Let’s get this straight. I don’t drink coffee.
Never touch the stuff. In fact, I’ve never had even a taste of coffee.
Weird, I know.
(Made all the weirder by the fact that I love coffee ice cream and coffee candy.)
I just don’t want to try coffee.
The Boyfriend was amazed by all of this. He is a coffee-holic. He simply can not start- or end (!)- his day without a couple of cups of joe.
At first, he naturally wanted me to join him in his coffee ritual.
He went on and on about the joys of the warm, dark heady brew that he loves soooo much.
But I wasn’t buying what he and Juan were selling.
I don’t like hot drinks and I just knew I wouldn’t enjoy it.
He valiantly tried a few more times until, finally, I had the last word.
“Umm, I don’t think giving me any caffeine would be a great idea, do you? I’m pretty energized as it is, don’t you agree?”
He did.
And that was the last I heard about meeting Mrs. Olson.
But a couple of weeks ago I was in Seattle visiting my son, Nick. He and his wife Missy live there- even though Nick’s business is headquartered in Chicago.
Post-Modern Business Commuting Sidebar: Nick can do this because, today, like so many people his age, he works remote three weeks a month and then comes in for a week of meetings with clients. He could live anywhere in the United States in which there was an airport.
Nick and Missy investigated and shopped around. They both fell in love with Seattle and I don’t blame them.
Seattle is a fabulous place. Incredible scenery in emerald green, sky blue and snowy white. Terrific people. Vibrant culture scene. Amazing food.
GREAT snowboarding.
Authors Note: To be perfectly accurate, this photo of Nick was taken by Missy at Whistler this past Christmas. But he goes snowboarding at home every winter week-end and the expression on his face says it all.
Seattle is also home to Amazon, Microsoft and the Seahawks.
And mucho craft beer.
It is also Coffee Central.
Birthplace of Starbucks.
And on this last visit, I went to the Mothership.
The Roastery.
OMG.
You’ve got to see this joint.
Even I- a card-carrying non-coffee drinker- was totally blown away by the sights and smells in this magnificent temple to the coffee gods.
I looked around totally dumbfounded by the spectacle of millions of beans on their way to the roaster to be immortalized. There were coffee experts and coffee tastings everywhere I turned.
And to top it all off, inside the Roastery there is an outpost of a very good cafe called “Serious Pie.”
No, it doesn’t serve slices of pie to go with all that coffee.
It dishes out scrumptious pizza.
Yum.
But before I ate the pizza, I had some serious business to attend.
A Valentine’s Day present for my coffee lover back home.
My intentions were noble but where to begin?
I knew TB liked dark roast but there were so many dark roasts to chose from that I was still at sea.
I placed my problem in the lap of a very knowledgable and accommodating young man.
He steered me towards this one.
Read all about Pantheon Blend No. III below.
“These beans were roasted yesterday,” my helpful young man said. “When is your friend going to drink the coffee?”
“I’m going to give it to him on Valentine’s Day- next Tuesday,” I answered.
“Good,” he approved. “It will be just ready to drink by then. It ought to be perfect.”
It was.
And now I’m off on a business trip, Dear Readers. See you next on Sunday, March 19. (And thank you for sticking with me. I know my posts have been sporadic lately. But your understanding and loyalty to the blog means the world to me.)
Now here’s the most glamorous coffee drinker ever to go with your favorite cup of java.
Enjoy.
I’ve been up since 5am and the coffee (caffeine) has got my mojo going and just wondering how you missed this “coffee classic” by the highly-caffeinated Mandy Patinkin. https://youtu.be/xOiaDI2XE2c
Wow! Just watched your clip and that was great. I’ve never seen it before so thanks for sharing, Rick. It really got my heart pumping. (But clearly, neither Mandy nor I need any more caffeine.) 😊☕️☕️☕️☕️
I’m with you about coffee Ellen. It’s a heresy here in Lake Wobegon that I don’t join in the ritual.
The only time I ever had it is when I lived in France and my family had cafe au lait every morning with biscuits. And even then it was far more au lait than cafe. Even then, it’s a tradition I left behind in France.
And one last thing that is rather personal and I hope doesn’t cause any domestic or civil wars. I wonder if I’m the only person who finds the smell of coffee on someone’s breath to be less than pleasant (how’s that for diplomacy?).
I knew I liked you! A non-coffee drinker AND a diplomat. And to answer your tactful question: Lips that touch coffee will never touch mine. Thanks, Terry. 😉☕️
So we have more than Hanx in common!
You’re right. And if you ever come to Chicago, let’s get together and NOT have a cup of ☕️. 😊
You’re on!
Holy cow….another thing we have in common.
I’ve had just one sip of coffee in my life. Horrible!
As far as hot liquids, what about a great bowl of your favorite soup?
Uncanny! We must have been separated at birth, Bernie. And you’re right. I certainly indulge in soup. It’s hot beverages that I don’t like. 🍵👍 ☕️👎🏻
I am surprised that you weren’t tempted to take a sip of the miraculous blend that you bought for the BF. Good coffe with the right amout of sugar and milk is nectar of the gods.
I’m sure you’re right, Vivian. But at those prices, I couldn’t afford it! ☕️😊
You are right… You may LOVE it, and then what?
Better safe than sorry. I’ll never take that first taste now, Vivian! 😘
What a remarkable essay on the wonders of glorious coffee aromas and flavor from someone who apparently cannot stand the stuff. I am left wondering how you and the Boyfriend manage to kiss each other goodnight. Does he wear a surgical mask to hide the flavor of his favorite coffee on his breath?
That you manage to still love Seattle and the Roastery is nothing short of miraculous. Goodness — it’s not Folger’s or Taster’s Choice in those bins of magnificent coffee beans. Send me a lb. of Sulawesi, please.
Sorry, Jack. No can do. They don’t ship. You can only buy it there. 😊☕️
Thanks anyway, Ellen. Fortunately Starbuck’s sells this is Special Reserve dark roast coffee online every few years. It’s a magnificent variety. I wouldn’t know how to eat breakfast or read the New York Times without coffee in the morning.