Monday, February 22, 2016

4121 Main


Subject: 4121 Main
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Coffee is a lot like a flower: both are beautiful, regularly coveted and add a necessary spice to life. And like a great coffeehouse, one does not easily discover a great florist on every street corner. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, they can find both tremendous coffee and eye-catching floral arrangements in a small boutique called 4121 Main.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

The Julio Handmade Mug


While I am no expert in the realm of pottery, I know it takes a lot of skill to make a handsome mug by hand. Having been to my share of arts festivals and student showcases, my eyes have seen plenty of decently-constructed vessels and it's not often I fall in love with one (it would probably be why I have only three or four hand-crafted vessels in my cupboard).

Monday, February 15, 2016

Comet Coffee



Subject: Comet Coffee
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

When I used to work in higher education, it seemed that about a quarter of my colleagues either studied or worked at the University of Michigan. At the time I had never been, so I listened to their stories of a stately campus, the great town and cold winters. Though I had intention of making my way there sooner, it wasn't until recently that I was finally able to visit. And despite my interest in seeing the campus, my sights were first set on an Ann Arbor coffee establishment called Comet Coffee.

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Little Amps Coffee Roasters




Subject: Little Amps Coffee Roasters
Location: Harrisburg, PA (downtown location)
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

The great state of Pennsylvania is a complex state. Home to major cities, beautiful countryside and quaint towns, I find new surprises every time I traverse it. One city often overlooked is the state capital. Dubbed head of PA in 1812, Harrisburg is not only a city rich in history but full of gems not always as lauded as their Philly and Pittsburgh peers. One such diamond worthy of a little attention is a coffee operation known as Little Amps Coffee Roasters.