Mugged: Kenya Kiruga [Evocation]

Subject: Evocation Coffee Roasters
Coffee Mugged: Kenya Kiruga via My Coffee Pub
Rating [see key]: 6+

In my visits to Texas, I've only traversed the panhandle once, and that expedition was but a quick drive that only allowed for a single gas stop prior to Amarillo. I remember the spot well, right off the highway at a gas station without prices. Seeing that I was running on fumes, I didn't care to risk looking for a second option, so I pulled in and counted my cash to make sure I had enough to pay for a little more than usual. The lady did ending up charging me (what I thought was) too much, but since I was in a hurry and in little position to argue, I paid, hopped back in my car and raced on through Amarillo into New Mexico.

Does Disney World Have Good Coffee?

Some years ago, in my haughty college days of grand enlightenment, I remember making the statement that Disney World was a lazy man's repeat vacation. Sure I saw the sense in getting there once, mainly to experience the magic firsthand and see what the hullabaloo is about. But after maybe a return visit a decade later, why burn your precious vacation dollars going to the same place over and over like so many people do?

Blueprint Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

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

One of my cousins went to Washington University in St. Louis about the same time I went to school in NJ. Not knowing much at the time about St. Louis, he would often tell of random antics around the campus and surrounding area. One thing he mentioned consistently was how nice the surrounding neighborhood was, though no matter how many times I pressed him, he could never tell me of a great coffeehouse.

Cathedral Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cathedral Coffee Shop
Location: Portland, OR
WiFi?: Yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

One of the things I adore about Portland is the raw beauty of the city. Few spots (in the even fewer dilapidated parts of town) make cause for grimacing, and spots of majesty abound. One such gorgeous find I found lays on the northern portion of Portland, upon the eastern side of the Williamette River. The land is a high promontory that allows you to look out over the city, complete with huge conifers flanking you like giant seraphim standing watch.

Mugged: Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate [Kohana]

Subject: Kohana Coffee
Coffee Mugged: Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
Rating [see key]: 4+

In light of cold brew growing in popularity, it seems like the greatest hurdle for true expansion is creating a shelf stable product. Lots of companies grow through it but it seems few come out on the other side with a drinkable product that can survive long out of the fridge (check out this great Atlantic piece on Blue Bottle).