Perkdup

Bad news. I did not go to Savannah. Good news. My niece did bring me coffee from The Coffee Fox Roasting Company. She's a student at SCAD and she is becoming quite the coffee snob. She came to visit and brought me a bag of great coffee. It's "Foxy Blend," with notes of Berry, Toasted Almond and Stone Fruit. If you're in Savannah, give it a try. If you're not in Savannah, no worries, you can order online at T he Coffee Fox Roasting Company . Here's to new coffee adventures.

I've found the perfect place to have my morning coffee. In my front yard garden. Blooming where I'm planted. And by planted, I mean sitting in my folding chair under my folding umbrella in my front yard, coffee in hand, with eyes on my veggies. I've always found so much joy in my morning cup of joe. And now, my new hobby is providing me the perfect place to sip my favorite brew. Suns out - mugs up!

For years, decades, I've enjoyed getting coffee at a coffee shop. It started with an independent shop called "JR Mugs," which is about about twenty minutes from my house. It was a vibe before we used the term. I always think about the collection of eclectic items they sold, including a tee shirt which read "Coffee Is Cheaper Than Prozac." Cute little trinkets, tables to sit at and read the newspaper. I digress. My point is that there are very few places like that around these days. Although,I do see us moving away from chains and back to independent shops. At a certain age, which I've reached, I'm starting to enjoy making my coffee at home. There's something about the smell of the brewing coffee, the aesthetics of a drip brewer, and the comfort of my kitchen table that makes me feel nostaligic. I love nostalgia. These days, six out of seven times, I much more appreciate the masterful cup prepared with my own hands to bring a smile to m...

This latest news has me SHOOK. As a Bay Area coffee person, Peet's was at one point, the gold standard. Not just for a cup of coffee for the grown and sexy, but a Berkeley institution. Beatnick roots and the original coffee house vibe. Long before Starbucks, Peet's was waking up folks around the college campus with a good roast, strong coffee and baristas that were ahead of their time. I appreciate all the wonderful microroasters and definitely support small business. Peet's was the original small business coffee shop. Let's brew up a pot of Major Dickason's blend for the coffee culture.

I appreciate and respect people who work in restaurants, shops, coffee bars, and all customer service related professions. Dealing with the general public is not easy. That said, I have been doing an informal taste test of the same coffee drinks, from the same coffee shop, each made by a different barista. The name of the coffee shop shall remain anonymous. The results are all over the map. From PERFECT to too sweet, too bitter, bad froth, good froth, etc. I honestly believe that some people are really striving for perfection and others are just going through the motions. Or maybe, they, themselves, are not coffee drinkers. I'm sending a great big WE SEE YOU to all of the baristas out there who really take pride in their coffee creations. Especially the pour overs. You know you who are ;) Here's to good coffee and great baristas!

I first tried this roaster back in 2012. At that time, they were roasting "Obama Blend." Oh, how I miss those days. I digress. I had not thought about their coffee in a very long time. Sometimes what we are looking for is right under our nose. One Sunday in the Food Section of the San Francisco Chronicle , I read an article featuring Moschetti Artisan Roaster in Vallejo, California. The "secret" was out. I thought, I'd better hurry up and order some before it's gone and coffee is so expensive that I'm drinking grocery store brands. That will be another post for another day. Moschetti House Blend "Mocha-Choco-Latte-YaYa good!

Everything is old is new again. And I'm not mad about it! I haven't blogged in a very long time. It seems that everyone wanted to instagram. and TikTok and blogs just weren't the thing. Rumor has it that they're back in style. And thanks to HBO's White Lotus , so is Coffee-Mate ! You may remember that I have been known to secretly "dabble in CoffeeMate." Now, I don't have to hide. I love oatmilk and almondmilk and all the great new stuff - but I'm still a bit "old school." I hope to spend a lot more time on this here "Blog," drinking coffee (with coffee mate) and re-watching Seasons 1 to 3 of "The White Lotus." There's room for everyone, here! Mugs up!

Weaver's Coffee is a treasure. Roasted in Marin County, it is one of my favorite coffee roasters. I can't let the holiday pass, without sharing their Holiday Blend with you. Bold and chocolatey without being harsh. Smooth with a subtle kick. At 34.95 a pound, it's not cheap, but it is so worth it. Treat yourself this holiday season.

