esspressotrips

Something about coffee


by Leave a comment

Common Grounds Coffee Company and Roasters~ Lexington, KY

  2014-12-29 12.42.56

Started in 1992, Common Grounds Coffee was the first official coffee house in Lexington, KY. This company has grown into the largest locally own coffee business in Lexington KY. They roast their own beans in their local warehouse. This warehouse facility also serves as their commercial kitchen and coffee supplier in which they provide freshly roasted beans to other Kentucky owned coffee shops. The proprietors have also partnered with Willet Distillery to craft their own bourbon barrel coffee.

My family and I had an opportunity to visit “The Original” site; located at 343 East High Street Lexington Kentucky 40507.  The décor is reminiscent of their appreciation for the Music and Arts. They have Open Mic Night and display the work of local artist on their walls. There is also plenty of nice seating and is a good meeting place for those who just want to hang out and connect with friends.

My husband and I enjoyed a few of their specialty lattes. He had The Buckeye: a creamy blend of peanut butter and chocolate. It was simply delish. I had the Depth Charge: a very rich drink with 4 shots of espresso, caramel, chocolate & vanilla. I requested this drink to be lightly sweet. It had a very unique and lovely taste. Full of body and flavor. This drink is for an experienced palate for sure! No newbies here!!! Overall,  the Baristas and other staff were very professional and took time to explain the menu. We also shared a slice of Triple Chocolate Cake. Yummo!

If you are ever in the Lexington area, do yourself a favor and give Common Grounds a try. You are in for a Treat! For more information visit their website: http://www.commongroundsoflexington.com/

 

For the Love of Coffee,

Alicia

 

 


by Leave a comment

Sweet Donkey Coffee House: Roanoke, VA

Pictured from Sweet Donkey's website

Picture from Sweet Donkey’s website

Oh How Sweet it is………..

Sweet Donkey Coffee House is the best coffee shop I have visited in Roanoke VA. This Roanoke “house” was built in 1922. Its homey feel completes the experience that I have come to expect when taking an “Esspresso Trip”. I enjoyed it’s comfortable seating options, beautiful art and décor. Each sitting area has its own unique design and personality.

During my visit I learned that SDC serves Counter Culture Coffee, a Durham-based company that provides organically certified brews. They also serve local pastries and dairy from local creameries. In my opinion, this further enhances their menu of fabulous coffee drinks. They sell tea as well but this is a coffee blog:)

My Cortado from SDC

My Cortado from SDC

I had a Cortado: 2oz of espresso finished with 2oz of steamed milk. I would describe this drink as sophisticated with a rich and robust finish. It is definitely for the more experienced palate. My husband had one of their seasonal drinks: A Pumpkin Latte. It was absolutely superb. My girls had the chocolate butternut squash muffin. It was insanely delicious.

It is clear to me that the proprietors of this establishment love coffee, their neighborhood, and their craft. The staff and baristas were beyond pleasant and professional. They really understand how to make a coffee house visit an experience.   I will definitely visit again!

If you are in the Roanoke VA area you should check them out. Here is there website: http://www.sweetdonkeycoffee.com/

Coffee Love,

Alicia


by 1 Comment

A Common Ground Coffee Shop~Williamsburg, KY

pictured by esspressotrips

My family and I were on a road trip and stopped in Williamsburg for a good nights rest. As usual, the next morning I began to think about my next Esspresso Trip. After reading the reviews for “A Common Ground Coffee Shop” I became very excited to experience what they had to offer. It appeared to me that the people where friendly, enjoyed their craft and ultimately enjoyed connecting with people. So, off we went to the coffee house. As we approached the location, it was discovered to be inside of a church! This made me even more excited because as a Christian, I like to support the work of the Lord.

Unfortunately, they were closed. The hours posted were “5:00-10:00 pm”. I just assumed that it was 5:00 am but after further research I learned that they are opened from 5:00 pm -10:00 pm.

According to Google+, their mission is to cultivate the environment of the community and to provide hospitality and deepen the lives of people they meet, all in Jesus name. Now what and awesome calling!

Although disappointed I missed the experience of this coffee house, it warms my heart to know that one can find their calling in Jesus and marry it with Coffee at the same time. Now that’s what I call Heaven on Earth:)

With coffee love,

Alicia

PS. If you are in the area, check them out for me:)

A Common Ground-219 South 5th Street, Williamsburg KY 40769 856-707-6672

 

 


by 1 Comment

Coffee Energy Bites

Yes! I would have to agree. There is something magical about that morning cup of coffee:-)

Brittany's avatarBlissfulbritt

There is something magical about a morning cup of coffee. Not just any cup, a morning cup. The cup that allows for relaxation with the paper, the internet, a book, or with a friend. The cup that allows last nights dinner to be safely excreted from your body. The cup that gives that morning pick me up after a long night of work, school, or gypsy wrangling.

676187766_1357111206

While I love coffee in it’s more common form of a liquid, the beans and grounds are becoming a quick favorite of mine when it comes to baking. I made my basura cookies last week, and they didn’t stand a chance lasting more than 2 days. The coffee grounds in these cookies really stole the show. Here’s another favorite with the addition of some coffee grounds. Energy bites SHOULD have coffee grounds in them, don’t you think?

