If you are looking for a new coffee maker or just need more coffee beans, you can go to my new Amazon
online shopping space. Click here: My Amazon Coffee Shop
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Where Does Coffee Come From?
Generally, there are three primary coffee growing and
exporting areas throughout the world and all are in the equatorial region. The
specific areas are Central and South America, Africa
and the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
National Geographic calls this area between the Tropic of Cancer
and the Tropic of Capricorn the "Bean Belt" as nearly all of the
commercially grown coffee in the world comes out of these regions.
These are the supreme growing areas because the best beans
produced are those grown at high altitudes, in a moist, tropical climate, with
rich soils and temperatures around 70°F (21°C) - all of which the tropics has
to offer.
Central and South America produce the
most coffee out of the three growing locations, with Brazil
and Colombia
leading the way. Mexico,
Guatemala, Costa
Rica, and Panama
also play a role here. In terms of flavor, these coffees are considered mild,
medium bodied, and aromatic.
Colombia
is the most well known coffee producing country and is unique because of its
exceptionally rugged landscape. However, this allows small family farms to
produce the coffee and as a result it is consistently ranked well. Colombian
Supremo is the highest grade.
The most famous coffees from Africa
and the Middle East originate in Kenya
and the Arabian Peninsula. Kenyan coffee is generally
grown in the foothills of Mount Kenya and is full bodied
and very fragrant, while the Arabian version tends to have a fruity flavor.
Southeast Asia is particularly popular for coffees from Indonesia and Vietnam. The Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi are famous around the world for their rich, full bodied coffees with "earthy flavors," whereas Vietnamese coffee is known for its medium bodied light flavor.
After being grown and harvested in each of these different locations, the coffee beans are then shipped to countries around the world where they are roasted and then distributed to consumers and cafes. Some of the top coffee importing countries are: the United States, Germany, Japan, France, and Italy.
Each of the aforementioned coffee exporting areas produce a coffee that is distinctive of its climate, topography, and even its growing practices. All of them however, grow coffees that are famous around the world for their individual tastes and millions of people enjoy them everyday.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
I just returned from a camping trip to north Lake Tahoe. As you may suppose, there are some great coffee shops to be found in Tahoe City, the nearest town to my campground. One of my favorites when I'm in town, is Tahoe House Bakery and Gourmet.Store. Located just south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, Tahoe House is great place to grab an espresso drink, a bite to eat and jump on the Internet with their free Wi-Fi service.
Which is exactly what I did one day during my recent camping trip. I wanted to go online and do some research and I also needed a large Americano to help me focus my concentration and get me going. After the barista handed me my drink, I was pleased to look down and see the golden color of the espresso crema. The crema is the espresso shot’s thin, foamy top layer. The crema should be golden-brown in color, slightly foamy and sweet-tasting. My Americano's crema layer was just that, foamy and sweet-tasting. The drink was also nice and HOT! Which is also very important to me in an espresso. One thing I dislike is a warm latte or cappucino. That ruins the drink for me. I've also had the pleasure of drinking their cappucino, breve style, (breve means to make your cappucino or latte with Half and Half cream instead of regular milk), regular latte, mocha, americano and their regular coffee. I found all their drinks to be very well made and the coffee flavor very good.
They are locally famous for their freshly brewed coffee. They have Swiss-made coffee machines that brew each cup to order. There’s something for everyone: lattes, mocha’s, cappuccino, and hot chocolate. No weak, overheated or stale coffee sold here! They also feature locally roasted Alpen Sierra Coffee which is also available for purchase by the pound.
Their baked goods are just as good as their coffee. The tough part is trying to decide what to order to go with your coffee. I usually get a scone or a cinnamon roll to go with my espresso.
Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet Store
625 West Lake Boulevard Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 583-1377
Fresh baked breads, pastries, coffee drinks, cookies, European style
tortes, a variety of bottled sauces and dressings, deli lunches, sandwiches, or fully
prepared meals to go with gourmet cheeses, meats, wine, and more!
Open 7 days a week!
Family owned and operated since 1977, the Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet Store is a must if you are looking for a place to get some great coffee, espresso, baked goods or something good to eat when you are out and about in north Lake Tahoe.
Which is exactly what I did one day during my recent camping trip. I wanted to go online and do some research and I also needed a large Americano to help me focus my concentration and get me going. After the barista handed me my drink, I was pleased to look down and see the golden color of the espresso crema. The crema is the espresso shot’s thin, foamy top layer. The crema should be golden-brown in color, slightly foamy and sweet-tasting. My Americano's crema layer was just that, foamy and sweet-tasting. The drink was also nice and HOT! Which is also very important to me in an espresso. One thing I dislike is a warm latte or cappucino. That ruins the drink for me. I've also had the pleasure of drinking their cappucino, breve style, (breve means to make your cappucino or latte with Half and Half cream instead of regular milk), regular latte, mocha, americano and their regular coffee. I found all their drinks to be very well made and the coffee flavor very good.
