Perkdup

Some things are worth the sacrifice.  Starbucks Blue Mountain Reserve coffee is one of those things.   It is simply put amazing.  And very rare. So, if you happen to find a bag in your local Starbucks, I suggest that you grab it.  Forego lunch and dinner.  It's worth it. Happy National Coffee Day!

Every day is different.  While some may be "ordinary," others may be "extraordinary."  Some may call for the same old grind (pun intended) and others may call from something special. Today is one of those days for me.  Maybe because it's Sunday and I'm not exactly looking forward to Monday morning. Whatever the reason, this hot cup of Katz Coffee's Cafe de Olla seems to be just what is going to get me through the weekend. The traditional Mexican blend of spices and perfectly roasted coffee is anything but average. Not in Houston?  No problem.   Katz Coffee is happy to deliver right to your door.

I have a huge disclaimer.  I have never actually gotten coffee from the new Cafe X Robotic Coffee Bar at One Bush Street in San Francisco. I've passed it many times and taken several photos.  The truth is it frightens me. Not because I think it's going to do something bad.  I'm just afraid it's going to do away with jobs and people and baristas and coffee shops and that makes me sad. I'm super psyched and intrigued by the whole idea.  I mean what's not to like really?  They offer Ritual, Intelligentsia and Equator Coffees. Today I pledge to try it and I promise to report back. But come on, there's not even one single human being inside the robot. Or, is there?  Hmmm. . . .

I've said it before and I'll say it again, life is too short to drink bad coffee. That's why I decided to spring for a bag of the Starbucks Reserve Zambia that was staring at me in the basket at my usual Starbucks. I can't really describe the flavor to you - but it's kind of fruity, kind of citrusy and roasted just right. I wanted to show you the actual bean but unfortunately I ground it and drank it within just a few days and had nothing left but the bag. It's a limited offering so hurry and grab yourself one now before it's too late. I'll always appreciate the independent coffee shops and micro-roasts they offer but Starbucks Reserve Zambia deserves credit. The one thing I don't like it that they're no longer offering coffee to purchase online.  I'm hoping they'll change their mind of that decision.

I'm awake now. I bought this Starbucks Limited Edition for the packaging with cover art by Tristan Eaton .  It's beautiful.   However, what's inside the canister is pretty amazing too. The roast is dark and spicy and is not at all acidic.  Perfect for a super charge in the morning or an accompanying dessert in the evening. So, so good.

I'm so coffee-blessed. Wherever my nephew travels, and he travels often, he brings me back a new coffee to try.   On his recent trip to London, upon his return, I found a bag of "Yellow Caturra" from The Colombian Coffee Company . This coffee is so smooth and delicious that I have literally "rationed" it to myself on a weekly basis.  Meaning, I only allow myself to enjoy this amazing roast on Sunday mornings.  That's how special it is. This is what Colombia Coffee Company says about this Yellow Caturra: "Yellow Catura, as you might know normally coffee cherries are red when ripe in the trees, but this rare varietal actually goes yellow, this gives a normal Caturra a brighter citrus acidity but still has its typical cacao notes.  This is what I would describe as a funky coffee, a typical London hipster would love this varietal because acidity is the new London trend. Wow, I guess this means that I'm just like your typical London hipste...

This has been the week from . . .well, let's just say, it's been quite a week. But, we made it to Friday.   While some people celebrate with wine, I celebrate with coffee.  Really good coffee.  Like this F2 Espresso Roast from Seattle's Fonte Coffee Roasters. There's not a blend of theirs that I don't like, but this may be one of my new favorite offerings. F2 - Fonte to the 2nd Power. Sipping my way into the weekend like. . .Fonte All Day!