Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Sub Rosa Bakery


Subject: Sub Rosa Bakery
Location: Richmond, VA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While most bakeries supply coffee, relatively few do it well. Sure, I understand that coffee is not usually a bakery's bread and butter (*rimshot*), but a baker that makes a great cup of coffee (not to mention latte) will definitely extend his/her appeal.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Saint-Henri Micro-Torréfacteur




Subject: Saint-Henri Micro-Torréfacteur
Location: Quebec City, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

For as long as I've been searching for coffee in Canada, there's always been a Saint-Henri enterprise on my radar. Back in 2008 I discovered Caffe in Gamba in Montreal, the cafe that began it all. From there, I've watched from afar as Saint-Henri grew into a serious roaster, set up other Montreal shops, and then expanded over to Quebec City. Finally on a gorgeous recent evening, I was able to make a trip to their cafe in the Saint-Roch neighborhood for a long overdue after-dinner coffee.

Wednesday, December 07, 2016

Cafe Humble Lion




Subject: Cafe Humble Lion
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Looking back on my love of reading, I have CS Lewis to thank for much of it. It was the seven books of the Chronicles of Narnia that first instilled not only literary enjoyment, but also further understanding in my young mind. Looking back at the many allegorical elements, Aslan easily tops my list as most impacting. Lewis' portrayal of this divine lion definitely helped round out my perspective on God as well as my understanding of humility, that the trait reflects a selfless focus on helping others, a quality that ousts a self-focused heart and gradually replaces it with a more loving, compassionate one.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Scout and Co.



Subject: Scout and Co.
Location Visted: Scout O.N.E in Burlington, VT
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While I tend to shy away from rankings (mainly due to their subjective nature that gets passed off as empirical data), I must put Burlington as one of my favorite locations in the USA. I have been to many centers of population, and none combine the majesty of local nature so well with the amenities of a slightly urban area. I can say with utter surety that there are few things that rival a sumptuous cup of coffee sipped along the shores of Lake Champlain. 

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Mugged: Reunion Island Coffee Roasters



Subject: Reunion Island Coffee Roasters
Coffees Mugged: Kenya Miiri Nyera District
Rating [see key]: 6+

Having not set foot in Toronto for some years now, it puts a twinkle in my eye to see good things progressing with their coffee scene. New coffeehouses grow my list of potential coffee visits, and Toronto roasters keep on pushing out great beans. One such roaster that persists in doing great things is Reunion Island, especially with their recent batch of Kenya Miiri Nyera District.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Function Coffee Labs




Subject: Function Coffee Labs
Location: Philadelphia, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Nine years ago, I visited a vibrant cafe in the Bella Vista section of Philly that resulted in an experience that provided little to no fanfare. Due to the mediocre experience, I soon forgot about the shop and can honestly say that despite driving the area frequently, I never really gave that location a second glance, letting it fall into relative obscurity.

Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Hodgepodge


Subject: Hodgepodge
Location: Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While air travel wears me out, there is no suppressing my child-like, adventurous anticipation when arriving in a distant land. Usually my routine after making it out of the airport is to make a beeline for cup of quality coffee. Thus, upon touching down in Atlanta one sunny afternoon my bearings bore me to a giant coffee venue called Hodgepodge.

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Cafe Myriade



Subject: Cafe Myriade
Location Visited: Golden Square Mile (Rue Mackay),
Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While my trips to Montreal are not nearly as frequent as I would like, fortunately shops in the area seem to have a sturdy shelf life. Cafe Myriade is one operation that opened after a trip circa 2007 and over the years I've watched them make great coffee from afar. Finally, nearly ten years later I finally had an opportunity to visit their original Mackay St location for an experience long in the making.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Seeds Coffee Company





Subject: Seeds Coffee Company
Location Visted: Birmingham, AL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

It might be coincidental, but whenever I'm in the South I find more coffee establishments open late versus anywhere else (save maybe the Northwest). Maybe it's because the alcohol laws are more relaxed or that their patrons just get up at later hours, but when I was driving through Alabama, I had plenty of places to pick for a cup of coffee after supper.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Maelstrøm Saint-Roch




Subject: Maelstrøm Saint-Roch
Location Visted: Quebec City, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Many people have conveyed to me the beauty of Quebec City. Whether it's the old world charm of the old city, the beautiful Chateau Frontenac or the warm reception of locals, Quebec City holds a reputation as a very unique North American destination. Looking to get a little slice of Europe on the continent, I recently made a quick trip north for a brief French-Canadian respite.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Condesa Coffee


Subject: Condesa Coffee
Location Visted: Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

For as much as I love the crisp air of winter and snow-covered mountain peaks, I definitely more enjoy sitting outside in a tshirt while sipping on a great cup of coffee. The warmth of Atlanta provides plenty of days for such activity, and coffeehouses like Condesa's O4W (Old Fourth Ward) location have tremendous patios for their agoraphilic patrons like myself.

