Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Wonders of the World Wednesday ::: Coffee



Because I'm a Seattlite, I figured that it would be only appropriate to pay homage to what this area is famous for...

Coffee.

The word is usually synonymous with a national chain that is famous for its froo-froo drinks and high prices. If you live in the shadow of the Space Needle, you probably rely on these guys to provide you with your daily dose of caffeine. You either love 'em, or you hate 'em. In Seattle, they're just a way of life.


Photo by chad_hicks on Flickr


If you're like me and work in an office, you get this coffee stuff from an airpot that looks a little something like this. Even though it's ground and made right here at work, it's still Starbucks coffee. What else? We work less than 3 blocks from the original Starbucks!


Photo by k8skoffee on Flickr

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other coffee chain that calls Seattle home. You may not have heard of Tully's, but I guarantee it's good coffee! Considerably smaller than Starbucks, it has a homier feel when you walk in the door.


Photo by ktkihara on Flickr


Speaking of "homey", maybe you have a more quaint coffee shop that you frequent. I love walking into a mom and pop owned cafe and trying what they have to offer.

Photo by vtwincruzr on Flickr


When I lived in Illinios, I would look for these little coffee drive-thrus in parking lots but never found them! I guess they're unique to the Pacific Northwest, and they sure to come in handy when you're in a hurry and don't want to have to park and get out of the car for your latte!

Photo by janakd31 on Flickr


Of course there are many different types of coffee drinks you can buy.
My favorite is the caramel macchiato. Sweet, but not too sweet, I order this guy non-fat and decaf.

Photo by oceanwind87 on Flickr

Of course, there are too many variations to any given order to count, but among the most popular is...

The latte, which is prepared with about 1/3 espresso, 2/3 steamed milk, and a layer of foamed milk.

Photo by Janet2008_album

The mocha, which is prepared much like the latte but with chocolate added and no foam!

Photo by axiemeluv on Flickr

And last, but not least, the cappucino, which is much like the latte except it is prepared with hot, more textured milk and not nearly the amount of steamed milk.

Photo by mom2zddh on Flickr

If you're lucky, you'll get one of these guys smiling back at you and waiting patiently for you to figure out what you want to drink but, more confusingly, how to order your drink. They're more than willing to help you figure it all out.

Photo by jazz_baby07 on Flickr

Some of the baristas get fancy and make crazy designs out of the foam on top of your latte or cappucino.

Photo by chongchong_85 on Flickr


On rare occasions in Seattle, it gets warm enough to warrant ordering one of these guys at your favorite coffee shop. However, if you live in Texas or anywhere down south, you might actually slurp one of these down any day of the year to cool off!


Photo by crushedandbrokenheart on Flickr

Some people just like their coffee plain and black.

Photo by medinantexas on Flickr

I'll only drink my coffee black if I have a nice, big chocolate donut to go with it!

Photo by kmadisonm on Flickr

So, next time you're in the Emerald City, stop by the original Starbucks and grab yourself a caffeinated (or decaf!) beverage. While you're at it, their Snickerdoodle cookies are wonderful, so grab one of those, too.

Photo by us17 on Flickr

Think there are too many Starbucks? You're not alone!


9 comments commented:

Rebecca Ramsey said...

Jamie! Guess what I'm drinking? I had to stop halfway through your post and get my Cup #2 of the day! Yum. I like mine with half and half. But my absolute favorite is the cafe au lait you can only get in France. Oh how I pine for it. It shows up in my dreams and I'm always so sad to wake up and realize I can't have it.
Maybe I have a little problem!

I loved your post! Thank you for joining in the party route! You made my day even happier!
Becky

Mainly a midwife said...

I'm a chai latte girl...hot or iced...doesn't matter to me.
I love Starbuck's or any mom/pop... usually it's a chance to sit down and catch up with a friend.

Unknown said...

Oh Jamie, it's late here as in 10:20pm and your post is making me want to run out for a Starbucks fix right this very min.

I could seriously drink coffee as my way of hydrating ALL day long - if I let myself. When I make it from home, I like adding the Coffee mate Crème Brulèe cream but right about now I what I would give for the Pumpkin Spice Late that Starbucks offers. Oh that's so good!

Life on the Edge said...

Fun coffee post! I am nowhere near a Starbucks, but there is a local coffee shop here where I can get a wonderful frappe. It's great in the summer! I love those little local coffee places.

Kady

Sara Cox Landolt said...

I want the caramel macchiato! Thanks for the coffee tour.
Great post!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE COFFEE!!! There is a darling coffee shop down the street from my house and they have the BEST caramel macchiato. I love the small town, family owned coffee shops *sigh*

Anonymous said...

Hi Jamie
I used to live in Van. B.C. so we were neighbors, now i live in Ontario. I'm very familiar with "the" Starbucks in Seattle and to boot my daughter is now a Barista at one here in Ottawa. She loves her job and is juggling University at the same time. Oh I'm one of the love it girls. Love your blog.
CC (Claudie from Canada)
P.S. my morning coffee for the last year now, is the store bought bottled Mocha Frappucchino YUMMY

Carrie Willis said...

If you can believe it, I haven't been much in the mood for coffee lately. I guess that's a good thing since I'm pregnant. But how weird, usually I can go for one any ol time. By the way, you're neglecting your Pleo. ;)

Jojo said...

Nothing beats morning coffee. I have been married for 29 years and I am grateful for the fact that I have been served coffee in bed from the day my husband and I got married. There is nothing like a cup of coffee served with love. Wonder-ful post!