Browsing Category

Javaholic

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Java Jaunt: A Caffeine Crawl Across Kansas City

July 18, 2023
Caffeine Crawl Kansas City Coffee

Considering my javaholic tendencies and how long I’ve been following Caffeine Crawl’s activities, it’s a little absurd that it’s taken me this long to actually go on a crawl. I met founder Jason Burton when I worked at the Roasterie a few years ago, and I’ve been meaning to check it out ever since.

What is a caffeine crawl, you ask? Think pub crawl, but local coffee shops rather than bars (and less drunkenness). The first coffee-related “crawl,” Caffeine Crawl started in Kansas City in 2011 and now hosts events in cities across the country. It’s a guided tour of four to six local, independent shops and focuses on coffee, tea, and chocolate (allll the caffeine, in other words). At each stop, someone from the coffee shop—often the owner(s)—chats about the café and provides samples of signature drinks and bites.

caffeine crawl, kansas city, coffee, cafe

Our route got me up and out earlier than usual on a Saturday morning (the world does exist before 9 a.m. on a weekend!) and took us around Kansas City’s downtown and historic northeast. It’s not as if I need any encouragement to drink more coffee, and I already have long lists of both favorite local coffee spots and new ones to check out, but the crawl is a great way to discover new places and explore different neighborhoods of a city. Plus, it kind of feels like you get to go behind the scenes to talk to the owners and delve into what makes each shop unique, much more so than if you just stopped in to order a drink. And as much as I love coffee, my order is usually pretty boring—drip coffee or an Americano—so it was fun to try the more adventurous drinks I probably wouldn’t have ordered on my own.

With all that said, the crawl itself is definitely worth checking out (they usually do two per year in KC, in spring and in fall, plus a host of other cities). But the real focus is the coffee shops themselves, so let’s get to that. This was essentially like a supercharged—or highly caffeinated, if you will—version of one of my usual coffee shop explorations.

kansas city coffee Equal Minded Cafe

Equal Minded Cafe

4327 Troost Avenue

Though Troost Avenue has historically been emblematic of the racial and economic divide in KC (thanks, redlining), it’s going through somewhat of a revitalization and reclaiming, and Equal Minded Café is right at the heart of that. There’s a clear focus on community at the space, on creating a gathering place and hub, plus an aim to provide resources and opportunities to KC youth.

The space itself is homey and down to earth, with big windows, plenty of tables, a couch, and even a piano. There are shelves of books and games available for visitors, and a large back room that hosts a potpourri of events—open mic nights, local music, panel discussions, art events, pop-up marketplaces, and more. It’s the perfect space to meet up with friends or cozy up for work or studying.

While you’re soaking up the community spirit, you can sip on organic java, tea, or a smoothie. If you’re hungry, the menu has a variety of options ranging from paninis and wraps to quesadillas and avocado toast (including a few vegan/vegetarian options).

We tested out Equal Minded’s famous bourbon chai latte while on our tour—touted as KC’s best chai. I’m not entirely sure where that accolade comes from, and I’m admittedly not a chai expert, but I can’t say I disagree. Chai lattes aren’t my usual drink of choice—why order anything besides coffee?—but this one was delicious. Just the right mix of sweetness and spice, a little exotic, and rather addictive. I might just change up my usual order the next time I visit.

kansas city coffee Anchor Island Coffee

Anchor Island Coffee

4101 Troost Avenue

Who says Kansas City isn’t tropical? Anchor Island Coffee can’t bring us the ocean, sadly, but they have the tropical plants, nautical style, and chill mood to at least let us imagine we’re at the beach. The owners are from the West Coast and Guatemala, respectively, and wanted to bring a bit of tropical spirit to poor landlocked KC. Spoiler alert: it worked. The whole place is a little island escape in the middle of KC, with cool blue tones, beachy décor, and under-the-sea murals. The best part (in my opinion) is the charming upstairs area—grab a table or flop down on a couch and pretend you’re in a cozy beach house loft.

It’s a great place to come hungry as well—the menu has a plethora of options cooked in house, from breakfast burritos and grilled cheese to French toast, pancakes, quesadillas, tamales, and scrambled egg or açai bowls. Finding a coffee shop that serves more than pastries (as much as we all love pastries) is often a challenge, so it’s great to see a place with a tasty, diverse home-cooked menu.

