BunnyBoy’s Recent Comments

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  Surfing the Third Wave

  Ironically, many third wave coffee roasters and cafes owe their existence to the mediocrity of Starbucks.  I know we all love to bash the mean Mermaid, but she was instrumental in getting Americans off the canned Robusta that passed for coffee in this country when I was growing up (in the 60s and 70s).  After Starbucks' success was established, it was only a matter of time before a few mavericks set out to reach the next level in the realm of quality coffee.  And thus, Third Wave coffee was born.  Most third wavers I know are not even afraid of a Starbucks moving into their area.  It is as if they are selling two completely different things.  I suppose they are really.  Once you've tried a ground to order, hand-tamped, perfectly extracted espresso or cappuccino (like the one pictured above), why would anyone go back to the vending machine espresso that Starbucks peddles?

  BTW, to Gregory's list (above) must be added Flying Goat Coffee in Healdsburg.  Their bars offer two espresso blends (chosen according to the amount of milk in the drink) and both are ORGANIC and FAIR-TRADE CERTIFIED (this is supposed to be "environmental" commentary after all)!  

  Also, what's with the Illy infatuation? Especially when there are so many (better) espresso blends being roasted right here in the good ol' USA.  And, I agree with gregs: by the time Illy arrives in the U.S. it's stale (despite their high-priced vacuum sealed packaging). And think of all the resources wasted in getting that small can of coffee to us. Third wave coffee is (supposed to be) about local and fresh.

  OK, now I'm going surfing!
  On Finding a proper coffee in the Texas hipster mecca posted 3 years ago 9 Responses