esspressotrips

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Tag Archives: coffee house


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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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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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Late for the Train Coffee: Flagstaff, AZ

Image result for owner of late for the train

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

Late for the Train is a coffee house located in Flagstaff, AZ. My family and I went to the Fort Valley location, which appears to be a converted gas station. Pretty unique indeed. The owner; David Dobrick and his team are “dedicated to creating a mountain fresh difference by combining coffee sourced from unique soils, micro-climates, cultivars, and growers’ skills”. I am happy to be the beneficiary of this dedication:)

In addition to roasting their own beans, Late for the train has a wide variety of  coffee and tea beverages, and food offerings.  Which includes locally sourced cookies, pastries and sandwiches. We shared chocolate chip cookies, zucchini bread and a chocolate danish.  All were really good.

My husband had the COCONINO MOCHA, which is an iced beverage made with their signature cold brew and homemade chocolate sauce.  I had a half sweet, iced Black and White with an extra shot of espresso. Both where really good but my favorite was the Black and White. In fact, it was the best one I have had!!

If you are in the area, be sure to give this place a try (www.lateforthetrain.com).  It is the perfect midway point from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix.

Yours in Coffee,

Alicia

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Urban Bean Company ~Detroit, Michigan 

On the corner of Grand River and Shelby Street: Downtown Detroit, you will find a very unique building. Its orange. A sea of orange with floor to ceiling windows. This  coffee house has a unique decor with a rustic flair. You won’t find your typical music here either. Urban Bean proudly supports electronic music. I certainly didn’t expect that!

Green Fairie Latte: Urban Bean Co.

Serving freshly roasted local coffee and local pastries including Dutch Girl Dounuts you will find something to make your palate smile. I sure did:) I had the Green Fairie Latte. Hand crafted with fair trade espresso, pistachio, white chocolate and steamed milk. This specialty drink is among one of the favorites. I can totally see why. It was very good!

Second Floor: Urban Bean Co.

Need to have a meeting with friends or colleagues ? Study? Wanna listen too some electronic music? You can. At the Urban Bean on the second floor👍.

If you are in Detroit and need lite catering or a specialty coffee drink, check out the Urban Bean: http://www.urbanbeanco.com

Urbeanly yours,

Alicia


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The Drunken Monkey~Orlando Florida

 

The Drunken Monkey is located in the “Milk District” on Bumby Avenue in Orlando Florida. It has to be one of the most unique coffee houses I have visited.  Some people describe it as hipster but I call it “uniquely eclectic.” You will find local art and a variety of comfortable places to sit but no one piece of furniture matches! LOL! They also have a drive thru, which is pretty cool too.

Always a plus, the coffee is roasted in house and they only serve fair-trade, organic or rain forest alliance beans. In addition to coffee, The Drunken Monkey serves tea, smoothies, iced and frozen drinks. They also offer an assorted variety of vegetarian sandwiches, soups, quiches and pastries. I enjoyed the Iced Mocha and my husband had the Iced Caramel Latte. Both were really good. We also had the breakfast burritos, Anzac Cookie (banana, peanut butter and chocolate), snicker doodle and chocolate chip cookies.  The Anzac was by far a favorite. Delish!!! The staff and baristas were very professional and accommodating.

If you are a coffee connoisseur and find yourself in Orlando Florida’s Milk District, give them a visit. You will be pleasantly surprised and happy you did!

 

Yours in Coffee,

Alicia


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Vigilante Again!

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There is something pretty darn special about sharing a great cup of coffee (or Chai) with a few good girl friends. Today, I had the blessed opportunity to share Vigilante Coffee House with 2 other really great Moms.

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I might add that we were there for nearly 2 hours!!! We laughed, talked and a few times nearly cried as we savored our Vigilante Juleps, Chai Tea, Apple Turnover and the O’Gracious Granola! It was All very delicious. Once again, the Baristas rock at Vigilante!

If you are ever in or around Hyattsville MD, do yourself a favor and check out this very awesome Coffee House! http://www.vigelantecoffee.com

For the Love of Coffee,
Alicia

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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

 

 


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Fourteen East: Art ~Coffee~ Soda~ Tea and Pastries Mid-Town Detroit

Fourteen East

Fourteen East: Art ~Coffee~ Soda~ Tea and Pastries

Mid-Town Detroit

Eclectic Charm: Is the best way to describe Fourteen East. This coffee house is located in the Historic Park Shelton (luxury apartments) in Detroit, Michigan and is beyond what you would expect when looking for that good ole’ cup of Joe!

It’s unique décor, art gallery and eco-friendly touches throughout makes Fourteen East a destination. It is very inviting, clean and has adequate seating. The service was quick and more importantly my Barista was friendly:)

I had the Cappuccino! It was spot on in terms of the balance of espresso, steamed milk and froth. Very tasty! I also had the Ricotta Lemon Cookies and they were delish!

If you are ever in Detroit, this is a place you should check out.  I am very glad my friend told me about this little jewel in Mid-Town.

Fourteen East: Art ~Coffee~ Soda~ Tea and Pastries:

http://www.14eastcafe.com/

Java Love~

Alicia


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Baltimore Coffee and Tea (BTC) ~ Annapolis Maryland

pictured from yelp.com

pictured from yelp.com

I walked into the Baltimore Coffee and Tea Coffee Shop (BTC) with great anticipation. It’s what I do. I love coffee houses and get really amped about the experience they can bring.

The aroma in BTC is amazing! They have an endless amount of coffee beans and teas for purchase by the pound. There’s lots of cozy seating and is an overall good spot to relax, read, and get a bite to eat. The menu is  pretty extensive for a coffee shop too. Soups, sandwiches, salads, and pastries are among the many gourmet food offerings.  I ordered the tuna melt sandwich.  It was very good.

Now, for the latte(s), I ordered the Snow Angel, which is a latte with dark chocolate and vanilla syrup. It had a pretty unpleasant finished so I sent it back to the Barista.   I assumed that the dark chocolate didn’t agree with me. So, I asked if I could try something different. We settled on a Crème Brule, which is a latte with caramel and vanilla syrup. This latte was worst.  It caused me to become nauseous. I really couldn’t believe it!

Now, for the latte(s), I ordered the Snow Angel, which is a latte with dark chocolate and vanilla syrup. It had a pretty unpleasant finished so I sent it back to the Barista.   I assumed that the dark chocolate didn’t agree with me. So, I asked if I could try something different. We settled on a Crème Brule, which is a latte with caramel and vanilla syrup. This latte was worst.  It caused me to become nauseous. I really couldn’t believe it!

The staff and the tuna melt were great but the Lattes….not so much. While it is not likely I go to BTC for a latte, I may go for a sandwich and iced tea!

Baltimore Coffee and Tea~ baltcoffee.com

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