Star Date 20160503.1
Latte of the Season - Cafe Con Miel
Whole Foods Market - Austin, TX
(says on bottle, tho that's prob distribution - but bought in Colorado Springs, CO)
"made right here" at the bottom
lucky enough to snag one of these, since then have seen none like it
ingredients: coffee, milk, organic flavor (?? is that the miel/aka honey)
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/ #wholefoods #cafeconmiel #latteoftheseason
Humble Coffee - espresso to go
beans roasted by Spanish Peaks local Roaster
a Mexican blend with ??
just made it in to the drive thru before 7 pm their closing time
found them in Independent Newspaper in a Best of The Springs Guide
under Best Coffee - oddly enough a drive thru?!
Barista's - Josh & Sh...Sheila, Shelly (after I said I would prob forget their names?!)
White Espresso on the menu here too, am still curious tho did try a blend with regular coffee since drove thru here... another menu item to try will be Green Tea with Lemonade (have not tried a Green Tea Latte yet either?!) Nor have tried hemp milk (to think use to be hard to find Soy Milk on a menu)
https://www.facebook.com/humblecoffeecompany #humblecoffee #SpanishPeaksCoffeeRoaster
Black Forest Coffee Roasters
R & R Coffee Cafe
not as close as Black Forest Regional Park, but I went once on the long drive thru the forest
Cortado - love my flower in my coffee, flower latte art
trying Coffee Beans from Costa Rica - Tarrazu - Santa Elena Estate - Finca la Cabana - Natural Process - Flavor notes: Srawberry, lemon zest & shortbread - I was told the beans are 'honey washed' (which later I hear from another roaster that it means the same as 'natural' process, not that they're washed in actual bees honey hah?!)
so after that talk of honey I just had to buy the local wild flower honey from Black Forest too in of course a plastic bear squeeze bottle (do they even make glass ones anywheres?!)
I was pleasantly surprised to see a coffee service, as in a board with water glass & coffee being served here out in the woods (kinda like saying 'out in the countryside' only there's woods all over)
http://www.rnrcoffeecafe.com/ #randr #randrcoffeeroasters #blackforest
Coquette's Bistro - "boldly luscious"
downtown Colorado Springs
a gluten free bakery/restaurant
picked out from behind the case this lil lemon bar
and feeling dehydrated ordered a bottle Voss Water - my Fav from Norway
tho we lived in Norway & visited a hytte in the city of Voss it would be later I read that the Voss Water comes from a village further away--but no matter still wonderfully refreshing water, esp in a glass water bottle
(note: marked down & ready to take the daughter in law & any others on a gluten free diet here or even those who are not, coz it's all still super de-lish...)
http://www.coquettesbistro.com/ #coquettesbistro #gf #glutenfree #vosswater
at the Asian Pacific Market in COS
on the shelves I find all sorts of unusual items, haven't a clue what most are
but these are coffees, so say the labels - but would I buy one to try 'em... Black Coffee All Natural? Kona (Hawaii) or UCC Coffee? (maybe these are popular brands, coz I keep reading about popular Vending Machine canned coffees in Japan - so may be elsewhere's too that they're popular... still am wondering tho, do the ones in cans taste like 'can' as in metallic or what?!)
http://asianpacificmarketco.com/ #asianpacificmarket #whitecoffee
drove out all the way to Black Bear Coffee, on the Southside aka the other end of town - ordered an espresso single shot to go - was told it's beans from Serranos Coffee Roaster... and I was thinking, wait, what? When find out they're in Monument, CO so closer to me 'n now must go find them on my next coffee adventure in Colorado Springs, CO...
later I will wonder do I piss-off/annoy/frustrate/make more work for baristas by asking for a single shot instead of a doppio... hmm may ask next time, but am sorry baristas if I do - just don't want 2 shots of espresso in the afternoon right?!
https://www.facebook.com/Black-Bear-Coffee-Tea-Lodge-118766074841522/ #blackbearcoffee
https://www.facebook.com/Serranoscoffee #serranoscoffee #mounument #co
out 'n about in Castle Rock, CO - stop for coffee - at Lost Coffee (I was not lost, but I love that they started out as a Coffee Truck & now have 2 or is it 3 shops, I think the barista girl said) - ordered a machiatto espresso, as I do, told it was a blend... and I am wondering once again, after single origins is this now a trend to tweak flavors by creating blends - must remember to ask either a barista or a roaster sometime, why...
