Iced Coffee Day (4/21)

For a store location near you visit www.dunkindonuts.com

Chilly travels

Bbbrrrrrrr...it's chilly out there! Hope you are enjoying an evening at home, snuggled up on your couch keeping warm (www.getsnuggie.com) and out of the cool Ohio winter temps. I was one of the lucky few escaping the single-digit temps today, headed south to Texas for an overnight work excursion via the Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

Did you know, there will be NO MORE STARBUCKS at the airport? I actually got the last LID, which meant they could not serve anymore coffee, which also meant there was a long line of grumpiness behind me. Sorry fellow travelers...Lucky me.

I will be back shortly, but in the meantime, enjoy this winter shot from the CLE...going places! :)

'Bucks vs. 'Bou

If you are like me, you have your favorites when it comes to the big chains of coffee shops.

I tend to gravitate to Starbucks for the fun seasonal treats like the ultra-popular "grande" Pumpkin Spice / Gingerbread Latte but when it comes to the everyday coffee I can't pass up a "medium" from Caribou Coffee.

Starbucks is dark and super strong, Caribou is a bit smoother and less acidic. At Caribou you are welcomed by the warm glow of the rustic interiors, including complimentary fireplace while at Starbucks you can be wowed by the gorgeous promotional signage. Caribou sells the best dark-chocolate covered Graham crackers (in case you forgot to grab breakfast) while Starbucks offers adorable flaky petite vanilla scones (sold in 3's, one for you and two to share).



Unlike some of the independent coffee "peers" consistency is key; buy a double shot- skim- extra hot - americano with a shot of almond in Cleveland and in theory, it will taste the same in Boston, Chicago, LA and Paris! Like it or not, it's a formula, a small addition, a drug.

Both mega caffeine-pushers open early, stay open late and even have some morning holiday hours. They have local events, special tastings and more. Although I truly adore the Northeast Ohio Coffee Entrepreneurs, a cup of coffee from Starbucks and Caribou fits the bill any day with me.

Great Beans

About a year ago I discovered a local coffee shop that reminded me of a little hang out from my college years. Lots of solid oak tables paired with matching wooden chairs fill the high-ceiling room. Sounds of familiar indie and world tunes stream from the radio. The large windows allow the daylight to fill the room making it a lovely place to read or work (bring your laptop there is free wi-fi access for all!)

Yes, for those of you who already have guessed my new coffee infatuation is the lovely Gypsy Bean Bakery. This darling traditionally styled European coffee house and bistro is located on the Southeast corner of West 65th and Detroit Avenue in the Gordon Square Arts District in the Detroit Shore way Neighborhood.

The monstrous chalkboard that hangs above the case of oatmeal raisin cookies features the special Gypsy Coffee selections. If I could take this opportunity to recommend the "Skinny Londoner." I don't know all of the ingredients, but I do know that each barista hand-grates fresh nutmeg on the top of the steamed milk making for every drop of this luscious coffee drink pure perfection.

Next time you are looking for a sweet sip of Cleveland coffee spend a minute or two, stop by Gypsy Bean and enjoy! For directions and more visit www.gypsybeans.com

Coffee in the City

If you are looking for a simple (but complex) morning cup of coffee, a pound or two of beans, some cheese and bread...and more...then get your morning java at City Roast coffee. The scent of fresh ground coffee fills the corner of the Westside Market nestled in the city...just close your eyes and follow your nose to the richest coffee scent around.

The team of coffee gurus can assist you in selecting a match of fresh beans to fit your palette. But move quick this retailer is open during normal market hours (Mon. Wed. Fri. & Sat) and you don't want to miss an opportunity to catch a cup of this special stuff.

For more information on City Roast coffee visit them at www.cityroastcoffee.com.

America Runs on Dunkin!

The week of coffee reports continues...

This morning I was in a hurry to get to a meeting and decided to take the "drive-through" approach...Dunkin Doughnuts here I come.

A medium hazelnut coffee, 1 splenda & milk + 2 chocolate doughnut holes. Not only was the coffee very hot with the perfect amount of milk (I wonder how the coffee fairies know how much I like?) it was a brief reminder of my days living in New England. If you have ever visited ME, MA or CT you'll find that New England runs on Dunkin though they must sprinting to the midwest because I see new locations popping up everywhere.



More affordable than the other national chains (my total bill was $1.75...a quarter back!) the bright pink, orange and chocolate brown branding makes this coffee house super-chic and even a bit sassy. Next time you are driving to a meeting and want a good cup of Hazelnut Coffee, drive through your local Dunkin Doughnuts...but good luck leaving without a doughnut! :)

For locations, drinks and specials visit www.dunkindonuts.com

Early at Arabica

Since I have declared the first week of fall, as my week of coffee exploration I was up and out early this morning.

With plans to meet a girlfriend for brainstorming and coffee, we chose a place that was half way between both of our homes and met at Arabica on Detroit and 116th.

As I crept into the store, the windows gave off a welcoming glow. Not yet light out, the pastry case gleamed with excitement for a new day. I ordered a skim vanilla latte which came to me in a tall glass mug (fancy!) and a white chocolate cranberry scone. The latte was very hot, the steam warmed my face as I insisted on burning my tongue for the first few sips. The scone was fresh, unlike any of the bakery sweets from the national coffee house names, it was rich with butter and tasted just-made.
I would have shared some scone with you, but it was gone in a heartbeat!

I would deffinatley recommend this Arabica location (look at last weeks posts for a review of the University Heights location) as a place to bring your laptop, your magazine and order breakfast before strolling into the office. My morning there was pleasant a wonderful way to kick off a Tuesday.

Fall Coffee Week!

As the first week of fall rolls into place, I would like to take this week to explore many of the yummy coffee brews in the Cleveland area. From independents hangouts (Arabica, Pheonix, Gypsy Bean, etc.) to the mega monsters (Starbucks, Caribou & Einsteins) each coffee supplier has something special to offer this fall so take a peak and enjoy the week.

This morning I was up early and after an evening of making my Mom's recipe of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, I was craving a "grande" fall inspired cup of joe to kick off my week. Einstein Bros. usually has a great fail blend and I wondered if it was out yet...it HAD to be, it is the first official day of fall afterall.



YES! the Autumn Blend had arrived. A slight taste of chestnut intertwined with smooth cinnamon undertones made for a lovely morning coffee fix. There are many Einstein Bros. locations in the Cleveland area, track one down and try it out. (The pumpkin bagels are pretty scrumptious too!) www.einsteinbros.com (very cute website)

Back to Coffee

It's back to school season and what better time to hit the local java joint then a late night group project or exam paper caffeine boost?

When I head East I try and make it a point to swing by the Arabica. Tucked into a tree-lined street, this University Circle location is housed in an old mansion and offers patio seating, live music, a fireplace and the kind of cozy nooks that all coffee conversationalists crave. The java falls somewhere between the sting of Starbucks and the caress of Denny's--offering a slightly bitter but consistent cup of coffee. The staff is friendly and fun but remember to bring cash, no cc's welcome. Also noteworthy is the selection and quality of teas and the chocolaty hot chocolates, available in white and dark.



Next time you feel like sneaking away to higher learning, grab your laptop and surround yourself with the students of Case, CIA, CIM and more! It is a wonderful place to meet a client or an old friend. A little tip? Their iced cappuccino's are delish.

Arabica Coffee House University Circle 11300 Juniper Rd. Cleveland, OH 44106 (216) 791-0300