Perkdup

I 've said it before.  I've yet to find a Starbucks small lot Reserve (TM) Coffee that I don't like!  The Sun Dried Brazil did not disappoint. For the past two mornings, I've paired it with a scone from Batter Bakery in San Francisco.  Yesterday's scone was strawberry and almond.  Today, I'm enjoying fig and walnut.   The scone goes so well with the roast.  Actually, I think the roast would probably do just fine even without the scone.  But I like to have something in my other hand when I'm holding my coffee mug! Starbucks Reserve Sun Dried Brazil from the Val Verde Estate (Limited Offering) Notes of green apple and dried plum with a brown-sugar sweetness.

What do you get when you put dark chocolate, molasses and currant in a cup?  You get a wonderful blend of African coffee (Old Katy's Tanzania* Blend). The melding of the flavors combined with the perfect dark roast makes for an absolutely delightful morning (or afternoon). Pairs wonderful with a sharp cheese and buttery crackers.  Or homemade ginger snaps.  You don't have to go to Texas to enjoy Old Katy Coffee .  These fine folks will deliver it straight to your door. *Limited offering.  Coffee selections vary, but they're all excellent!

I looked everywhere for the Starbucks Reserve Guatemala San Isidro .   All of the stores I searched were completely out.  That's the thing about Reserve coffees, they seem to sell out quickly.  I guess that's why they're "reserved." And since you can no longer order online at Starbucks, you have to do things the old-fashioned way.  Brick and mortar.  Which is a good thing in many ways.  It forces you to interact with other coffee lovers and see the new offerings. But, I digress.   So, I looked everywhere and couldn't find the Guatemala San Isidro.  I was so consumed with snagging a bag that I took an Uber across San Francisco to the Reserve Store on Chestnut Street.  Found it! It's 18.00 for an 8-ounce bag of beans but so worth it.  Chocolate-y, toasty deliciousness! I really wanted to show you the coffee, but I forgot to post about it and when I went this morning to make a pot, all I had left were a few beans.  Howev...

Okay, so I broke my own rule this weekend and had iced coffee.  I almost NEVER drink cold coffee. Never say never.  My daughter teased me for not having an open mind.  And since I love Ariana Grande so much, I gave in and I'm really excited. The Starbucks Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato   is not only Ariana Grand Approved - it's Coffee Lover approved as well. Layers of fluffy foam over espresso with vanilla flavored syrup and a drizzle of caramel over ice. This could be habit forming!

Fun on a Friday with Foxtrot  blend from Tweed Coffee Roasters . My most favorite blend of theirs is the "Timepiece," but I'm really trying to be more diverse in my blend selections and not just go for the dark roasts. Foxtrot is a blend of half-Columbian and half-Guatemalan coffees.  I could drink it for breakfast, afternoon and even after dinner. When properly prepared, it's actually quite good. I don't think it will replace Timepiece in my coffee lineup, but it's holding its own. Tweed Coffee Roasters Dallas, TX

Don't laugh.  Sometimes I select my coffees according to the book I happen to be reading at the time. Last week, I thought about one of my all-time favorite books " Disappearing Acts " by Terry McMillan.  In one of the scenes, the main character orders a pound of Viennese Coffee. Now, it's entirely possible that I'm completely misremembering.  Maybe she ordered Mocha Java.  For sure she bought a bag of coffee beans.  But, I digress. The point is that I couldn't get Viennese coffee out of my head and so I went to Fonte's website and lo and behold - Viennese blend is available.   The rest is history or my-story as I sit here sipping on a hot cup of amazing Viennese Blend Coffee from Seattle's Fonte coffee all the way here in San Francisco.   You are what you drink. Fonte Viennese Blend Coffee . Available online in whole bean or ground.

A coffee so good that I can't describe it. Seriously, Starbucks' Vietnam Da Lat coffee is very good.  In fact, it's reserved. I wanted to write a post about the flavors, complexity, acidity, roast quality but all I've got is a good - very good cup of coffee. The name is what led me to pick up the bag in the store.  I had not seen this variety before. When I asked the barista if it was dark or medium or light, she said "It's kinda dark, but not really dark, more medium.  It's good." She is right.  It is good.  In fact, I would turn the meter more toward 'great.' I'll definitely buy it again. Starbucks Vietnam Da Lat Coffee - $12.50 for an eight ounce bag.  Limi ted quantity.