ultimate caffeinated creation: the Hippogryph.

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This is meant for the serious drinker, as an early morning adventure, or something to be shared–in my opinion. I have only done it once, and it was early in the day, and I was by myself. It was a good day to stay hyped and caffeinated–and I hate sharing. So, I took the plunge.

It packs a caffeinated punch! Be wary if you are not a regular coffee drinker. This is a lot of caffeine.

The flavors were all strong, but not overpowering. I was the biggest fan of Unicorn Blood, which keeps you alive in the Harry Potter world but also curses you. As a cursed living lady I’m here to say if you can only visit once this is the experience. If you wanna play it safe, share and give someone else the Unicorn Blood, let them be cursed. 😉

Now, as though all of this weren’t enough, the food is literally too delicious. The waffles are beautiful and fluffy. They come with the most insanely fresh butter and whipped cream. The Avocado Everything toast tastes exactly like an everything bagel. It is beautiful to the eye, filling to the stomach, and delightful to the palette. The BLT is the best BLT I have ever encountered in my life. It is light, well-portioned, and the Japanese mayo is the ultimate flavor elevator.

It astounds me how much this place has to offer and how much it succeeds in each category.

Bad Owl could have fallen flat easily. It could have taken a theme and just leaned on the theme alone, but it didn’t! It exceeds every expectation and reality–it is truly magical. The coffee, the atmosphere, the food, and the staff make the whole experience –did I mention that in all my visits I have always been greeted and served with pure joy?

If you go anywhere next time you’re in town, go to Bad Owl. Whether you’re a Potterhead, a foodie, or a coffee lover, Bad Owl has you covered. Oh, and if you also like adult beverages, they have those too–and a Happy Hour.

What are you waiting for?

Apparate!

Get to Bad Owl now!

 

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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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When is it appropriate to drink coffee?

That’s a trick question.

It’s always appropriate.

If you crave it, drink it.

If you want it, get it.

Just as it is noon somewhere (have your alcoholic beverage) . . . there’s a coffee break happening somewhere, so have your coffee!

 

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On the Merits of Coffee

Across civilizations, throughout millenium, all over the world, people have consumed coffee.

Coffee is everywhere.

There are specific reactions, images, and ideas when someone says: Turkish coffee, Thai coffee, or Kan Kohi.

There are definitive opinions on how best to make coffee: traditional drip coffeemaker, Keurig, French press, Aeropress, and more. Which one brings out the flavor? Which one is most convenient? Which one can I afford?

There are a multitude of flavors–and the flavors seem to increase with each passing year and season. From Hazelnut to White Chocolate to Toffee. From Pumpkin Spice to Holiday Blend.

All these flavors can be amplified and morphed through an endless array of toppings–think whipped cream, cinnamon, and mint.

And if that weren’t enough, coffee can be served at breakfast or after dinner. It can be served hot or iced. It can go with a meal, it can be your meal.

***

Coffee is not a singular drink. It doesn’t look the same, taste the same, smell the same, or feel the same–not in Italy, Egypt, and the United States. Hell, one local coffee shop in California will have a great coffee menu and serve superb coffee, and just down the street, another coffee shop will do the same, but in a completely different fashion. The coffee is different, but it’s still outstanding.

This is the reason coffee feels like the superior drink of choice.

In its history, its cultural manifestations, and roots in every society, coffee stands apart from all others. In its ability to be utterly delicious, while also being exceptionally versatile. Coffee, again, is in a category all on its own.

In terms of the merits of coffee, the merits are manifold and multifaceted. So, raise your mug, cup, glass, or thermos–you’re drinking coffee, arguably the most recognizable, wide-ranging, and delicious of all drinks in the world.

Cheers!

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