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Posted by on Mar 30, 2013 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 0 comments

Java Moose Coffee House & Deli, Fairplay CO

Java Moose in Fairplay, CO

Java Moose in Fairplay, CO

Local Coffeehouse

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Java Moose Coffee House & Deli
730 Main Street
Fairplay, CO 80440
www.javamoosesouthpark.com

Highway 9 offers a viable option when avoiding I-70 “slow and go” traffic back to Denver.  As I descended Hoosier Pass driving south out of Breckenridge, CO this afternoon I was drawn to stop at the Java Moose Coffee House & Deli.

The barista was too busy to chat, but I met a kind man sitting at the end of the counter.  He is a truck driver who lives in South Park.  He stops in for a coffee and a doughnut whenever he’s home …. “love the community that meets here”, he said.

According to their website they have art hanging on the walls from the students in Ms. Husher’s class at the local middle school.

How does it get any better than this?

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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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