They are locally famous for their freshly brewed coffee. They have Swiss-made coffee machines that brew each cup to order. There’s something for everyone: lattes, mocha’s, cappuccino, and hot chocolate. No weak, overheated or stale coffee sold here! They also feature locally roasted Alpen Sierra Coffee which is also available for purchase by the pound.
Their baked goods are just as good as their coffee. The tough part is trying to decide what to order to go with your coffee. I usually get a scone or a cinnamon roll to go with my espresso.
Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet Store
625 West Lake Boulevard Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 583-1377
Open 7 days a week!
- Sunday – Thursday 6 am to 4 pm
- Friday and Saturday 6 am to 6 pm
- Summer hours 6 am to 6 pm daily
- Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Family owned and operated since 1977, the Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet Store is a must if you are looking for a place to get some great coffee, espresso, baked goods or something good to eat when you are out and about in north Lake Tahoe.
Monday, May 7, 2012
I finally got around to trying out a relatively new coffee bar in Davis, CA. Mishka's Cafe opened for business in February of 2011. The cafe building was built from the ground up in 2010. Originally founded in 1995, the café moved from its 2nd
Street location between D and E Street to one block over between E and F
Street. The new Mishka’s occupies the first floor of the two-story
building that was constructed next to the Varsity Theatre.
Mishka's is a great little coffee/tea place right in downtown Davis. The cafe has a very pleasant ambiance with plenty of tables and chairs everywhere, but every time I go there, it's very hard to find a place to sit inside. It's usually jam-packed with UC Davis students doing homework or going online. So seating is an issue during the school year.
They boast 100% organic & fair trade coffee, coming in three roast styles: dark, medium and light. Their medium is the most popular and the coffee always tastes fresh, especially considering it's roasted every Monday morning right in front of everyone.
I have not tried their drip coffee yet, but I really enjoyed the Americano and regular Latte I ordered on two trips there. Overall, it's not quite on par with Seattle espresso cafes I have been to, but they make a strong, properly made espresso drink with velvet foam. If you are tired of going to the chain coffee places, like Pete's and Starbucks, give Mishka's Cafe a try. You may be pleasantly surprised.
George
Mishka's Cafe
610 2nd St
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 759-0811
Mishka's is a great little coffee/tea place right in downtown Davis. The cafe has a very pleasant ambiance with plenty of tables and chairs everywhere, but every time I go there, it's very hard to find a place to sit inside. It's usually jam-packed with UC Davis students doing homework or going online. So seating is an issue during the school year.
They boast 100% organic & fair trade coffee, coming in three roast styles: dark, medium and light. Their medium is the most popular and the coffee always tastes fresh, especially considering it's roasted every Monday morning right in front of everyone.
I have not tried their drip coffee yet, but I really enjoyed the Americano and regular Latte I ordered on two trips there. Overall, it's not quite on par with Seattle espresso cafes I have been to, but they make a strong, properly made espresso drink with velvet foam. If you are tired of going to the chain coffee places, like Pete's and Starbucks, give Mishka's Cafe a try. You may be pleasantly surprised.
George
Mishka's Cafe
610 2nd St
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 759-0811
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
More Coffee Places to Go
What follows are some of the coffee shops I can remember and really enjoyed visiting over the last five years. I hope you find it helpful.
Brookings, OR - Mocha Joe's Coffee,613 Chetco Ave, Brookings, OR 97415
(541) 412-7444
* * * * * * * *
Ketchikan, AK- Edge Coffee, 5 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6587
Las Vegas, NV - Saxby's Coffee : Really tasty coffee, great espresso drinks brewed strong and hot. I always stop here when I'm leaving Las Vegas and heading to Lake Mead or far off destinations in Arizona.
Saxbys Coffee
* * * * * * * *
Trinidad, CA
Beachcomber Cafe : The sign in the window caught my eye, "Organic Espresso". That's all I needed to go in for triple-shot latte. I was very happy I decided to go in. Incredibly delicious espresso roasted coffee shots with exquisite foam. There are a group of girls working behind the counter of this free-spirited coffee shop/restaurant. Very friendly and engaging and were patient enough to answer all my questions about the area and the weather. The baked goods are all locally made and really tasty. A definite stop on any trip to north coast of California. It's also a nice place to sit down and read a book or go online.
