Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Quay Coffee




Subject: Quay Coffee
Location visited: Delaware St, Kansas City, MO
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

My first visit to Kansas City turned out far shorter than I had hoped, lasting but mere minutes. Flying in for a wedding back in 2006, I arrived in KC with family and a few conflicting views on how to best spend the time prior to the nuptials. Unfortunately, going into the city to get a real cup of coffee did not make the cut, and I drove away from the city forlorn and destitute of espresso.

Thanks be to the Lord that my second trip proved far better, with a predetermined coffee route and willing compatriots. Winding our way through the streets, we eventually found ourselves in the River Market striding towards the impressive facade of Quay Coffee. Pronounced "Key Coffee" (look it up), this voluminous shop provides a beautiful space in which to sip coffee, work and bask in the afternoon sunlight that pours through their behemoth front windows. 

As for coffee, they offer an ambitious multi-roaster program that focuses on direct trade coffee from quality sources. During my visit, they provided coffee from Black and White, Blueprint, Kllr as well as Onyx, and in the end I went with an espresso of Onyx's Monarch and a batch brew of Southern Weather. The espresso, pulled short/medium with light brown crema, trumpeted out notes of rose, cocoa, hibiscus, watermelon candy, cream and a bit of sage, proving bright and nuanced. The drip coffee also fared excellently, with flavors of tomato, sourdough, olive oil, apple, plum, heavy cream and blackberry tea in a medium body.

With much more to see in order to make up for my first trip, we did not linger long at Quay. But as we departed, I couldn't help but envy Kansas City for possessing such a gem. The next time you land in the area, do your best to get over to the River Market (or to their Oak St location) for some excellent coffee in a beautiful shop.







These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!

 

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