We had a great taster of a few of Anchor Island’s signature drinks on our visit. In addition to a Messenger-roasted brew, we got to test the Dirty Sunrise—a refreshing iced concoction of espresso, orange juice, grenadine, and chocolate milk—and the horchata latte—a sweet, cinnamony rice milk drink. Neither of these are drinks I would probably choose on my own, so it was fun to try something new (definitely recommend the horchata in particular).

It’s not exactly oceanside, but Anchor Island is still a great place to soak up a warm, cheerful vibe and, of course, enjoy very tasty java and nibbles (and hey, you don’t have to deal with sand in uncomfortable places).

Kansas City cafe Waterbird Coffee

Waterbird Coffee Company

1200 McGee Street

I’m always on the lookout for cool coffee spots in downtown KC, and Waterbird was a pleasant discovery (not that I discovered it, but still). Situated right between the River Market and Power & Light districts, it’s pretty much smack in the middle of KC and is convenient to get to from lots of areas. It’s also just a cool place regardless of location.

Located in an old brick building, Waterbird is an open space with plenty of light and seating. The vibe is urban and hip but also a bit quirky, with touches of Native American design. In fact, according to the owners, Brian and Jamakee, the waterbird is a symbol of rainy season regrowth in Arapaho culture—which is a rather beautiful nod to nature and perseverance, in my opinion.

The café uses beans from Repetition Coffee, a woman-owned Lawrence roaster, and offers a rotating roster of inventive (and delicious, obviously) signature drinks. There aren’t really options for a full meal, but they do have pastries from local Scratch bakery, which is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

We tested brews from Ethiopia and Colombia—both tasty, but I have to admit my palate isn’t quite refined enough to notice flavor notes much—as well as an iced brown sugar cinnamon latte, which was unsurprisingly by far my favorite. They also offer a butterscotch latte that I’m dying to try. I’ll just have to go back—not a tough ask at all.

Kansas City cafe Core Coffee & Eatery

Core Coffee & Eatery

546 Olive Street

As a history nerd, I find the Pendleton Heights neighborhood fascinating. One of the older areas of KC, it’s a mix of gorgeous Victorian houses and slightly run-down old buildings. Right in the middle of all this is Core Coffee, which somehow fits right in despite being pretty hip and new. With exposed brick walls, lots of plants, and quirky tchotchkes all over, it has an airy, boho vibe. The stacks of books and games and displays of local art also give it a warm, neighborhood-y feel, though, and it feels like the type of place that has a lot of local regulars.

In addition to the usual pastry and java offerings, Core also offers tasty menu options, including breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese, BLTs, and avocado toast. It would make a great casual lunch spot or cozy workspace.

Our treat at Core was another inventive original creation—which, again, I probably wouldn’t have thought to order on my own. A tasty concoction of cold brew, Mexican cola, and vanilla bean ice cream, it was a bit like a highly buzzed float. It was rather chilly when we were there, but this would be a perfect drink for these sweltering July days, guaranteed to keep you cool (and highly caffeinated). We also got to nibble some addictive homemade lemon cookies—not sure if they’re a regular offering, but I think it’s safe to say you’ll be well supplied with sweets on a visit here.

Kansas City PH Coffee Pendleton Heights

PH Coffee

2200 Lexington Avenue

I have to admit that I had never even heard of several places we visited (javaholic fail). PH, however, has been on my list for a long time. It’s also in Pendleton Heights, very close to Cliff Drive (side note: great place for a fall foliage walk). In fact, PH has dubbed itself “the gathering place of Pendleton Heights”—and it’s a fitting moniker. In addition to creating a very friendly, local feel, the coffee shop also hosts a whole bevy of diverse events—local musician concerts, barista classes, pop-up bars, a Jazz Age–themed night, a Harry Potter theater experience…you name it.

The space itself is equally suited to catching up with friends or having quiet work/study time. The old building is open and filled with light, and the pressed tin ceiling, mismatched vintage chandeliers, brick walls, and local art displays give it a storied yet quirky character. There’s even a kids’ play area and a giant chess set.