They also loan you a mug for your drink so you don't have to drink from a paper cup.
Beachcomber Cafe
363 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
* * * * * * * *
Tahoe City, CA - Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet625 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145(530) 583-1377
Great local coffee place with excellent baked goods and sandwiches too. They brew each cup of coffee fresh, one cup at a time. I can't say enough good things about their cappuccinos and lattes. They are made with a European espresso machine and the baristas have been trained well. The espresso drinks are strong, hot and flavorful. The foam is light and frothy. I usually get a latte and a coffee chaser because they taste so good. Try their cinnamon pull-apart roll while you're at it.
If you're riding your bike along the bike path near the turnoff for Granlibakken Road, just pull into the parking lot off of the bike path and you are there. You can sit under the tall Ponderosa pine trees that are all around in their outdoor patio area as you sip your refreshing coffee drink. Enjoy.
* * * * * * * *
Sonoma, CA
* * * * * * * *
Auckland, New Zealand - Hollywood Coffee
* * * * * * * *
Ashland, OR - Noble Coffee, 281 4th Street, Ashland, OR
* * * * * * * *
Costa Mesa, CA - Diedrich Coffee, 474 E 17th , Costa Mesa
* * * * * * * *
Fairfield, CA - Peet's Coffee & Tea
Brookings, OR - Mocha Joe's Coffee,613 Chetco Ave, Brookings, OR 97415
 | |
| Enjoying a latte and the beautiful weather at Mocha Joe's in Brookings-Harbor, OR. |
Ketchikan, AK- Edge Coffee, 5 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6587
Right next to the cruise ships on Front Street. They serve Ravens Brew coffee here which is roasted in Ketchikan, Anchorage, AK and Tumwater, WA. * * * * * * * * Flagstaff, AZ Macy's European Coffee House
14 Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5502
* * * * * * * * Kingman, AZ - Starbucks; What can I say about Starbucks that hasn't already been said or written. I am a longtime fan of Starbucks having been buying coffee there since the mid 1980's. I always seek out a Starbucks when I am taking long car trips. When I stop in a small town or at one of those highway truck stop centers, I always look for a Starbucks. I know I can get a consistently made, strong, flavorful and hot cup of coffee there as opposed to a gas station or convenience store. It's also nice to relax in their stores and soak up the friendly atmosphere. My favorite drinks there are brewed coffee, caramel macchiato, mocha, Chai tea latte, wet cappuccino, ided coffee, mocha frappuccino and their hot chocolate.
* * * * * * * * |
Saxbys Coffee
72 West Horizon Ridge Parkway
Henderson, NV 89012-5329
(702) 558-1838
saxbyscoffee.com
* * * * * * * *
Trinidad, CA
Beachcomber Cafe : The sign in the window caught my eye, "Organic Espresso". That's all I needed to go in for triple-shot latte. I was very happy I decided to go in. Incredibly delicious espresso roasted coffee shots with exquisite foam. There are a group of girls working behind the counter of this free-spirited coffee shop/restaurant. Very friendly and engaging and were patient enough to answer all my questions about the area and the weather. The baked goods are all locally made and really tasty. A definite stop on any trip to north coast of California. It's also a nice place to sit down and read a book or go online.
They also loan you a mug for your drink so you don't have to drink from a paper cup.
Beachcomber Cafe
363 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
* * * * * * * *
Tahoe City, CA - Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet625 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Great local coffee place with excellent baked goods and sandwiches too. They brew each cup of coffee fresh, one cup at a time. I can't say enough good things about their cappuccinos and lattes. They are made with a European espresso machine and the baristas have been trained well. The espresso drinks are strong, hot and flavorful. The foam is light and frothy. I usually get a latte and a coffee chaser because they taste so good. Try their cinnamon pull-apart roll while you're at it.
If you're riding your bike along the bike path near the turnoff for Granlibakken Road, just pull into the parking lot off of the bike path and you are there. You can sit under the tall Ponderosa pine trees that are all around in their outdoor patio area as you sip your refreshing coffee drink. Enjoy.
* * * * * * * *
Sonoma, CA
| Basque Boulangerie Café |
| 460 First Street East Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 935-7687 7AM - 6PM Daily |
Auckland, New Zealand - Hollywood Coffee
* * * * * * * *
Ashland, OR - Noble Coffee, 281 4th Street, Ashland, OR
* * * * * * * *
Costa Mesa, CA - Diedrich Coffee, 474 E 17th , Costa Mesa
* * * * * * * *
Fairfield, CA - Peet's Coffee & Tea
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Great Coffee Houses on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State
Just wanted to mention a couple of great independent coffee shops that I always frequent when I am in the Port Angeles, WA area. I lived in Port Angeles for 6 years and really soaked up the whole Pacific Northwest vibe, which incidentally includes going for coffee or a latte and warming up. The winters in this part of the country can be long, wet and dark. The perfect environment to bring people indoors for a hot cup of whatever.