Monday, October 03, 2016

Crew Collective and Cafe




Subject: Crew Collective and Cafe
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

If there's an item that woefully lacks in coffeehouses these days, it's unique atmosphere. Few shops seem to transcend the usual trends or really put their creativity to work when putting together their environment. My theory is that due to the crucial nature of atmosphere, most places either play it safe, sticking to tested convention versus more interesting ideas, or find themselves limited by time/money/laws/themselves. Whatever the reasons, unique digs definitely elude the average cafe.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Birch Coffee



Subject: Birch Coffee
Location Visited: Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY
WiFi?: no
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Despite the enormity of great coffee in Manhattan, it can still be difficult in certain areas to find a great stop later in the day. Sadly, not all New York City cafes are created equal, and especially for those who enjoy an evening cup of lovingly-crafted joe, it can be hard to locate a provider. Fortunately, the quality coffee scene grows stronger and shops are expanding like wildfire, but in the meantime there is one place in particular that always seems to be nearby when needed: Birch Coffee.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Henry and June




Subject: Henry and June
Location: Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Updated 9/19/16: It appears this place is in the process of closing down, with limited hours and offerings. Stop by while you still can (check their social media for updates).
Tis a loss for Atlanta. 


While I understand the risks, I personally love shopping for clothes with my coffee in hand. Of course there have been a few times employees have asked me to cease my sippings until I've cleared the register, but most places don't seem to mind (I think it's due to my observable dexterity with a mug). And while I am used to this peaceful coexistence I find at most retail outlets, every now and then I find a store that not only embraces the fusion of coffee and fashion, but that sells both.

Monday, September 12, 2016

September Surf Cafe




Subject: September Surf Cafe
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I never expected to find a surf-centered coffeehouse in Montreal, and yet there exists September Surf Cafe. Named for the peak surf conditions offered on the tail end of summer, September Surf offers excellent coffee along with their affinity for hanging ten.

Friday, September 02, 2016

Rev Coffee Roasters


Subject: Rev Coffee Roasters
Location Visited: Smyrna, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I have always looked at getting a great coffee from a distant roaster as a small road trip in a bag. While I aspire to visit every worthwhile coffee purveyor, the sad truth is that there's not much money in my coffee coffers to make that a consistent reality. So until I get to a roaster's physical shop (if they have one), I'm more than content to breathe in their beans and slurp their brews from afar.

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Speckled Hen




Subject: Speckled Hen
Location: Strasburg, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Living in the Philadelphia region means sporadic trips west of the city to the rolling hills of the Lancaster area. Whether your interest is in the amazing food and crafts of the Amish, the smorgasbords or the gorgeous country itself, I have come to love the area west of Sadsburyville.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Mugged: Copper Horse Coffee



Subject: Copper Horse Coffee Roasters
Coffees Mugged and Rating [see key]:
Ngoma Microlot #3 Burundi  6+
Bloom and Bough Blend  5+
Finca Auroro Xolhuitz Guatemala  5+

As a former resident of Central New York, it always warms my heart to see great coffee gaining a stronger foothold in the land of finger lakes and (seemingly) eternal winter. Back in my first days up north, the options for coffee roasters were few and thankfully, the options have grown varied and delicious ever since I left. One of the newer and more delicious of these entities is an Ithaca operation called Copper Horse Coffee Roasters. Getting three of their coffees sent down my way, I took each for a spin via pourover, french press and siphon.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Taproom Coffee and Beer





Subject: Taproom Coffee and Beer 
Location: Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

It seems that as the years march on, coffee and beer become better friends. For awhile, they only coexisted in the same house. Then some years ago, coffeehouses began featuring quality drafts offerings, mostly in localities where a liquor license didn't preclude such a team-up. Now with nitrogenated coffee (and tea) offerings popping up across the globe, it seems that the only thing separating coffee from beer are their chemical compositions.

Monday, August 01, 2016

Ox Coffee




Subject: Ox Coffee
Location: Philadelphia, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

During my late high school and early college years, I would often stroll the area around Philly's South Street looking for a great coffeehouse to patronize. Sadly, in that era there were few decent options and I often spent a lot of time walking around weeping silent tears. Years later, great spots began popping up here and there, making for a full turn around for the local coffee scene. But of all the current spots that would have appealed to me both past and present is 3rd Street's Ox Coffee.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Revelator Coffee Company




Subject: Revelator Coffee Company
Location Visited: Birmingham, AL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

When one looks for great coffee in the southeast US, there's more and more great coffee popping up all over the place, with individual cafes blooming in most major urban centers. Yet one coffee company that has established numerous outposts all over the south is a roaster called Revelator. With shops now in five major southeast cities and plans for further expansion, this relatively new juggernaut has blessed the south with gorgeous shops and delicious coffee.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Mugged: 1804


Subject: 1804 Coffee Co.
Coffees Mugged: Pine Fore
Rating [see key]: 4+

For as long as I have been drinking coffee, Haiti has not been a country renown for its great coffee. While the country has a history of cultivation, it seems that only now has Haitian coffee spilled into the realm of quality coffee. Still, much of the coffee beans I have had from Haiti have been too dark to discern any positive flavor, a trend that still persists among many coffee entities. But fortunately there does exist a coffee roaster that offers Haitian coffee that does not get lost in second crack.