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Posted by on Nov 28, 2012 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 4 comments

Ancient Grounds Coffeehouse, Seattle WA

One of the best things about local, independent coffeehouses is the unique experience they offer their communities. In Seattle, for example, Ancient Grounds is the epitome of self-expression.  Fommer’s (www.frommers.com) said “Ancient Grounds is hands down the coolest and most unusual espresso bar in Seattle.”  No THAT says something being in the hometown of Starbuck’s.

Seattle Coffee house, Ancient Grounds

Rolland, the owner, is deeply passionate about his coffee and his ancient artifacts from around the world.  The masks from various native culture surround the space and make one feel comfortably observed.

Inside Ancient Grounds, Seattle WA

In our conversation, he shared his biggest challenge in owning a coffeehouse ~ good, trustworthy staff.  He has opted to run the entire business himself.  He is open Tuesday-Saturday and takes a two days to refresh.  In between preparing espressos for the customers that come in from his 1st Avenue location in Downtown, he trades his artifacts online with people he has met in his international travels.

According to him: the best part of his coffeehouse?  The people.  He fully enjoys being of service in the world.  Rolland even hand-writes thank you notes to his guests and customers, personal and from the heart.  He called it his “integrity homework”.  How does it get any better than this?  🙂

One pointer he would give to a someone considering opening a new coffeehouse is to diversify the offerings, even if it is to merge it with a business completely different from coffee.  After 14 years of operating Ancient Grounds, it should prove to be some sound advise.

You can find Rolland at:
1220 1st Avenue 
Seattle, WA 98101‎
(206) 749-0747

To integrity!

Lisa

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Posted by on Sep 4, 2012 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 1 comment

Moca Joe’s Coffeehouse, Delta Colorado

 

Freshly harvested peaches, a family reunion, and an indie coffeehouse!

Sidewalk sign.

The Western Slope of Colorado gives the country delicious fruit!  This time of year fruit stands dot the roadways and hand painted signs indicate the bounty of fruits they sell.  There are peaches, pears, plums, apples, cherries, and cantaloupe; peppers, squash, honey and jams.

Bikki Family Farms, Palisade Colorado

Most of the farms are family owned and operated.  And when it’s time to harvest the community comes together to pick, sort and pack the produce for market.  This is what I love about community coffeehouses across the world, too.  They gather people together and give us the chance to get to know our neighbors.

@ the counter

Take Moca Joe’s Espresso on Main Street in Delta … they have delicious roast from a  local roaster and serve an Americano (my fav) that is rich and aromatic.  The owners put their energy into this one shop and it shows 🙂

When traveling to a wine tasting in Palisade or to ski in Aspen, just stop in.  They are on Highway 50  in downtown Delta, Colorado.  Tell them we sent you.

Peace, Lisa

Moca Joe’s Espresso  
352 Main Street
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-1133
www.facebook.com/pages/Moca-Joes-Espresso/35848219966

 

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Posted by on Aug 1, 2012 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 0 comments

A new coffee friend in Jason at Crow Bar Coffeehouse & Roaster in Castle Rock, Colorado

 

Jason Gray is sorta like an icon in Castle Rock and I got to meet him!!

Now … that’s just based on me hanging out at his coffeehouse for a couple of hours drinking his personally roasted espresso and watching him greet his customers.  He only roasts and serves the best coffee.  There is a genuine sense of pride in his work that emanates from his being.  

He has been in the coffee industry for about 30 year and got his start at Starbucks in Seattle in the 80’s.  “They had 25 stores back then”, he said.  Then he traveled north to Alaska and spent many years with Kaladi Brothers beginnings and trained under Mark Overly now of Kaladi Brothers Colorado.  In addition, he spent tons of time and gained the respect of the recently passed, coffee great, Michael Sivetz.

Jason opened Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crow Bar Coffeehouse in 1999 and is ridiculously happy creating a place for people to come together and to serve them his finest roasted beans. 

Gotta check out his shop, now serving a rotating selection of high-end craft beers:
Crowfoot Valley Coffee
734 Wilcox Street #102
Castle Rock, CO 80109
(303) 814-0999
crowfoot@yjprod.com
http://www.yjprod.com/sites/crowfoot/

 

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Posted by on Apr 19, 2012 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 0 comments

The Main Cup Coffeehouse, Burlington Colorado

The Main Cup coffeehouse in Burlington, Colorado was discovered on a dreary Sunday morning as I was in search of a hot breakfast and a rich cuppa joe.

There wasn’t a whole lot going on at 9:00AM … not even at the churches.  I pouted for a couple of moments after I walked up to the front doors to find them locked.  But soon realized that I don’t think I would be open either on that particular day of the week.

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