Author: admin

loving coffee in the time of COVID-19

As we transition into what we all hope will be a temporary new normal, it’s natural to expect an impact on cafes and the coffee industry as is the case with pretty much every business in every industry.

Here are a few changes that have already happened:

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a great read that’s not just about coffee

For those who read the report of my visit to Dublin last summer, you may recall my regret at not picking up a copy of Colin Harmon’s book, What I Know About Running Coffee Shops when I stopped at 3fe. I rectified that this week by downloading the Kindle edition, and I’m very glad I did.

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sunday is brunch day

the eagle-eyed amongst you, say hello to Charlie

We had some family and friends over for brunch yesterday. Beautiful day, which allowed us to sit outside. The espresso machine got quite the workout, as I ended up making about a dozen drinks in a relatively short period of time. By the end it was putting out pure crema. Here’s one of my earlier efforts, I managed to get some milk art into a smaller glass for a macchiato.

Salt & Pepper Diner Essential Song o’ the Day for 2/4

Some days you’re in the grocery store and you find yourself singing along with the great song that’s playing on the PA. Today was one of those days. This banger is almost 40 years old but it’s timeless enough to enjoy 21x in a row.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH44d9UTDUs

update: Car Wash Coffee

update 5/30/2021: permanently closed

It’s been a little over a year since my friend Rachel and I visited Car Wash Coffee in Kensington, MD. I just added the coveted Asterisk of Quality (I just made that up, I think it has legs) to Car Wash in my guide, because in the times I’ve visited since it’s improved.

  • baristas performing at a higher level, including milk art
  • more variety and quality in food, both to eat in and to go
  • more use of their logo, car-themed decorations, and running videos of a car wash in operation on the big-ass tv, all of which serves to tie the place better to the its namesake car wash

Still a giant pain to get in and out of when there’s traffic, but it’s always got a good crowd and is definitely the kind of place its town needed. Wishing them continued success.

you meddlesome kids and your interwebs

spotted at Filter DC / Foggy Bottom

I’m very much in favor of this. It’s a bit deflating to go into a beautiful coffee shop to find it filled with people on their laptops, making you think you’ve wandered into a library. I’m not one to chat up strangers in cafes (baristas excluded), but I’d rather be around a conversational buzz than quietude interrupted by fingertips dancing across keyboards.