later I will find their other location in downtown or old town Castle Rock, this was from the location nearer the Outlet Malls & also down the row from Crave Burgers (after those burgers you 'need' an espresso, esp if have to drive back down to The Springs & not fall into a food coma?!)
http://www.lostcoffee.com/ #lostcoffee #castlerock #co
Coconut Oil 2 Go
found at a clothes/interiors type shop in downtown COS
thought I'll try one, once
if you're into Coconut Oil in your coffee while traveling then this would be a good thing
tho if you're shooting for a Butter Coffee then you'll need to be somewheres you can also get a tab of butter to stir in along with your coconut oil... aka Mammoth Coffee or Bulletproof Coffee or Caveman Coffee or whatever else it's getting called, I can't keep up, hah?!
https://www.facebook.com/2GoCoconutOil/ #twogococonutoil #coconutoil #buttercoffee
Butter Coffee
with the bestest butter I've found after the Irish Butter
this USA Grass-Fed butter by the Pasture Raised Egg folks--Vital Farms
(adore their packaging, but esp how they treat their "lucky ladies" - cows or chickens!)
http://vitalfarms.com/ #vitalfarms #grassfed #butter #buttercoffee
Serranos to go - ordered a breve (so half 'n half heated, rather than milk) & was told an espresso of 3-4 blends, but couldn't tell me what coffee beans (why so many?!) but so many beans in this place.. have them open a plastic bin full of roasted beans... oh my, the smell... mmm... so, finally made it in after finding out - on the other end of town - at Black Bear Coffee that they were using Serranos beans... was kinda odd all the baristas (at least 3) running about with headsets on, since they're all listening I guess to the drive thru orders - tho was wondering why they don't just have one person on that, kinda awkward talking to someone with a headset on & they can't really listen to what you're saying nor answer you well... hmm... maybe should rethink that idea, was curious, have never seen that in a coffeeshop before.... still may go back for the beans, curious to try Vienna beans or Peru....
https://www.facebook.com/Serranoscoffee #serranoscoffee
and on the groc store shelves, another oddity of coffee
Hotbox Roasters? again never heard of them, am curious...
here a Frank Sumatra - read: medium roast, creamy dream, citric haze, mendocino pinewood
Fair trade sourced beans, whole beans? so whole beans in this can--missed that at the store &
wait, what--these guys are in Longmont, CO so they're Local?! missed that too, until looked them up... maybe should go back snag a can?! have a Kenyan & Bolivia online too, hmm...
http://hotboxroasters.com/ #hotboxroasters #coffeeinacan
from the webpage... what they have to say about Coffee Beans in a can:
"Why The Can?
Why sell coffee in a can? Bags are easier to seal, cheaper to produce, and have become the industry standard.
We package in a can because we think it’s better than a bag. It’s better for the coffee, better for the drinker, and better for the world.
Hotbox coffee beans will stay fresher in a can than a bag, so you won’t have to deal with stale beans. The aluminum won’t bleed flavors into the beans like many bags do.
You can toss a can into a backpack for a hike or camping trip. You don’t have to worry about your beans getting crushed or wet.
Most importantly, the aluminum Crowler that we use is infinitely recyclable.
Can’t say that for most bags, can ya?"
Bella's Bakery & Cafe
tried a white espresso, but was talked into adding it to a coffee mix
as white espresso has no flavor I was told
White Espresso beans vs Cuban Espresso beans - looks like brown sugar ground, smells like peanut butter 'n told 50% more daffeine, but has no flavor - so best to mix w/flavor, but I don't like those so went w/missing it w/drip coffee... ask the barista what coffee did he use, told the Biker's Blend... a dark roasted looking bean so may be less caffeine... my coffee esperiment, in downtown Colorado Springs, CO
then had to order a gf goodie on the side to go with from the bakery - so pretty, almost a shame to eat it... this chamomile, lemon, poppyseed mini-muffin... mmm... tho I did 'not' eat the flowers (can you? don't know, just didn't--really, I have not eaten many edible flowers... maybe in a salad or two...)
http://bellasbakeryandcafecoloradosprings.com/ #bellasbakery #whiteespresso #cubanespresso #gf
note: about my "Life Jacket" for my coffee... bought first at Whole Foods, don't know when - this article from 2011, so prob since then... carry it in my purse & have given them away as gifts as well...
