esspressotrips

Something about coffee


Leave a comment

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

Advertisement


Leave a comment

UPRISING MUFFIN COMPANY

Uprising

Image: Yelp.com

Happy New Year Coffee Lovers!

Recently, I had the opportunity to hang out with my family at Uprising Muffin Company (UMC). UMC is located in Washington DC: Shaw Neighborhood.  It appears that UMC established this company on the basis of making fresh and tasty muffins.  I can tell you they have completely met the mark and are living their motto: “offerings are simple, fresh & seriously delicious”. Now who can pass that up? I certainly can’t. I sampled the sweet potato, savory spinach tomato parmesan and the strawberry and cream cheese muffins. They were indeed delicious. But this is a coffee blog. Right? My Barista prepared a very delicious lightly sweetened Iced Vanilla Latte (with an extra shot of espresso of course). It had the perfect blend of Stumptown espresso, house made simple syrup and cream. What a treat!

Looking forward to another visit. If you ever find yourself in the Washington, DC area do yourself a favor and go check out Uprising (http://uprisingmuffins.com/) You will be glad you did!

Happy Coffee,

Alicia


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


Leave a comment

SPoT Coffee~ Buffalo New York

  SPoT Coffee, located in Elmwood Village is a great coffee house and cafe.  It is nicely decorated with lots of comfy seating.  The staff is very friendly and the menu eclectic.  I had the Mike Sandwich and it was Superb!  My nephew Idris, had the chocolate macaroon.  He was very sweet and shared it with me. It was insanely good.

The Baristas at SPoT know their craft. They use Arabica Beans and  roast them “in house”.  To me, this is what makes the difference in terms of the fresh rich taste that coffee can bring.  While there, I enjoyed a Breve Latte. It was very creamy, and everything I would expect from a Breve’.

If you are in the Buffalo area, you should definitely check out this neighborhood cafe. The  SPoT team has definitely figured out how to serve up a great cup of coffee along with a unique and tasty meal.  I guess you can say they are SPoT On:)

Coffee Love,

Alicia

BeanRushCafe

Leave a comment

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