Coffee Ground No Bake Energy Bites 

002p

20130125-092306Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry…

View original post 249 more words


by Leave a comment

Aromas World: Espresso, Sandwiches, Soups and Pastries

Aromas world picThis bustling coffee house is conveniently located in New Port News-Center City. Very nicely decorated with an Old World décor. Aromas is a nice spot to relax or hang out with family and friends. That is however, after you finally have the opportunity to place and receive your order!

The service was poor and extremely slow. The cashier was rude and uninviting. The Barrista clearly enjoyed his job but appeared overwhelmed with orders. He had NO HELP! We waited more than 20 minutes for three of our beverages. My husband had the pumpkin cheesecake latte. It was way too sweet. My daughters had the Apple Pie and European Steamers. While very tasty, they were too hot. I asked (multiple times) for the steamers to be mildly warmed, as they were “kid” drinks. My fix: Ice, to make them safe for my babies to drink. My son had a peppermint tea. Can’t mess that up so he was fine. Now, I had a lightly sweetened “Honey Do” Latte. It was pretty good but not something I would order again.

Honestly, even though our wait was long and our drinks not up to par, we had a good time with the Fam! I enjoyed that more than anything!

Momma and Dia

If you are in the area and need a nice large place to meet friends/family, check them out. Perhaps you will receive better service than we did:(

Yours in Coffee,

Alicia


by Leave a comment

Vigilante Coffee Company: Hyattsville, MD

Vigilante_fact

Quality and Superior Flavor describes my experience with Vigalante Coffee Company.  It was immediately clear that passion is the driving force behind what they do.  You may ask…What is Vigilante Coffee Company? What do they do?  What sets them apart?  Well, I’m glad you asked.

First, the coffee beans come direct from farmers. Secondly, they roast the coffee beans on site! Thirdly, they educate. The Baristas show great excitement while serving up the best cup of coffee. All of this equals to an Esspressotrip! Wouldn’t you agree?

Vigilante is a big “warehouse like” space with garage doors, wooden beams and wooden tables.  The open-rustic atmosphere is all one needs when the focus is roasting, brewing, and pouring over fresh coffee drinks.

As much as I love coffee, I had NEVER had a cold brewed coffee before! I know. It seems strange.  Well , the Barista convinced me that the rich taste would be like no other Iced coffee. He was right!  It was Strong and Bold…but yet smooth and velvety.

I am looking forward to my next visit to Vigilante.  If you are in the area, be sure to visit.  The proprietor  is doing it big and doing it right.

http://vigilantecoffee.com/

Vigilante coffeepic

 

For the Love of Beans,

Alicia

 

 


by Leave a comment

City Dock Coffee ~Downtown: Annapolis MD

City Dock

 

City Dock is a cozy and friendly establishment in downtown Annapolis, MD. It was evident from the moment I walked in City Dock that therein lies a seriousness when it comes to coffee, tea and it’s customers. I have to say that the cashier was one of the friendliest around. He carefully went through the menu and explained all of the drinks that I had questions about. After this tutorial on “ All things City Docks” I carefully placed my order.

I had a lightly sweetened Iced Almond Joy and a Strawberry Scone. As I sat down in this cozy coffee house I quickly noticed the barista behind the scenes. This young lady was completely focused of what makes a good cup of espresso! I watched her as she made many drinks and she never took her eyes off the prize! I am convinced that her careful attention to detail is what makes the City Dock House one of the best.

My drink was perfect in every way! Not too Sweet. Smooth. Creamy.   I enjoyed every bit. The Scone was extremely moist and also lightly sweetened. It was one of the best coffee experiences that I have encountered.

Do yourself a favor. Stop by City Dock. It will be worth the trip.

http://www.citydockcafe.com/home.html

Espresso Yo Self,

Alicia


by Leave a comment

Barefoot Buddha~ Your Happy Place

Barefoot Buddha (BB)~ Your Happy Place

U.S. Virgin Islands

Your Happy Place: The slogan says it all!!!

My husband and I visited the Virgin Islands for our 1st Anniversary. It was an awesome trip with lots to offer.  We enjoyed the beaches,  site seeing, shopping, restaurants and much more.

Mr. Nice Guy (our transporter and guide) took us to BB at least three times during our visit. The breakfast and lunch menus are very gourmet, with unique flavor combinations. On one of our visits I had the Buddha Blessing Sandwich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. BB also has some of the most delicious brownies and muffins. The Carrot Muffin was the best ever!!! Also served, are a variety of teas, soups and salads.

The coffee bar was superb. The Baristas offer exceptional service and explained the drink menu very well.  After lots of contemplating,  I had a very creamy and perfect coconut latte.

Another unique feature is the boutique, located adjacent to the BB restaurant/coffee bar. BB is a must if you are ever in the Virgin Islands.

Check it out! You just may find your Happy Place:)

Espresso Love,

Alicia