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| coffee cupping at Thump |
I have a
dilemma of almost epic proportions.
Having moved to a new town means finding a new coffee joint to
frequent. My go-to spot in the Portland
area was Wind Horse in Milwaukie. They
served up a honey latte that was crazy awesome – you know just the right amount
of creamy foam and honey all swirled with robust coffee.
Local
roasters like Stumptown, Blue Kangaroo and St. Johns each have a different
persona, much like establishments that serve their electrifying brew. Coffee houses have their own vibe and beat,
so it’s hugely crucial to find the perfect sweet spot. I must admit, in my search I might have been
slightly over-caffeinated recently, but somehow, that hasn’t translated into
more productivity. Wondering why on that
one…
So, here’s
what I look for in a good coffee hang-out:
Of paramount importance is that they serve really good coffee; none of
that freeze-dried, stuffed-in-a-can and drug out of the refrigerator
stuff. Nope, it needs to be freshly
roasted and ground just before being drenched in really, really hot water,
nothing tepid here! Music is vital to
the ambiance, you know, the alternative, Indie, minor sounds that float effortlessly
filling any dead space. There also needs
to be a hum of activity – people coming and going, catching up, reading,
checking email, that sort of stuff. Are
you getting a feel for my place? Oh,
yeah, they need to know my name.
These are
the type of places I like to be; watching people, making up wild stories in my
over-active mind; the busyness stirs my organic thoughts. It’s like when you are brainstorming and one
person’s ideas trigger more ideas.
Suddenly, you are reeling with stuff to think about, write about and
do. Seems a little insane, but I thrive
on the energy.
Mental
picture…
3:58pm
the coffee house vibrates with sound
mellow
Indie music mixes with crescendo hum of voices
intermingling orders and conversations
an organic ebb and flow of bodies
sipping in the elixir
of dark, heady brews
softened
by cream and foam
pause …
afternoon pick-me-up, planning, strategizing
study tables, flirty high school date
furtive
rendezvous
life beats to the aromas and sounds of the coffee house
“How am I doing in my search?”
Glad you asked, since I was going to tell you anyway. I have sipped my way through six places, so
far, including one “cupping.” Wow, talk
about getting the flavor and aroma.
It was certainly a full-sensory experience; think wine tasting, but with
caffeine. Outcome:
my inner-coffee-self hasn’t made a decision, but has without a doubt gulped
down some good blends.
Seeking my coffee house sweet spot…
Missy
If you have been mildly amused, challenged or inspired by what you have
read, please pass on my blog to a friend, colleague, family member or even
random acquaintance
Hi Missy - wow! I just found your blog - got an email from Google Plus that recommended it, probably because your email address is in our contacts. Very nice, I am impressed - love the poetry and the food! I never knew that your dog Bella was named after Isabella Bird. I read a book by or about her many years ago, and really enjoyed it. I've often had fantasies throughout my life of being able to travel back in time and be a pioneering woman like her. Not sure I could handle it, but I sure would love to have seen the country back then, before it was settled and despoiled! I hope I can figure out how to subscribe. Good luck with your coffeehouse search, and I will definitely check out Wind Horse again!
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy! So glad that Google Plus got us linked up here! I was just thinking that I needed to send you an email ... just wondering about the grandbaby status and the remodel?
DeleteI was so fascinated by the story of the real Isabella Bird. I had no idea before I started looking for a name for my blog. She was quite a lady, not without many challenges, but a very strong will and spirit.
You should be able to subscribe by submitting your email address in the box where it says
"keep us with the..." Thanks again for reading!
Love the coffee house blog..reminds when your brother Charlie and I sat on the sidewalk curb in Bend Oregon drinking latte..miss having a coffee houses here with real music and the hustle of life...Love Mom
ReplyDeleteHey, Mom ... didn't you say that there is a coffee shop in Pagosa that serves a honey latte? If not, maybe you should put a suggestion in the suggestion box?
DeleteWell described. I can feel it. Everything has an energy all its own so I get what you are looking for. I'm no coffee connoisseur but love the ambiance of a good coffee house. Good luck in your search. That's how you get to know a city by going to all the different places. Lot's of experience with that one.
ReplyDeleteYes, Marlene, the ambiance of a good place is sweet. You certainly have moved and know about re-settling. Are you starting to feel "settled" in your new home?
Delete