In light of the economic crisis and the fact that three local coffee shops have shut their doors in the past year, I thought I’d give a huge shout out to some local peeps that are hanging on, and in the process, brewing up some fine java in Sacramento, Calif.
Capitol Garage Coffee Co.
Butch N Nellie’s Coffee Co.
True [...]

I’m all in favor of big corporations that donate to worthy causes. Even in tough times, it’s nice to see people giving back. While I’m not a huge fan of Starbucks approach to business (put every Mom & Pop coffee shop out of business), I am a fan of their recently-launched campaign to raise money for [...]

I have to admit I’m a bit intimidated by all the coffee drink possibilities. While I pretty much tend to stick to what I know, I do like to learn about all the other options available.
Here’s my Coffee Drink cheat sheet:
Americano: A single shot of espresso with about 7 ounces of hot water added to the mix.
Black coffee: A [...]

I’ve always known that Crate & Barrel had great furniture and kitchen gadgets, so it only makes sense that they would also have some fun coffee gadgets and containers.

For instance, these Irish Coffee glasses for $2.95 each are sure to warm the spirits this season (the fact that they are also dishwasher and microwave safe [...]

Maybe it’s just a really good publicity stunt, but it seems that at at least one Starbucks (in Loveland, Colorado), the customers are paying it backwards, a concept that can frequently be found at toll booths.  
But today’s tough times notwithstanding, it seems that the customers at a local Loveland Starbucks are passing the bucks at [...]

Those who know me know I spend a good amount of time at Trader Joe’s, where they have unique coffee and a chocolate selection that’s to die for.
It’s no surprise, then, that I have become addicted to Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans. The dark, smooth chocolate is the perfect balance to the slightly bitter espresso bean hidden [...]

While coffee might be best enjoyed by the cup, there’s another way to appreciate the bean it all its glory–by cooking with it.
And what better way to start than with the veritable coffee cooking bible, Sandra Gluck’s The Best of Coffee: A Cookbook, which features over 40 recipes such as Mud Pie, Mocha Brownies, and [...]

It seems that everywhere I turn these days, I’m bombarded with Peppermint (and Pumpkin, and Eggnog, and Gingerbread) Mochas. What’s next–Latkes Lattes?
Seriously, though, I tried my first ever Peppermint Mocha at Peet’s last week, and I have to say I enjoyed it far more than a regular mocha. Not sure if any credit can be [...]

Leave it to Trader Joe’sto come up with a reasonably-priced, decadent cup a joe in the spirit of the holidays.
Trader Joe’s new Gingerbread Coffee offers the taste of freshly-baked gingerbread cookies dunked in coffee, but without the cookies (and the calories!).
The blend starts with a bright mix of Colombian and Mexican 100 percent Arabica beans roasted to a smooth, [...]

If you’re at all interested in home roasting or big into DIY, do I have the blog for you. Ed not only works for a major coffee retailer (and the best, if you ask me), but also explores coffee roasting in his free time–in his garage at home.
From step by step instructions on cupping and roasting, [...]