Anyway, the first place I always go to in Port Angeles is called Itty Bitty Buzz because the original Buzz is in nearby Sequim. This is it's little sister or brother whatever you prefer. Their drip coffee is excellent and all their espresso drinks are strong and hot, just the way I like them. The available baked goods (cookies, cake, cinnamon rolls, scones), sandwiches, are delicious. There's a large room next to the coffee bar with comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy yourself.
Itty Bitty Buzz
110 E First St
Port Angeles, WA 98362
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next place I want to talk about is Hurricane Coffee Company in downtown Sequim, WA. This is a
great place to hang out and enjoy a mocha, latte or cappuccino or brewed coffee. This place knows how to make a cappuccino. I've been in here a few times and every time they make it right. Great ambiance, good food, free Wi-Fi, helpful staff, outdoor seating with umbrellas, great place to hang out and enjoy the local flavour of downtown Sequim.
Hurricane Coffee Company
104 W Washington St, Sequim, WA ; Cross Streets: Near the intersection of W Washington St and N 2nd Avenue. There you go, two places to go for great coffee, great food and friendly people on the Olympic Peninusula, in Washington's northwest corner.
Anyway, the first place I always go to in Port Angeles is called Itty Bitty Buzz because the original Buzz is in nearby Sequim. This is it's little sister or brother whatever you prefer. Their drip coffee is excellent and all their espresso drinks are strong and hot, just the way I like them. The available baked goods (cookies, cake, cinnamon rolls, scones), sandwiches, are delicious. There's a large room next to the coffee bar with comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy yourself.
Itty Bitty Buzz
110 E First St
Port Angeles, WA 98362
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next place I want to talk about is Hurricane Coffee Company in downtown Sequim, WA. This is a
great place to hang out and enjoy a mocha, latte or cappuccino or brewed coffee. This place knows how to make a cappuccino. I've been in here a few times and every time they make it right. Great ambiance, good food, free Wi-Fi, helpful staff, outdoor seating with umbrellas, great place to hang out and enjoy the local flavour of downtown Sequim.
Hurricane Coffee Company
104 W Washington St, Sequim, WA ; Cross Streets: Near the intersection of W Washington St and N 2nd Avenue. There you go, two places to go for great coffee, great food and friendly people on the Olympic Peninusula, in Washington's northwest corner.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Uptown Espresso - Seattle, WA
When I'm in Seattle, one of my favorite places to go for really good coffee or espresso is Uptown Espresso.
It's located on the corner of 4th Ave and Wall Street in downtown Seattle or Belltown as the locals like to call this area of downtown Seattle.
It's worth the to get over there because they are known as "Home of the Velvet Foam", and they aren't lying. Not to mention, the barista will create a nice little design in the foam on the top of your cup of espresso. The espresso roast coffee they use is the real deal and they pull the shots the right way.
There's plenty of seating and in the summer, they open up the windows so it's kind of like indoor patio. Very nice to be sipping coffee and watching people walk by. Free Wi-Fi is also provided which is nice. I usually have a couple of cappucino's and linger quite a while so I can get my fix of the place and the great espresso drinks. Here's to a great Seattle institution.
Uptown Espresso
Belltown
2504 4th Ave. (4th Ave. &Wall St)
206.441.1084
Hours: Mon-Thur 5am - 10pm, Fri 5am - 11pm, Sat 6am - 11pm, Sun 6am -10pm
It's located on the corner of 4th Ave and Wall Street in downtown Seattle or Belltown as the locals like to call this area of downtown Seattle.
It's worth the to get over there because they are known as "Home of the Velvet Foam", and they aren't lying. Not to mention, the barista will create a nice little design in the foam on the top of your cup of espresso. The espresso roast coffee they use is the real deal and they pull the shots the right way.
There's plenty of seating and in the summer, they open up the windows so it's kind of like indoor patio. Very nice to be sipping coffee and watching people walk by. Free Wi-Fi is also provided which is nice. I usually have a couple of cappucino's and linger quite a while so I can get my fix of the place and the great espresso drinks. Here's to a great Seattle institution.
Uptown Espresso
Belltown
2504 4th Ave. (4th Ave. &Wall St)
206.441.1084
Hours: Mon-Thur 5am - 10pm, Fri 5am - 11pm, Sat 6am - 11pm, Sun 6am -10pm
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