Baked and Wired

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Baked and Wired
Location: Washington DC
WiFi?: Yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]


In my many trips to DC, I nearly always park in the outskirts and pipe in via the Metro. For the most part, I depend on the train solely to get around (unless otherwise necessary) and thus, I have definitely left out a few spots in DC from my explorations. The most notable in my mind was the Georgetown area, since the Metro has no stop in the area, and as such I have literally passed over the area in my excursions to DC, choosing convenience over checking out this fabled neighborhood.

Bean Box

A lot of coffee subscription services serve up a different coffee from all over the nation, but few target one specific area or city. Yet that's exactly what Bean Box does, serving up 4 coffees roasted only in Seattle to their constituents. Using 2 oz bags, I received the following coffee in my shipment: Kuma Coffee's Guatemala La Esperanza, Herkimer Coffee's Drip Blend, Long Shoreman's Daughter Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (FTO) and Lighthouse Roasters Roaster's Choice. Each of these coffees I sampled via pourover and since the sample size was so small, I really could not issue a definitive rating on the coffees, and hence the below are simply the tasting notes.

The Coffee Ethic

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: The Coffee Ethic
Location: Springfield, MO
WiFi?: Yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]


I am a great fan of open town squares, especially when they sit amidst local merchants. In walking through hundreds of urban open spaces, ranging from Central Park to Golden Gate Park, it seems that the proper dosage of local commerce (though I do not know the ratio) makes for the greatest level of enjoyment for said open spaces.

Mugged: Cinnamon and Lavender [Le Palais des Thés]

Subject: Le Palais des Thés
Teas Mugged and Rating [see key]:
Lavender Oolong 4+
Cinnamon Black 3+

As the holidays flare up again, the many flavors of spice come roaring into the realm of lauded drink options. Most people think of lattes flavored with gingerbread or peppermint, but there's also quite a few teas that get a little more play in kitchens and coffee bars at this time of year.

Half and Half

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Half and Half
Location: St. Louis, MO
WiFi?: Yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]


It is no secret that everyone loves brunch. There's just something magical about the wondrous combinations and concoctions that become available on weekend late mornings. Sadly, not every brunch place is worth your dollar, and for my money, if I am plopping down to enjoy a hearty meal with a close kinship to breakfast, I want a place with great coffee.