esspressotrips

Something about coffee

BeanRushCafe

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BeanRushCafe_pic

Pictured:Yelp.com

BeanRushCafe~Roaster-Baker-Sandwich Maker~ beanrushcafe.com

Crownsville, Maryland

The Bean Rush Cafe is a hidden jewel in Crownsville, MD.  I would describe it as not only a hidden jewel, but also an unassuming treasure. This coffee and teahouse has a lot to offer.  The menu has sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, AND Oh Yes…Coffee!  I had the pleasure of partaking in the Honey Bee Latte (lightly sweeten) and LET me tell you it was remarkably delicious.  It had a very smooth taste and it didn’t come with the bitter finish that some espresso drinks have.  I also had the Soup and Sandwich Combo-Tuna Sandwich on wheat and Turkey Chili (Yumo!)

The BeanRushCafe staff presented as very polite, patient and knowledgeable of the menu items.  It’s warm and inviting atmosphere will bring me back to this “Hometown” establishment.  The proprietors have it right in terms of customer service, menu items and of course good ole’ espresso! Check it out!

Coffee Love,

Alicia


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Ebenezer’s~ Coffee with a Cause

Ebenezer~ Coffee with a Cause~ ebenezerscoffeehouse.com

Washington, DC

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As a Christian and Human Services Provider I understand the mission of Ebenezer’s Coffee House.  They offer and sale Fair Trade Coffee to support producers in developing countries to make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. According to their website they are owed and operated by the National Community Church and all proceeds go to their Outreach Programs. Ebenezer offers a small variety of baked goods and devotional books for your edification.

I have visited this Coffee House on many occasions and find it to be one of the most consistent in terms of service and in products. I have ordered various iced and hot espresso drinks.  They have all been very good.  Most recently, I order the Toasted Marshmallow Latte (seasonal item).  It was so very delicious.  The flavor was bold but smooth.  It was very hot (unlike some coffee shops) and lightly sweetened.

Coffee with a Cause is all right with me!  Check them out: http://ebenezerscoffeehouse.com/ .  You will see that their products and service is superb!

Coffee Love,

Alicia


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Zed’s Café ~ One Big Living Room

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Zed’s Café ~ One Big Living Room

zedscafe.com

Silver Spring, MD

After reading the reviews, I thought I’d give this coffeehouse a try. The slogan: “One Big Living Room” is so descriptive of the feel! You just want to settle in with your cup and relax.

The atmosphere is cozy, uniquely decorated with lots of eclectic art, chairs, tables, books, and a record player! Yes, you can play your vinyl albums at Zed’s.

The staff is very attentive and accommodating.  They have a wide variety of food offerings and desserts. I ordered “The Drink of the Day”~ a White Chocolate Coconut Cappuccino. Say that three times fast! It was absolutely delish! The foam was insane!  It must have stood at least 2 inches tall! So tall, I started consumption with a spoon! Perfectly blended and carefully crafted this cappuccino was one of the best.

The proprietor at this coffeehouse is doing it Right!  I will certainly visit this spot again. Check it out and you will see what the “One Big Living Room” in Silver Springs, MD is all about:)

Coffee Love,

Alicia

Marty’s Market Pittsburgh PA~ Strip District

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Photo credit: http://www.inthestrip-pgh.com/

 Photo credit: http://www.inthestrip-pgh.com/

Marty’s Market~

http://martysmarket.com/

Pittsburgh PA~ Strip District

During our Annual Family Reunion In May 2013, we had the opportunity to visit the Strip District of Pittsburgh PA. Personally, I went there in search of a good ‘ole espresso drink.  Well, I found that and a lot more! Marty’s Market.

This Market is an incredible venue. I am sure the locals enjoy this meeting place, but it is certainly a destination for visitors.  The “Farm Fresh” Cafe offers great tasting, locally inspired foods that are uniquely pleasing to the palate. The market offers, fresh organic produce, a wide variety of spices, dairy and other pantry staples.  The coffee bar is one of the best I have ever visited. They serve single origin coffee, loose teas and a few pastries. I ordered the Honey Cardamom Latte. This latte was Nothing Like I Had EVER tasted.  It was terrific. So smooth, lightly sweeten and the cardamom takes the experience to another level. I enjoyed it so much that I went back the next day.

Great Service, Great Food, and GREAT COFFEE!


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4thebest.clickondetroit.com

4thebest.clickondetroit.com

Avalon International Breads~ The Sweet Spot in Mid- Town~Detroit Michigan

Avalon has become one of my favorite places to visit in Detroit. It is a great meeting place with a rustic, but welcoming atmosphere.  They have the best brewed coffee. The Latte is the creamiest you will find in Mid Town Detroit.  Not only is it smooth and creamy, but its bold flavor paired with its creamy texture offers a perfect balance and finish.  Now, I am not typically one for iced coffee, but Oh My Goodness is their’s good? Yes!!!  It has a unique velvety texture that makes for an enjoyable treat on a hot summer day.

While I must admit that initially I went there for the coffee, their organic baked goods are amazing!  The Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie is completely Insane! Other favorites are the, Cranny Granny Muffin, Brioche, Brownie, Peanut butter and the Molasses Cookies.

Again,  I love the rustic atmosphere and the personable service is unique. Avalon International Breads is a staple in Detroit’s Mid-Town and is a favorite among many.

Avalon Bakery ~ http://www.avalonbreads.net/goodies/breads/

Coffee Love,

Alicia

 


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Murky Coffee……….Missing you again…:(

dcmetrocentric.com

dcmetrocentric.com

Murky Coffee: Reopened in Arlington VA

As soon as I learned Murky reopened their doors in Arlington VA, I grabbed my purse and dashed out of the door for some of this good ‘ole coffee.  With eager anticipation “again” I approached the counter where the cashier was waiting to happily take my order. The decor: different from the DC location in terms of seating, decorations, etc. was slightly more modern.  It looked more like a chain coffee spot but still inviting nonetheless.   I ordered my usual, a triple shot latte with one shot of white mocha.  My husband and I sat outside to enjoy the new spot. The coffee was divine! It was perfect! It was delicious.  It was grand! We visited there a few more times only to find out that this location closed too.  My heart was simply broken yet again.  This was just too sad.  Have you been there?  Do you know what I mean?  How I feel?


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Murky Coffee

picture derived from: yelp.com

Murky Coffee “The Best Damn Coffee in DC”

While their motto is kind of cocky I must admit I was interested.  You see, I love, love, love coffee and for the proprietors to make this type of claim really peaked my curiosity.  I walked in the doors with HIGH expectations.  The decor was a bit rustic.  Not a lot of frills but this makes the experience of coffee drinking exciting.  In fact, it speaks to my coffee lovin soul.

I sat down in my cozy seat to the smoothest latte I had ever had.  I mean it was perfect.  It was delicious.  It was grand. It was the best “d___n” coffee I had! For real!  I simply fell in love with this place…..this coffee.  I truly bypassed two other coffee spots (one being SB) to indulge in this experience over and over again. Day by day! Whew!  Until one day, my husband and I went to this great establishment to get a “Roadie” before our trip down south.  I walked to the door eager, mouth-watering in anticipation of…. You know….. “The best damn coffee in DC”.  The door was locked!  I pulled the door.  I pulled it again!  I finally read the sign telling customers that the store was closed.  My heart was broken.  You see this had become My favorite spot in Capital Hill (Washington DC). Murky Coffee: Have you been there?  Do you know what I mean?  How I feel?  Miss you Murky Coffee……..