Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. Buzz, Buzz, Buzz
While this name of Ben and Jerry’s coffee-flavored ice cream may be an advertising strategy, it appropriate captures the essence of what most of us are looking for in a cup of our favorite blend.
Whether it’s a morning cup of joe or an afternoon pick-me-up there is no better energy booster than a good cup of coffee.
Typical coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts serve as solid choices for grabbing coffee on the run, but small local coffee houses can serve as hidden gems, serving delicious brews and offering a more personal feel than their franchised counterparts.
Lisa Rotenberg, owner of the coffee specialty website Rocketfuelcoffee.com said when looking for a good cup of Joe, there are several things to take into consideration.
“Coffee should be smooth, have no bitterness and taste fresh,” she said. “You should be able to taste different “notes” like when you are tasting wine.”
Rotenberg said there are several “buzzwords” that coffee tasters use to describe what a cup of coffee tastes like, ranging from “delicate” and “mild” to “tangy” and “fragrant”.
For the more adventurous coffee drinker who wants something other than filtered coffee, Rotenberg said proportions and temperature of the drink are key to their deliciousness.
“There are some drinks that are made with espressos and steamed milk. If the proportions and the temperatures are incorrect, the drinks will not be as delicious as they can be,” she said. “Baristas can be so devoted to this craft they win championships.”
While Rotenberg’s company focuses more on at home coffee use, she said customers should also be aware in addition to the quality of the coffee itself, choosing the right coffee house is also something one should consider. While almost all places offer a “take-away” option, in order to enjoy the full experience, sitting in a coffeehouse and sipping on an espresso can be a rewarding experience.
“Be really, really nice to the staff who make your coffee. It’s all they do all day,” said Rotenberg.
Coffeehouses range in their style and offerings. This includes the coffee they offer. A Turkish coffeehouse will offer different coffees than their French counterparts.
Aside from ethnic differences, coffeehouses also differ in themes. Some have open mic nights, stay open 24 hours, and have live music at night. Others are much more bohemian, selling art and other works of craft.
Whether drinking in or taking out, small coffee shops offer a cozy alternative to the hustle and bustle (and often overcrowded) coffee chains.
Ready to try a coffeehouse? Here are a few suggestions of local places.
Charlotte
Coffee House At Mountain Island
Central Coffee Co.
Rush Espresso Café www.rushespressocafe.com
Coffeeworks Inc
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