Maybe it is Just Coffee

Coffee Shop Visited: Not Just Coffee

Location: No Da - Charlotte NC

Drink Ordered: Cappuccino

All I have to say is: best cappuccino I've probably ever had. In fact, it was so good I went back for another a couple hours after devouring the first. Anyone that I had talked to about this hole in the wall shop said that it was the best coffee they've had - naturally I had to see what all the fuss was about. It lived up to it's exalted standards.

The barista even managed to include some latte art when he topped it with foam. Other treats they have to offer that can't be found in many other coffee shops: pour over coffee and stone ground chocolate. Both are experiences your taste buds should venture to take.

The customer service is excellent and it's mainly run by just the one barista who, if I'm not mistaken, is also the owner. He knows about his caffeinated art and is always willing to offer little facts about the quality of what he serves.

The atmosphere is intimate with old brink discretely allowing that coveted vintage feel. It's hard to find because of it's petite size, but if you're ever in uptown Charlotte, it's worth driving a few minutes out of the way. Joe and I had never gotten along so well.

Nova's Bakery

Coffee Shop Visited: Nova's Bakery

Location: Central Ave. - Charlotte NC

Drink Ordered: Vanilla Hazelnut Latte

It's been too long since I've updated my dear blog, and I've been scouring so many coffee shops since. I'll go ahead and start it off with Nova's Bakery since it is the first that has gone unnoticed in the last couple weeks.

I met a friend at Nova's over my brief spring break (she knew about this blog's goal, and offered to meet at a coffee shop of my choosing). There was only one man running the bakery. He was very sweet and complying, though he could only offer pumpkin spice for an alternative to a cinnamon-type drink.

I decided to change it up, mix two syrups because I'm that kind of risk taker. It was a good latte and he was sure not to make it too sweet (which I appreciated). I never walk into bakeries with too high of expectations because they're obviously focused more on baked goods rather than coffee - but I'm happy to say that the latte surpassed typical bakery standards.

The atmosphere was quaint and cozy and the smell of sweet treats fills the lungs upon walking in. So, if you ever find yourself strolling down Central Ave. stop by to satisfy your sweet tooth and caffeine fix.

Every Chain Needs a Charm

Coffee shop visited: Starbucks

Location: Blakeney shopping center, Charlotte NC

Drink ordered: Cinnamon Dolce Latte (no special adjectives this time)

Yes, I caved. Starbucks and I go way back, and today was one of those days that I just needed something I'm familiar with. I love love love the cinnamon dolce latte at Starbucks. Not many independent coffee shops can offer me a cinnamon type of drink because they have limited syrups. Sometimes, a girl just needs some cinnamon in her coffee.

Customer service was good. Atmosphere was classic for their chain: earthy colors, modern styled furniture and art. I just got my coffee to go, so atmosphere wasn't high on my agenda.

Charcoal clouds releasing a deluge outside twelve divided panels of glass, espresso and cinnamon waltzing in my tummy.

Starbucks!

Julia (without Julie)

Coffee shop visited: Julia's Coffee

Location: Charlotte, NC

Drink ordered: vanilla dry cappuccino (trying to keep the trend)

I would say my experience was good as far as customer service and quality of drink goes, but it wasn't a "dry" cappuccino. I seem to throw quite the curve ball when I specialize my request with that particular adjective.

The shop itself is actually a part of Habitat for Humanity. Julia's is also a book store and donation center for books! Literature is another love of mine (please don't tell Joe, our affair is hush hush).

After I snatched up my drink and glanced over a couple enticing titles of discounted adventures, I strolled through the Re Store. Thrifting happens to be one of my talents. I didn't purchase anything, though there was plenty to catch my eye.

Just another delightful date with Joe.

Check out Julia's site:

http://www.juliascoffee.org/

Phoebe's Inspiration

Coffee shop visited today: Smelly Cat Coffeehouse.

Located: NoDa Charlotte, NC

Coffee ordered: small dry vanilla cappuccino.

Customer service: very friendly (though the term "dry" seemed foreign).

The barista did a great job of providing all the foam a girl could ask for. I wish I had gotten an extra shot because it wasn't as strong as I would've preferred it, but I'm going to go ahead and deem that as my fault, not theirs.

Though their coffee is good, it's their atmosphere that I love. They have one of the best set ups for seating I have seen in a quaint coffee shop. They've made stalls of old chipping doors along either wall. Local art displayed in every unused space. The brick of the building is the interior's walls as much as outside. They even have multi-colored rocking chairs! The whole shop immediately creates that feeling of full, not cluttered.

If you're in the area, I would definitely check them out! Joe and I will definitely meet at Smelly Cat again.

http://www.smellycatcoffee.com/

Simply Because We're in Love

I decided to start documenting the love affair between myself and coffee. And this is it. I plan to record critiques of different coffee shops. Hopefully including pictures whenever I can manage to take one or two, and of course the ups and downs of that coffee establishment.

Every once in a while I'll include sweet nothings between Joe and me.

Sweet Nothing #1:

Over the rim they fall, some farther than others. Over the same rim, they dry, imprinting their fruitless race against a white glass surface. In the right light you can catch the reflection of a blank sheet of paper. In the air you can hear a sneeze followed by an unspoken "God bless you." Peering over the rim I notice the drop that couldn't make it to the starting dive, left alone to finish. Doomed to captivity, it waits. Losing its warmth and anticipating the glossy desert that is sure to rob any remaining hydration. Ah-hah, why didn't I think of this before? I still have a free refill.