Hey Friends!
I moved to DC nearly 18 years ago and immediately fell in love with its rich history and culture! Living in Capitol Hill was a defining time for me in so many ways. So, when asked to contribute to this article, I was super excited and honored to mention two of my favorite hidden gems in DC—The Roasted Boon and Sunah Blu. Check out the article below. I am sure you will find some cool new spots to visit in the nation’s capital.
Coffee is more than just a drink; it’s an experience, a ritual, a moment of solace that brings warmth to the soul. For me, Ethiopian coffee, with its rich history and unique flavor profile, holds a special place in my heart. This love story began on a chilly morning in Detroit, Michigan when I stumbled upon a cute little coffee house serving Ethiopian Yirgachefe. Little did I know, this medium dark roast would ignite a passion for one of the world’s most beloved beverages.
A Journey to Ethiopia in Every Sip
Ethiopian coffee is often regarded as the birthplace of coffee, a place steeped in centuries of tradition, culture, and the craftsmanship of the perfect brew. The coffee from this region is celebrated for its distinct flavors, which can range from fruity and floral to earthy and spicy. My first encounter with Ethiopian coffee was invigorating. The complex notes danced around my palate, captivating my senses with each sip.
It wasn’t long before I found myself returning to this beloved variety time and time again. My quest for the perfect Ethiopian brew led me to Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Shade Grown coffee—a medium dark roast that caught my eye while I was perusing the aisles one lazy afternoon.
Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Shade Grown Coffee: A New Favorite
The moment I opened the bag of Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Shade Grown coffee, I was met with an incredible aroma that filled the air with deep, rich scents. It entices you to brew a cup and indulge. The lush smell is a prelude to the symphony of flavors that the beans offer.
Once brewed, the medium dark roast showcased a beautifully balanced cup of coffee. Its medium body is neither too heavy nor too light, making it incredibly versatile for any time of day. With just the right amount of depth, it carries the distinct Ethiopian characteristics I adore while providing a smooth finish that lingers without overwhelming the palate.
What truly sets this coffee apart is the commitment to quality and ethics. Being both organic and fair trade means that the farmers are not only receiving fair compensation for their hard work, but the cultivation process also supports sustainable farming practices. This aspect resonates deeply with me; knowing that my morning ritual contributes positively to the well-being of others makes each cup all the more enjoyable.
Brewing the Perfect Cup
Brewing my coffee has become a cherished morning ritual. I like to grind the beans just before brewing to maximize freshness, allowing the rich aroma to envelop my space. I prefer my Ethiopian coffee with a splash of cream—just enough to enhance the natural sweetness without overpowering the complex flavor notes. Each sip transports me to the highlands of Ethiopia, where coffee is not just a beverage but a cultural ceremony.
A Love Story to Cherish
In many ways, my journey with Ethiopian coffee and the Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Shade Grown brew is a love story—one that bridges the gap between tradition and modern convenience, between heritage and everyday life. As I savor each cup, I am reminded of the rich tapestry that coffee weaves through our shared experiences. It’s a drink that warms not only the body but also the heart, connecting us all in simple yet profound ways.
So the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting brew, consider trying Ethiopian coffee, specifically the enticing medium dark roast from Trader Joe’s. The delightful aroma, balanced body, and ethical sourcing will make you fall in love, too. Who knows? It could be the beginning of your own coffee love story.
Vigilante Coffee: “Uplifting others through Specility Coffee”
This coffee house is one of my favorites in the DMV! Located in Hyattsville, MD; Vigilante is a whole vibe. It has an industrial-look with an airy feel. A roastery and cafe serving artisanal java made from organic and fair-trade beans.
The cool atmosphere allows one to settle into an amazing cup of coffee. Oberving the roasting process is an added bonus.
I personally got to know the proprietors Chris and Ashely years ago when I had the awesome opportunity of supplying the shop with my fresh made granola. One of my best jobs ever! Their passion for the coffee industry shines through in every cup. And the staff are some of the kindest and most professional I have experienced in all of my MANY visits to coffee houses around the world.
On today’s #esspressotrips, I enjoyed an espresso shot with a sidecar! The sidecar was sparkling water. This was a first for me. So, I decided to do a bit of research. It turns out that sparkling water is served alongside an espresso to improve the customer experience. In fact, Jason Reed Miller, director of coffee at Mazarine Coffee in San Francisco’s bustling financial district told Maggie Spicer at Edible magazine (July 2015) “The act of serving water as an unexpected accompaniment expands the experience of drinking espresso in a café.” This resonates with me because I was able to cleanse my palate before I enjoyed the flavor burst of the morning!