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story/life-jacket-your-coffee #wholefoods #lifejacket
continuing on the white coffee theme, back at the local Asian Pacific Market
so is this 'white' coffee, added milk to coffee to make it white or is it using white espresso beans
I did 'not' read all the labels to find out, another time, if I'm really really curious... they do seem to be popular tho....
if you're curious too, go have a wander thru the store... (I went for good rice, rice crackers & cans of inari no moto to make rolls with, plus powdered ginger) even if you don't need anything, it's entertaining & who knows you may want to try something as well... Oh, also found a lil coffee maker for Vietnamese Coffee Making-- a Fin Filter?
http://asianpacificmarketco.com/ #asianpacificmarket #coloradosprings #co
note: when I do try to make Vietnamese Coffee, I will try to follow this (I did 'not' know they use a chicory coffee, just like they do in NOLA--here they mention French Market Can Coffee, hah?!)
http://www.howtobrewcoffee.com/Vietnamese.htm #vietnamesecoffee #howtobrew
then went shopping to a regular local groc store
where they White Coffee theme of the day seems to have continued
is that synchronicity going on or what?!
https://www.whitecoffee.com/home #whitecoffee #organic #coffee
Cafe Velo - Novo Coffee beans
my local neighborhood Coffeeshop in a Bikeshop
(one day I will rent a snow bike, just coz I wanna try it, once?!)
And the barista/cafe mgr - Jon - was so nice to offer when they make their Novo order
that I could add to it - but so many online, will take awhile to go thru 'em all (eee...)
http://www.cafevelobikes.com/ #cafevelo #novocoffee #novocoffeeroaster #denver #co
PeakPlace Coffeehouse, seem to pass their shop more often than some, running up 'n down Academy in The Springs... and w/ gf goodies, here a slice of gf bread... cortado, after an espresso or machiatto my Fav coffee to order... one day I'm going to make the Building 3 Coffee Roasters cupping here, before they open up their own shop in Lincoln School this summer (or so I hear, June maybe...)
http://www.peakplacecoffeehouse.com/ #peakplacecoffeehouse #buildingthreecoffeeroasters #thesprings #cos
And the Colorado Brewer's Cup US Winners of 5th & 6th Place
Novo Coffee Roasters & Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters
I just happened to have coffee beans from both, tho not their competition coffee
(but will try another time to track those down, just for yummy fun?!)
Was FAB u lous fun watching on LiveStream too - US Specialty Coffee Brewers/Barista Cup videos, they may still be up, go catch up on your local barista/coffee roaster....
http://novocoffee.com/ #novocoffee #novocoffeeroasters #denver #co
http://sweetbloomcoffee.com/ #sweetbloomcoffee #coffeeroasters #denver #co
http://livestream.com/SpecialtyCoffeeAssociationOfAmerica #livestream #SpecialtyCoffeeAssocofAmerica #USBrewersCup #USBaristaCup
Dutch Coffee - drive thru
in love with their cups 'n esp their lids, once I got home to read it
"Whatever you're gonna be be a good one"
Got on the list for Best of The Springs for Coffee
also love all the #slaps 'n #stickers on the posts or stop sign as well, could be streetartists like to come drive thru for coffee here, plus a college campus is not far away... hmm... either way, all good....
http://dutchbros.com/ #dutchbrothers #dutchbrotherscoffee
http://www.thebestofthesprings.com/gaz_entry/coffee-shop-2/ #thebestofthesprings #gazette
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Novo Coffee - Denver, CO - Roaster
Friday Coffee Roaster Tour & Cupping at Noon
with Roaster, Erich Rosenberg
US Brewer's Cup 2016 - No 5
Novo Coffee
Fridays are Roaster Tour Day at Noon
with Erich Rosenberg, or was this Friday
just back for US Brewer's Cup where he/his coffee/his roaster
came out 5th Place (before 6th Place another Colorado Roaster, which I was rooting for the locals via LiveStream or Twitter while it was all going on & for the 2 ladies too who were up there in the Last Rounds & the Top Six in either the US Barista or Brewer's Cup?!)
