Coffee in Seattle
It probably stands to reason that a city that has a reputation for lots of rain and damp cloudy days should enjoy coffee. But Seattle does more than just enjoy a good cup of Joe. Coffee has gone beyond being just the breakfast beverage of choice. Coffee here is an obsession. You cannot go anywhere in Seattle where there is not a coffee shop in sight -- everything from swank coffee bars, to coffee stores operated by chains, to the local corner eatery, to little coffee carts on city streets and in the hallways of office buildings, department stores and hotels. And it's not just the old standby of percolated or autodrip blends. Even the smallest coffee cart or McDonalds will offer a wide range of exotic arabica bean coffees, freshly ground and made into espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and other designer drinks. Knowing your coffee here is just as imporant as knowing your wine in Paris.
Here are some basics:
Coffee drinks are made either from regular drip-type coffee or espresso.
Espresso is made by forcing the water through the coffee grounds under pressure rather than simply by gravity. Contrary to popular thought, it is not really stronger than regular coffee. It is more flavorful because it uses better beans, and gets more of the flavor out of them because of the pressure and the use of a finer grind. It actually has less caffeine than regular coffee.
Here's what to look for at a coffee bar:
Espresso -- Usually served in a small cup or "demi-tasse". A normal serving or "single shot" is 1 to 1 1/2 oz. It is just the straight coffee from the machine. This is how coffee is commonly ordered in Europe. It is usually sweetened with sugar.
Cafe' Latte -- This drink starts with a single or a double shot of espresso in the bottom of the cup. Some flavored syrup may be added to the coffee. Cold milk is then steamed to raise it to about 150 degrees. The hot milk is then poured on top of the coffee and a spoonful of foam goes on top.
Cappuccino -- This starts out the same as a Cafe' Latte, but the milk is steamed until it becomes a think foam which is then poured on top of the coffee.
Cafe Americano -- Flavored syrup is put into a cup and the cup is then filled 3/4 with hot water. Espresso is then poured on top of the water and some whipped cream is added to the top.
Macchiato -- A double shot of espresso (with or without flavored syrup) with a small dallop of milk foam or whipped cream floating on top.
Starbucks is a name that will forever be associated with Seattle coffee. They played a major role in commercializing Seattle's love affair with coffee. Starting in 1972 with a single coffee shop in the famous Pike Place Market, they are now selling their coffee around the world. It really is great coffee. If you can't get to a Starbucks near where you live, click the logo at the left and order Starbucks coffee to make at home.
While Starbucks is now known world-wide, in Seattle there is another coffee company that is just as popular. Seattle's Best Coffee also started at the Pike Place Market in 1972. (Actually they are even older than Starbucks, having previoiusly operated a small coffee shop out on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound. They are begining to sell coffee outside Seattle. You can try it for yourself at their web site. Very good coffee.
There are other places beside Seattle that have some really good coffee. Here are some of the Regular Guys favorites!
Don Francisco Coffee Traders is a wonderful place to buy coffee. The Regular Guys discovered them during a visit to San Diego. They are based in L.A. and are very popular in the western states but not well know in the east. The have some wonderful stuff. The Moka Java is excellent and their butterscotch coffee is unbelievable! Visit their web site and order some -- you'll be glad to did.
In New Orleans, right on Jackson Square in the French Quarter you will find the Cafe Du Monde -- a must place to go for breakfast on a hot steamy New Orleans morning. There you will get Beignets (little pillow-shaped french doughnuts) and New Orleans style coffee which is blended with chicory. Well, you can't bring the atmosphere of New Orleans home, but you can order the Cafe Du Monde beignet mix and coffee. Give it a try.
Here's another good place to look for coffee that you won't find at your local supermarket. It's greatcoffee.com, a leading internet coffee merchant. They have a great selection and are a registered affiliate of the Regular Guys Winery web site.