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.

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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. 🤤

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.

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

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!

May 30, 2018 2

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.

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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.

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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.

May 8, 2018 0

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.

Main St., St. George: Annie’s Vintage Garden

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 . . .

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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.

IMG_6587 (2) — Snow Canyon–one of my favorite pictures and views

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.

LRG_DSC00703 — An attempt to capture the magic –that brownie is not shown in its full glory, trust me, it was beautiful and delicious!

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.

LRG_DSC00696 (2).JPG — Their story prominently posted in front was wonderful!

March 26, 2018 1

San Francisco, CA, USA: Home Cafe

Welcome to my favorite part of the world: the Bay Area.

I have a deep love, unconditional love really, for the Bay Area, specifically San Francisco and Berkeley.

I consider the Bay Area more than home, it is heaven on earth.

One day . . . when I’m a millionaire . . . I’ll live there. For now, I’ll just visit and encourage you to do so as well.

***

When you visit San Francisco, and I know you will, and you really have to, I recommend a stop at Home Cafe.

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Enjoy the hills! Enjoy the outdoors! Take the Muni, get a Lyft, or walk over to Noriega St. and 20th Ave. It’s part of the experience.

***

You’ve arrived.

It’s a small venue and there is no outdoor seating.

I went on a Saturday morning and had to take my food and drink to-go. It was packed–line out the door.

As the line moved, I noticed long tables, seats next to big windows, and a fun policy: no devices.

While no one is going to kick you out, I saw someone on a laptop, this establishment encourages conversation. I appreciate that, and it plays well into this idea of “home.”

Food.

Well, it’s not pictured because I took it to-go, and I opened it up, and I tasted it, and then I devoured it. I’m not sure how I breathed I ate so fast.

What did I get? Condensed milk toast.

I feel like San Francisco is the only place where toast could be marketed and purchased as a meal. I would say I fell for it (I bought toast?), but honestly it was an amazing dessert, or large pastry. So amazing, when I opened my container I couldn’t stop to take a picture or consider anything but shoving it into my mouth.

Now, this trip was made possible by one of my best friends who lives in San Francisco. She got some toast as well, but hers was the special of the day. We both shared some of our toast with her baby. Her baby loved every bite–every bite we managed to share with her. So that’s three great reviews on the toast–that means get some toast!

And what goes with toast?

Coffee.

If you look at reviews online, one thing people keep saying is: drinks are great for Instagram!

Well, as important as pictures may be to some, and I understand presentation is crucial, let’s face it: it needs to taste good.

And this is where Home Cafe won my heart all over again. I ordered their famous birthday cake latte. Presentation and Instagram worthiness: A+. Then, the first sip.

It was sweet, but not overdone. It had a creamy feel to it. It wasn’t exceptionally strong, but from what I gather it’s not meant to be a strong elixir of coffee or caffeine. It was just delicious.

I’m not a chugger of coffee, I usually allow it to cool for about 5 minutes and then I sip for a good 30 minutes. That did not happen. I drank this quickly. It was simply a perfectly balanced drink. Truly delicious. I craved it every day after our visit.

My friend? She got a coconut almond latte. She enjoyed her drink as well, but I think birthday cake latte wins. We did not share any coffee with her baby. We did however drink our coffee and eat our toast at the San Francisco Zoo. That’s right: the zoo!

Home Cafe has an intimate venue, Instagram worthy coffee, delicious coffee, insane toast options, and a great location–just four miles from the zoo.

So, with all of that in mind, the next time you’re in San Francisco: get some coffee, and toast, at Home Cafe–and if there’s nowhere to sit, or if you want to drink and eat with a pretty neat view, head over to the zoo! And when you’re done at the zoo, go back to Home Cafe–let me know about the rest of the toast!

March 5, 2018 0

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”?

February 27, 2018 0

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 . . .

February 23, 2018 2

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.

***

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.

February 8, 2018 0

Las Vegas: The Sunday

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The Sunday is a free magazine available in practically every coffee shop around the Vegas area. How fitting that just as I start my internet-journey, sharing my experiences with the best coffee shops around the Vegas Valley, and my discoveries throughout the western/southwestern U.S. (California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah for now), The Sunday decides to profile coffee culture, share some coffee and caffeinated facts, and even present their own take on what’s the best around town.

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What I learned? I have a few new places to check out.

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Link to The Sunday

February 3, 2018 0

Mission Statement

As an educator, I know that mission statements can be forgotten logos or powerful reminders of one’s purpose/ the collective purpose. I hope to revisit the following statement, as teachers do every school year. As I grow, as my readership grows, let’s start with the following:

Cups and Comments is a positive blog on coffees shops located in the southwestern United States—one day, fingers crossed, it will be a positive blog on coffee shops around the world. As coffee shops are platforms for educating, conversing, and meditating, Cups and Comments will also provide a platform for the same: an educational meditative conversation on caffeinated ideas.

Welcome to Cups and Comments . . .

January 22, 2018 0