If you are ever in the DMV I highly recommend you visit Vigilante! Check them out on Instagram @vigilantecoffee
Thank you Vigilante for another great and different coffee experience!
Yours in coffee,
Alicia
Writing and publishing your memoir is one thing but when your husband supports you and actually reads it! Now, that is something else!
My husband Kenneth Dalton said to me, “I read your book today, Babe. It was really good; good job.” I looked at him and smiled real big.
There is no emjoi that could ever describe how my husband makes me feel.
If you haven’t gotten your copy of I Can’t Keep Calm He Gave Me Beauty for Ashes, you can purchase it here:
Hugs,
Alicia
Exciting News!!!
If you have been following me for any length of time then you know that my posts are primarily about coffee. Well, I wanted to share some more good news with you. My new book release! I recently published my memoir: I Can’t Keep Calm: He Gave Me Beauty for Ashes. So, grab a cup of coffee and see below for the deets!
I Can’t Keep Calm: He Gave Me Beauty for Ashes is a Powerful story that will make you hope for and believe in love!!
Order your copy today by clicking the link below:
All the best,
Alicia
A great cup of coffee is even better when every cup supports a meaningful cause. On our Father’s Day 2021 road trip my husband said, “find yourself an esspressotrip in Wilmington, NC.” He didn’t have to ask me twice. After a quick Google search, I found Bitty and Beau’s- a unique coffee house whose proprietors describe as a “human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop. Although the goal was to find a blog-worthy coffee; It was their mission that intrigued me to visit them.
Ben and Amy Wright- owners of Bitty and Beau’s are the proud parents of 4 children; two of which have Down syndrome:” A condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows during pregnancy and after birth.” The Wrights are advocates for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place for their children and others living with disabilities.
“Two of Diamonds!” My order was ready! My husband had a cold brew lightly sweeten with brown sugar-cinnamon syrup and a splash of oat milk. I had an Oat Milk brown sugar-cinnamon latte. And the girls had frappes: Cotton Candy and Cookies and Cream. We also enjoyed a lemon cranberry muffin. Everything was delicious.
During our visit, I had the pleasure of speaking with the cashier Jesse. We spoke at length about the rich mission of Bitty and Beau’s. She shared that working there provides her and others a place of employment that is radically inclusive and without judgment. Jesse says; “it is the card we are dealt in life but it doesn’t limit us at all”. This explained why customers are dealt a card after placing their order. So, instead of calling a person’s order out by name, the barista says, for example, “Five of Hearts”
The service and coffee at Bitty’s and Beau’s were amazing. But what also stood out was a warm atmosphere full of blessings and gratitude.
I was also happy to learn about other franchised locations, such as Washington, DC, Annapolis, MD, Savanah, GA, and more.
My future travels to Willmington, NC will always include Bitty and Beau’s.
Check out the website for more information: https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/
Yours in coffee,
Alicia
References: “What is Down Syndrom?”,6 April, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html
Such a true quote!
This New Eritrean-Owned Coffee Shop opened in July 2020 in the Shaw neighborhood on the northwest side of DC; just months after COVID-19 reared its ugly head in the US. This must have been a challenge but they seem to be working through the ups and downs of this pandemic. I had the opportunity to visit this coffee house today and was very pleased with my Iced Oat milk Latte. If you have been following me for any length of time you know I love this drink. And the fact that they roast the beans in house is a win-win for me. But this latte had a unique depth about it. It was rich, earthy and subtly sweet with subtle notes of dark chocolate. On my next visit I plan to try their signature beverage: The Shaw Latte; which is made with French vanilla syrup and nutmeg. Lightly sweetened for me please! They also serve a variety of pastries, frappes, smoothies and wine too.
Besides my love for coffee and supporting local shops; I must admit the name intrigued me. Boon? Not bean? It’s not a typo my friends. A “boon” is a traditional coffee-making ceremony in Eritrea. It is performed for events such as a birth, death, when having over special guests, or just to pass the time away. Now, I really like the play on words and the logo which has two coffee beans in place of the o’s in boon.
With adequate “social distancing” seating (inside and out), I look forward to visiting this shop again during the warmer weather. This is truly a place that I would frequent often if I lived close by. Are you in the DC or planning a visit? Check out this gem located nicely in the Shaw neighborhood.
Coffee love,
Alicia
esspressotrips 