esspressotrips

Something about coffee

Author Archives: esspressotrips


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Bitty and Beau’s Coffee House~Willimington, NC

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.

It’s more than a cup of coffee!

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


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The Roasted Boon ~ Washington, DC

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


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Author’s Copies Now Available!

Are you ready to Elevate your Destiny? Is it time for you to forgive that unimaginable event that occurred in your life? You can start the process by getting a copy of this book.

I’m excited to announce that author’s copies are now available.

Order your signed copy today by emailing: dalton.alicia@gmail.com

Please include your name, address, quantity and special instructions for signing (ie. if the book is a gift include their name too).

Start your forgiveness journey today!

Warmly,

Alicia


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**New Book Release** The Let Go: Elevate your Destiny and Forgive

Get Inspired Today!

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 of my newest work with you. A new book release! I co-authored a book: The Let Go: Elevate your Destiny and Forgive. So, grab a cup of coffee and see below for the deets!

Everyone at some point in their life will experience joy, happiness, peace, as well as disappointment, pain, rejection, and possible trauma. Your experiences impact you emotionally, physically, and spiritually making it difficult to determine how to maintain the momentum to thrive or let go of those things that do not have value. Alicia Dalton and Sharon Lawrence will take you on a journey about their lives. You will see that some of their experiences regarding forgiveness, pain, and rejection are not so different from yours. They will provide insight as well as emotional and spiritual support for your journey in order to forgive, let go and move forward towards wholeness. Join them on a journey of healing!

To order go to: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735071722/ref

Here to inspire,

Alicia Dalton


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Getting caffeinated during the Coronavirus pandemic

There is no question that this pandemic has disrupted our day to day routine in a major way. Social distancing has arrested one of life’s simple pleasures. And that is sitting down to a good cup of joe in your favorite coffee house. Girlfriends meeting to catch up on the latest news while enjoying a latte has come to a halt. No more cofficing. No more leaving your office for that mid-afternoon #esspressotrip! Sigh!

Thankfully, some coffee establishments are coming up with new ways to keep their customers caffeinated. Zeke’s Coffee in Washington DC has made a way. Hallelujah! You can place your order over the phone and pick up your coffee on a table located at their front entrance. I’m loving it:)

This to shall pass…
My Oatmilk latte is on the table:🙂☕

If you are in the DC area, visit Zeke’s Coffee Roasters. You can also order coffee beans online at http://www.zekescoffeedc.com

To all my coffee lovers out there, Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay hydrated and caffeinate responsibly.

Yours in coffee,

Alicia

 


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Rise Up Coffee Roasters~Annapolis MD

As a child I use to drink my mom’s coffee.  She always kept Folgers Crystals, which is freeze dried instant coffee made to smell and taste like freshly brewed coffee. Today, I go for something a little different. When it comes to coffee, I seek out fair trade, organic and freshly roasted beans. Rise Up Coffee Roasters in Annapolis Maryland certainly delivers that and more!

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The menu consists of iced and hot beverages, muffins and a variety of pastries and quiche. They even serve a protein coffee smoothie. Sounds yummy!

Rise Up Coffee’s philosophy: “The farmer who grew this coffee should receive the glory. We are among the fortunate who get to roast their beautiful coffees and share them with you. By staying committed to the time-honored craft of artisanal coffee roasting, we strive to make them proud”.

I find this appealing because it speaks to the love they have for their craft.  A guiding principle like this can only produce one thing. A beautiful cup waiting to be enjoyed:)

Today, I ordered a half sweet dark chocolate mocha latte made with oat milk. It was beyond delicious. Not only that, the barista was very professional and took care in crafting my beverage.

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If you are ever in the Annapolis area, I recommend you give them a try. Check out there website: https://riseupcoffee.com/our-locations/ and tell them I sent you:)

Love you a latte:)

Alicia


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Sidewalk Coffee Series: Santa Cruz, California~ Saturn Cafe

I have decided to become a coffee snob. Truth be told, on any given day I will and have ordered and sipped coffee from fast food joints, gas stations, and out of those forbidden machines at any random 24 hour rest stop and have actually enjoyed it! I am admittedly coming out of the obscurity of drinking random, commercialized and manufactured beanery to a more discerning taste which reflects my coming of age (I just turned 50) and actively becoming more socially aware of the choices of coffee I make and why.

Also, before I share my first experience with trying one of my most favorite drinks at an independently owned coffeehouse and after coming to terms with my age and my evolving taste buds I must first set the parameters of which I will engage in this search and quest for the java that jams! Foremost, it has to be a stark contrast to how, when and why I partake. No more driving up, convenience or coffee chains, and way more free/fair trade, fair and environmentally responsible and sound.

Let’s also establish that coffee has become a good friend in the morning or early afternoon as the caffeine is just the jumpstart I need as I strive for that boost of clarity in my work as a consultant juggling multiple tasks, lists and errands. Another benefit is that I travel as a part of my work and sometimes the road can get monotonous. So, my plan will be to locate a small coffeehouse within walking distance of my hotel and stroll there to order my cup of joe. I will journal the taste, my in house experience and record the sights, sounds and smells! I am so excited!

My first experience on this journey of becoming the coffee snob I have always wanted to be was a trip to Santa Cruz, California. I stayed at a chain hotel fairly close to the downtown area. I walked approximately 4,000 steps one way to my desired destination. The first lesson I learned is that not all cafes specialize in coffee. This place was quaint and nestled on a quiet corner but adjacent were my favorite kind of self-care stores full of sage, crystals, tie-dyed clothing and incense! I was in my element! It was certainly not a surprise to me that the cafe was named after Saturn, where the stars and solar worlds meet and clash and beam and glow. The streets on my way to the cafe where also lined with moon and stars, astrology and religion, rocks, wood and nature. I enjoyed this walk!

So the coffee was organic, local and from fair trade! I am winning! Tres America was the brand and the taste was boldly smooth, earthy and took very well to cream and Splenda (look do not judge me, I am working up to trying other exciting sweeteners!) The environment was laid back and really cool, the average corner greasy spoon was more like it and I prefer so I had a dandy time! The service was amazing and the view out the window was equally pleasing. By the way, I tried the coffee hot and on ice and they both were pretty good! Wait, am I supposed to do that with the same brand of coffee? Snobs, fight me. LOL!
Well, this is my first try at it, and I will continue to try and visit more cafes, coffee houses and baristas while I am on the road…I hope my sidewalk coffee stories will encourage readers to get some steps in, reflect on local beauty and business and taste the best coffee ever! I am not a coffee snob yet but I am too excited about what the future holds in becoming one!
Sip on,

Kalimah

(Guest blogger)