Though die-hard javaholics and non–coffee drinkers alike will undoubtedly find something tasty to sip here, PH is serious about their beans. They source their coffee from Repetition Coffee and Liberty-based Hammerhand, and all of the rotating selection of beans notes origins, flavor notes, and recommendations for doctoring (cream, sugar, etc.). PH has a whole four-tier system to organize their beans, with categories such as “unicorns” and “common grounds.” I have to admit most of it goes over my head (my palate isn’t refined enough to identify more then fruity vs. non-fruity blends), but it shows that they know their beans. If you’re into specific roasts and flavor notes or exploring coffee from around the world, it’s a great guide, and frankly it’s just rather charming (see photo of Lisa Frank–esque art complete with winged pink unicorn).

Along those lines, we got a little global coffee tour with a tasting of four bean options led by Holly (who runs the Geek Out with Holly barista classes). We went to Ethiopia with a roast described as “a chocolate-covered berry bomb” and El Salvador via a decaf with “dark caramel and berry jam vibes.” There was even a rare Yemen roast with Saut Farmers’ “juicy raisin soaked in spiced caramel” beans. I’m not sure I could identify those intricate flavor notes on my own, but the descriptions are certainly mouthwatering, and it was a lot of fun to learn about the beans and where they came from. I’ll definitely be making a return trip to PH, either for a creative event or some chill reading time—though I’ll probably be boring and get my usual Americano.

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Holiday Drinks Around Kansas City

December 7, 2021
holiday drinks kansas city coffee

Photos courtesy of  Monarch Cafe, the Roasterie, Martin City Coffee, Messenger Coffee, and Vested Coffee

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: seasonal coffee shop drink menus are here! To get into the spirit, I rounded up the most festive holiday drinks around Kansas City. What will it be first: a spicy gingerbread latte? A festive Candy Cane Forest Mocha? A Butterbeer latte? Better get started now—so many drinks, so little time. Happy sipping!

Messenger Coffee Co. / Black Dog Coffeehouse:

Saturnalia – A traditional latte flavored with house-made syrup made from dates, almonds, and oranges.

Pepper & Mint Mocha – A rich mocha made with Christopher Elbow dark chocolate, serrano peppers, and fresh mint.

Holiday House Soda – Italian soda made with Messenger cold brew, pomegranate, and local honey.

Charlie Brown (Messenger Grand only) – Messenger espresso with a Guinness reduction chocolate mousse and garnished with a rosemary sprig.

*Filling Station Coffee is also serving the Saturnalia and Pepper & Mint Mocha!

Monarch Café 

Candy Cane Forest Mocha – Emissary espresso with milk, white chocolate, and peppermint, served with a smoked rosemary garnish in a white chocolate– and peppermint candy–rimmed hobstar glass. Hot or iced.

The Alexandria – Emissary flash brew mixed with cranberry, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and aromatic bitters, served chilled in a coupe glass with a coffee-soaked cocktail cherry garnish.

Eggnog Holiday Draft Latte – Emissary flash brew and eggnog charged with nitrogen and topped with nutmeg. Served cold.

The Dude Abides – Emissary espresso with cream, toasted walnut spice syrup, and applewood smoke, served over ice in a 6 oz. rocks glass.

Queen’s Pawn – Emissary espresso with steamed Oreo milk, cheesecake syrup, and topped with Oreo crumbles, served hot in a 6 oz. cup.

Smoked & Spiced Cider – Louisburg Honeycrisp apple cider with spiced orange oleo-saccharum and applewood smoke, served hot and dusted with cinnamon.

Phoenix Down – A 10 oz. ginger shot topped with cayenne.

Raspberry Fig Nutmeg Shrub Soda – A vinegar shrub made with raspberry, fig, and nutmeg and mixed with sparkling water. Served iced.

The Roasterie

Gingerbread Cookie Latte – A traditional latte flavored with ginger, clove, and a sweet bite of molasses.

White Peppermint Mocha – A mixture of Ghirardelli white chocolate, peppermint, and mocha topped with whipped cream.

Eggnog Latte – A traditional latte flavored with creamy eggnog and sprinkled with nutmeg.

Spiced Cranberry Cider – Louisburg Cider Mill cider combined with warm spices, cranberry sauce, and orange juice.

The Wild Way Coffee

She Sleighs – Espresso, milk, and brown sugar poached pear with vanilla and winter spices.

