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Posted by on Mar 26, 2013 in Blog, Happiness, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 3 comments

Mirage Trading & Roasting Company in Moffat, Colorado

      
DSC_0037 DSC_0154Mirage Roasting Co.
17555 State Hwy 17
Moffat, CO 81143
719-256-4357
www.miragetradingco.com

The charming Mirage Roasting Company sits in the San Luis Valley in southwestern Colorado on Highway 17.   One woman told me that there is 1 person for every 2 square miles of land out there, which makes it the least densely populated area in Colorado.

DSC_0172

The entire valley consists of acres of farm land for potatoes, barley, quinoa, etc. and sits on top of Colorado’s largest aquifer providing life-giving water to this high desert landscape.  

Mirage Roasting Co. also houses an art trading business and cafe where both the locals and tourists gather.  Lisa, barista and roaster, explained that they purchased a roaster about a year ago and now roast several pounds a week.  Several of the area’s restaurants are now serving their specialty, single-origin coffees.  They are proud of their 100% organic, fair trade beans and so is the community.  They wish to remain small and specialized and never compromising quality.

On my tour of the Valley I also discovered The Great Sand Dunes National Park, a restaurant that raises and serves grass-fed yak, an alligator farm, the international spiritual hub of Crestone, and a UFO lookout tower.  

What a grand adventure!  This is what road trips are for … to discover the uniqueness of our country. 

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

My local #Coffeehouse …

My eyes are still blurry as I fumble through my bag to find my credit card … begging my eyes to open … one of THOSE mornings when i desperately need my rich, hot, quad-americano.

Pouring Coffee

… I walk into my neighborhood coffeehouse and see the faces of familiar baristas smiling behind the counter at me and kindly overlook my untamed morning hair.  I know it looks wild, but have decided that my coffee is WAY more important.

They know what I want … prepare it and give a ‘day nod.  Ahhh!… Delicious!

I then took a turn and ventured into the bathroom.  I startled myself!  OMG!!!   How could they NOT say anything about my hairdo?  Haha!

Bless them this day!

Peace, Lisa

 

 

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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 Oct 14, 2012 in Blog, Coffee News, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 0 comments

America’s Best Coffeehouse Competition debuted at CoffeeFest Seattle 2012

Although I spend most of an average day immersed in coffee culture and coffeehouses, CoffeeFest Seattle was the first industry event I have ever attended.  I was surrounded by people who speak my language and share my passion.  It was absolutely invigorating!  Or … maybe that energy came from all the espressos and lattes I sampled while navigating through the rows and rows of exhibitors.

The CoffeeFest is held every four months and rotates between Seattle, Chicago and New York City.  This  event featured the first annual America’s Best Coffeehouse Competition, sponsored by DaVinci Gourmet.   According to The Gourmet Retailer, it took 60 days to determine the top coffeehouses in the western U.S. with a “60-day process of elimination by secret shopper evaluation and public vote”.  Eight semifinalist coffeehouses were chosen based on ratings in categories like customer service, drink quality, ambiance, cleanliness, organization and efficiency.

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Posted by on Sep 24, 2012 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 0 comments

Cornerstone Coffee, Bremerton WA

 

Dawn is the happy, welcoming barista AND the owner of the light-filled, corner location in downtown Bremerton. It its just a ferry ride away from Seattle across the Puget Sound.

If I understand it correctly, the community has been hit heavily with high unemployment numbers. But you’d never know it, the people are very kind and generous here.

Maybe it because they can get a good cuppa joe at Dawn’s place. Stop in when you’re in town!

Cornerstone Coffee
435 Pacific Avenue
Bremerton, WA 98337
360-479-3334
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