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What's does "CC" mean?
Location visited: Seattle, WA
(Capitol Hill location)
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]I never thought I'd be introduced to a great Seattle coffee company in Montana, but in my visits to Rockford Coffee of Bozeman, I became enamored with their roaster at the time, Caffe Vita (note: Rockford now seems to roast their own). Every time I got a drink at Rockford (especially their americanos), I really wanted to make a road trip to Seattle to taste the coffee direct at the source.
It took a while, but finally I was able to make a trip to the source. On a brisk weekday morning, I meandered over to Caffe Vita to meet a colleague for a cup of coffee. The shop is clearly visible from afar, as their mammoth sign broadcasts the location clearly. Upon moving closer, a few pieces of well-placed furniture underneath their ample awning drew me right through their front doors into the line. The inside itself has two floors, both with abundant furniture and rich woods, but the downstairs has a much more cozy and dim aura while the upstairs has a brighter and soothing feel.
Caffe Vita roasts their own coffee, having a nice selection of single origins and blends. Prior to this visit, most of my experience with their brewed coffee came from but one or two single origins, so I decided to try their Bistro Blend. It produced a zesty and buttery cup that had merit, but overall tasted a little too dark and a bit lackluster. The espresso came out better, as it was pulled short and demonstrated tinges of bittersweet chocolate and condensed milk, albeit small hints of bitterness on the back end. As for their teas, they have their own line of free leaf teas.
Given my past experiences, I would say this encounter with Caffe Vita really rounded out my perceptions of the operation. While I didn't end up falling as head over heels as I thought I might, I would say that I'm even more intrigued by the company than before. Definitely will warrant another try.
Thus, if you're in town, make a bee line for Caffe Vita to give them a shot yourselves.
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What's does "CC" mean?
Location visited: Seattle, WA
(University Zoka location)Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]As a rule, every college campus should always have a good coffehouse close by. Sure almost all campuses have coffeehouses near, but it is a rare sight to walk off the University property and in a few short steps, find yourself in a coffee establishment that knows how to pull espresso and serve quality coffee (it's even rarer to find such good coffee on the campus, but that's another rant).
Yet this dilemma does not exist at the University of Washington where Zoka Coffee Roaster and Tea Company has a location right near campus beneath what seemed to be student housing (fortunate souls). The cafe itself is bohemoth, stretching longer than a tour bus and as wide as six team of oxen. The exterior holds basic but inside, the cafe has a nice wood and white theme complete with fireplace in the back, not to mention enough seats to sit the population of Oz (most of the seats were full when I stopped in).
Zoka of course roasts their own coffee, having a famed reputation as one of Seattle's finest. The brew I ingested this particular visit was their Costa Rican, a nice light coffee with hints of bran, cocoa and molasses. The espresso came out wonderfully (due to skilled hands I'm sure), with a pair of short velvety shots that relayed a nice zest and notes of chocolate cake and a touch of honey. The tea is free leaf of their own.
As I sat and finished my espresso, I really felt envious for the many students working so diligently. Not only did they have a mammoth, stylish place to do work and meet with people, but more importantly they can get a real decent cup of coffee without a small road trip. How I wish I had such fortunes when I was a school boy.
Whether you're at the University Zoka location or one of the others, make sure to give Zoka a stop if you're in town.
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What's does "CC" mean?
Location visited: Croton-on-Hudson, NYFree WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 4+ [see key]
While I hardly visit the Hudson river and its many beautiful landscapes, I really do enjoy traversing the breathless vistas. It really makes you understand the lament that many Hudson River Schoolers had about the development that really overtook the area (I'm sure it was a billion times more gorgeous pre-development).
But after a nice dose of nature, my tongue began cramping for a spot of coffee. Fortunately, I had a spot nearby slotted for a visit called the Black Cow Coffee Company. The BCCC sits in a strip mall with not too much outside save their big sign and a one way parking lot. Within, the shop has a very agrarian look with all kinds of rustic furniture and other interesting rural pieces.
The Black Cow roasts its own coffee, with a bunch of different single origins and blends. I had their Mud blend via drip, which manifested a bright cup with samples of tobacco and apple; a good cup but a little bland as well. The espresso was presented as a short/medium pull with flavors of dark chocolate in front and hints of pineapple following, but there was also a noticeable amount of bitter char on the end. The tea is Republic of Tea.
Having quenched my appetite for a decent coffee, I made my way off to the cliffs overlooking the Hudson river (pictures of course). If you happen to be in the area either admiring the sights or just passing through, give the Black Cow a visit.
Since I'm not a big fan of mints or gum, and carrying the ol' toothbrush around doesn't work either, I really get excited when other options present themselves.
Recently, I had an opportunity to try out the Colgate Wisps (disposable little toothbrushes with the toothpaste infused) and while they were nothing compared to real brushing, it did help cleanse my mouth of its many microbial trespassers.
Thus if you're not all that into sugary solutions, the Wisp might be your answer.
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What's does "CC" mean?
Location visited: Vancouver, BCFree WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]
In my travels, Vancouver has thus far been my favorite Canadian city. The beautiful mountains shadowing the large metropolis really brings the best of the city to the prisitine wonder of the wild. From also what I understand, the weather also rarely gets too unbearable (it was relatively beautiful when I visited) and the culture has all sorts of facets to it.
But for me, the best part of Vancouver was the coffee (shocker!). As Seattle's Canadian neighbor, the city has in many ways distinguished itself quite noticeably in the coffee and espresso scene. Of the many places I wished to visit, the one at the top of my list was 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters' showcase cafe on W 4th Avenue. I had the fortune of imbibing their coffee in a couple other locations, all of which proved lovely, so to visit the mother ship gave me something to really look forward to.
Walking down the street on a lovely early spring day, I first beheld the cafe after I had nearly stumbled over it (the shops were close and much of the neighboring signage was quite loud). Stepping past their nice metal outside seating and retractable awning, I walked into their beautifully decorated shop with its vaulted ceilings plus their trademark blue and brown color scheme. I also want to note that this was probably the first cafe that I've seen more than a few employees working at the same time (I remember it numbering over 6!).
Getting straight to the coffee, I ordered 49th's Costa Rica via their Clover. The brew turned out wonderful, with an even-balanced, bright cup with hints of currants. The espresso also came out blissfully well, with a nice balance of sweetness and even a touch of saltiness, overshadowed with a wave of chocolate. The tea is free leaf of their own.
Given my lofty impressions of 49th Parallel Coffee and of Vancouver, I definitely left with an utter satisfaction of a good experience. If you're ever in town, definitely pop by 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters.
What's does "CC" mean?