I was so busy drinking coffee that I forgot to post about National Coffee Day yesterday! Every day is National Coffee Day around here so you can understand why I didn't remember. I had planned to give a roundup of all the great coffee specials on the special day. However, I will offer you a tip which is good all year round - don't look at the price of the coffee. Drink what you like. Whenever possible, support local roasters. Some days, my budget says "gourmet." So days my budget says "grocery store brand." And remember to always TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE COFFEE! HAPPY NATIONAL COFFEE DAY

I'm never going to turn my back on Casi Cielo. No matter what. She's never disappointed. This limited offering won my heart two decades ago and I'm still smitten. It. used to come out at Valentine's Day (appropriate) and now it seems to show up at the end of summer, beginnig of Fall. One thing is certain - when she calls - I'll always answer. Starbucks Casi Cielo Blend (a limited offering)

I haven't been able to shake the anger and disgust I feel about someone stealing my personal Yeti mug at work. Yes, I did accidentally forget it in the lunchroom. No, it was not monogrammed with my name. However, if you see a very nice, clearly expensive commuter mug, chances are it's not up for grabs. I have left it in the lunchroom several times previously and no one took it. Imagine my frustration when I was told by someone "you shouldn't have left it in the mailroom." Does the same apply to a forgotten jacket or purse for that matter? Coffee lovers know that what you drink from is just as important as what you drink (coffee, that is). If you didn't buy it, keep your paws off. Still checking constantly to see if whomever stole my mug will be embarrassed enough to try to return it. No luck yet.

I love it when I'm turned on to a new coffee, that I most likely never would have found on my own. One of my favorite holiday gifts was three bags of Clayton Coffee . Love the packaging, love the graphics, and absolutely love this roast. Organic Mexico Chiapas. Saved it for Sunday morning sampling. Paired with grits, toast and gospel music. Life is good.

I usually try to review a few different holiday blends during the Season. This year, I didn't quite get it together in time. Alas, I thought I would like to share a few of the items on my personal Holiday Wish List. 1. A new coffee grinder 2. A new coffee station set up 3. A new frother I'll keep you posted.

I can't remember if I bought this blend last year. It all seems like a blur, but when I walked into my local store last week, I picked up a bag of these lovelies. Dark roasted - and not one I like to drink every day, but really good when mixed with a handful of blonde roasted beans. A limited offering, of course, so hurry before they're gone. Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend

I was pleasantly surprised to find Starbucks Guatemala Casi Cielo at my local Starbucks . I used to be able to set my watch by the fact that when it got close to Valentine's Day, Casi Cielo would hit the shelves. For the last several years, it just seems to randomly appear.  I never know when to expect it but I'm always happy to see it. Say hello to my old friend. Happy National Coffee Day!

I had dinner at a very nice restaurant a few weeks ago.  Not only was the food good, the coffee was excellent.  There's nothing worse than a restaurant with superior food and awful coffee. I was so impressed that I asked the blend.  Pardon my ignorance, but I had never heard of "Project X Coffee"until then. I ordered a pound online.  Should have ordered more.  Delicious, dark roast.  Just what this Sunday morning needed. Always happy to spread the news about a good blend. Raising my mug to Project X and Metropolis Coffee .

I typically do not drink blond roast coffee from Starbucks . I happened to notice the packaging at the counter when I was picking up a bag of Pike Place and the Green Apron Blend caught my eye. After a quick discussion with the barista on duty, I was inclined to learn more.  Story here . It's good to explore and try new things.  Especially coffee. If you're willing to give it a "shot," I think you'll be pleased.

I am always super buzzed when I discover a new independent coffee roaster. Recently, I was gifted a bag of Zocalo Coffee in the Flourish blend.  I am embarrassed to say that I didn't even know this gem of a roaster existed in San Leandro. The Flourish is a lighter roast than I normally drink.  Very pleasant.  I can't wait to try the other blends. Zocalo is woman owned and operated. Grab your mug!  You don't want to sleep on this one (pun intended). Wonderful way to begin my week.

 I just had my first Peet's mobile coffee shop experience and I'm not sure how I feel. When they said they were remodeling the Peet's near my office, I wasn't sure what they had in mind.  It looked perfectly fine to me.   Today, I walked up and was met by a robot.  Okay.  That's not true.  But there was a lobby full of computer screens.  Looked like the bank.  I could hear a familiar voice in back.   But where were the baristas?  Well, they're all hidden.  Like in a vault.  It wasn't super difficult to navigate the system, but I did have a problem when scanning my app.   So, I did what I always do - "AGENT!" I walked up to the one familiar face who was putting out the orders and said, "Help!" And, she did. I don't know how much I needed help or how much I missed the personal exchange. I'm so confused.  I want my baristas!!

It's the little things that help us get through the day. Like my new Cafe Appliance Speciality Drip Coffee Maker . If you can't afford a kitchen upgrade, maybe opt for a new coffee maker instead. The moment I took it from the box, I fell in love with the design.   And then, I was intimidated by the technology.  So, I turned to, where else, YouTube. And if you're at all hesitant or unsure, the customer service (this is a GE Appliance) is great. Each morning, I wake up feeling like Joan Jetson. (not a paid endorsement - just a really satisfied customer)