So other than missing kettles again (as they were to start the competition) was surprised to see Erich back at the roaster giving tours like no biggie, which was great for us on the tour & coffee cupping
Home then with this bag of coffee we had tasted, that I liked best out of the four - a sweeter less bright or citric bite for my tastebuds (I like how Erich told us our tastebuds are right, all our tastebuds no matter who's doing the tasting hah?!) My head got so full of coffee info I cannot repeat, so for for yourself, ask lots of questions, see if you can remember it all--good luck?!
http://novocoffee.com/ #novocoffee #novocoffeeroasters #denver #co
http://livestream.com/SpecialtyCoffeeAssociationOfAmerica #livestream #SpecialtyCoffeeAssociationofAmerica #USBrewersCup #USBaristaCup
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Coquette's Bistro & Bakery - Gluten Free
espresso - told organic coffee, hmm... a question for another time
Voss Water bottle to share with the table & served with glasses with limes
my Fav bottled water from Norway, Voss
another Best of The Springs winner of Best Gluten Free Restaurant
http://www.coquettesbistro.com/ #coquettesbistro #gf #glutenfree
https://www.vosswater.com/ #vosswater #norway
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Latte Throwdown
Cafe Velo
Latte Art
my first! (only watching tho?!)
FAB Poster
Go-pro on TV for a short time before the battery got too hot & shut down
here the 1st round - 1st up, he just happened to be in town on vacay, a WaterAve Portland, OR barista with his super sweet wife (luckiest vacay from what it sounded like & back on the plane home tomorrow?!) forgive me, am the worst for names ugh
part of the crowd, was why it was good to have the Go-pro TV view from the sofa/coach
end of 2nd round - 10 baristas in the throwdown
3 judges, 2 drinks each barista, here a heart latte
got a cortado latte I think somewhere along the way
3rd last round... the moment of... and the winner is... eee...
love Love LOVE these faces, best shot of the night, hah?!
3 judges on that 3rd/last round, having given the last 2 baristas
a big cup to latte art in, is it a Capp? here deciding--Heather or Tony?? (of Novo Highland Denver)
they hid their eyes while the cups were being put down so didn't know whose was whose
and the prize/swag goes to...
Heather! 1st Place! Latte Throwdown - Cafe Velo - she's the to be mgr for Building 3 Coffee Roasters! Opening soon, like this summer--maybe June...
(sorry, fuzzy photo, caught up in the late night coffee moment, super caffeinated?!)
would of loved that espresso parts coffee cup 'n saucer?! Fab u lous sponsor to have too!
#cafevelo #Jonathan #Nate #latteart #lattethrowdown #coffee #Heather #buildingthreecoffeeroasters #coloradosprings #co #wateravecoffee #barista #novocoffee #highland #coffeeshop #Tony #denver #co #SwitchbackCoffeeRoasters #Evan #Sam #thesprings #cos #espressoparts
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next day, after the latte throwdown, back in for 'fuel' for the day
cortado with latte art by Nate (who kept the espresso machine going last night & now had to pen this morning at Cafe Velo) also on the sweets a side of gf lemon poppyseed bread slice
(Outrageous Baking - Boulder, CO has got this recipe down... need to try the rest?!)
road trip body fuel to drive to Castle Rock over Monument Hill, snow still going on but roads dry
need my nerves steady & nothing like coffee clarity
http://www.cafevelobikes.com/ #cafevelo #outrageousbaking #boulder #co
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The Principal's Office in IvyWild School
Pourover Bar - find 2 Loyal Roaster offerings
when I didn't think Tyler Hill/they had gotten going yet
now hear thru the Barista Grapevine they're roasting with Switchback Roasters
until they can get in downstairs at IvyWild School
could 'not' get any fresher than downstairs?!
Go for their first offer... Country: Colombia Region: Narino Roaster: Loyal Tasting Notes: Strawberry, dark chocolate, joy (joy? like that descriptor, my tastebuds agreed)
then I'll go pick out a lemon bar at the Old School Bakery & order dinner to take out
on such a lovely Spring Day outside, nearly May, good thing there's 'joy' in my coffee
coz I really Really need it today?!
http://www.poativywild.com/ #theprincipalsoffice
http://ivywildschool.com/ #ivywildshool
http://loyalcoffee.co/ #loyalcoffee #loyalcoffeeroasters #tylerhill
