must - have - coffee!

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

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