Winter Fog – Peppermint tea with house-made mocha topped with steamed milk and cocoa powder.

Oh Snap! – Espresso and milk with gingersnap sauce and topped with a gluten-free gingersnap by @fooddrunk.

She’s Spicy – Espresso and milk spiced with orange zest, honey, cayenne, and ginger.

Baby It’s Chai Outside – Cranberry orange and ginger spiced chai tea latte garnished with cocoa powder and fresh orange zest.

Snowcapped Cold Brew – Spiced nitro cold brew topped with a mountain of pear poached cold foam and garnished with fresh rosemary.

Martin City Coffee

Butterbeer Latte – Espresso and rich eggnog sprinkled with cinnamon. Hot or iced.

Apple Fritter Latte – Espresso and milk mixed with spiced apple syrup made in house and topped with a caramel drizzle. Hot or iced.

Eggnog Chai and Latte – Espresso or spiced chai with rich eggnog. Hot or iced.

Apple Cider – Hot or iced apple cider made in house and topped with a caramel drizzle.

Vested Coffee

Pumpkin Butternut Spice Latte – Puréed pumpkin and butternut squash with espresso and steamed milk.

Mexican Chile Mocha – Ghirardelli dark chocolate with a subtle spicy/sweet syrup, espresso, and steamed milk.

Wintermint Mocha – Dark or white Ghirardelli chocolate with subtle mint flavor, espresso, and steamed milk.

Wintermint Hot Chocolate – Dark and white Ghirardelli chocolate with subtle mint flavor and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream.

Frigid Grinch – Matcha and oat milk with subtle mint flavor, served over ice (tastes like melted mint ice cream!).

Pilgrim Coffee Company

Bourbon Brown Sugar Latte – Espresso and steamed milk with house-made whiskey and vanilla syrup.

Gingerbread Latte or Chai – Espresso or spiced chai and steamed milk with house-made ginger, cinnamon, clove, and allspice syrup.

Hazelnut Latte or Chai – Espresso or spiced chai and steamed milk with house-made hazelnut and vanilla syrups.

Peppermint Mocha – Espresso and steamed milk with house-made mint and dark chocolate syrups.

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Coffee Shop Love: Martin City Coffee

November 14, 2021
martin city coffee kansas city cafe

Martin City Coffee

13115 Holmes Rd, KCMO

 

You might not think of train track–adjacent as the ideal environs for a café, but it’s one of my favorite aspects of Martin City Coffee (admittedly, this may be partly because trains feed my undying dream to catch the Hogwarts Express, but still). The coffee shop sits next to the train tracks that run through Martin City, giving the place a unique, slightly gritty (or perhaps old-timey) feel that somehow fits very well with the warm atmosphere. The vibe is more bookworm cozy than minimalist hipster—think dark wood, leather armchairs, golden light, and chalkboard menus. It’s casual, comfortable, and homey, with an authentic feel. Bonus: there’s plenty of seating (often an issue for coffee shops, I find), plus a patio and drive-through. You may or may not add a train whistle to your soundtrack while there, but personally, I think that only adds to the charm.

martin city coffee interior kansas city

So, ready to get your java fix? Martin City has all the classic espresso offerings—lattes, Americanos, frappés, and the like—as well as tea, hot chocolate, and spiced apple cider for the non-javaholics. If you’re looking to really celebrate the season (or just treat yourself), they also have a host of creative concoctions. The current seasonal drinks include a butterbeer latte, apple fritter latte, and eggnog chai. Why didn’t the Three Broomsticks think of making a butterbeer latte?

martin city coffee kansas city

Photo courtesy of Martin City Coffee

As much as I adore pastries (who doesn’t?), sometimes a scone doesn’t quite cut it, and it’s rather rare to find a coffee shop that does coffee and (real) food well. Especially if you like to camp out at a café for a day of work like I do, it’s a major bonus to find a place with a tasty menu. Martin City Coffee fits the bill to a T here. Never fear—they have the quintessential sweet treats, including old-fashioned donuts, homemade pop-tarts, protein balls, cinnamon rolls, and muffins. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, though, there’s also a pretty extensive menu of yummies made in-house—think breakfast burritos and sandwiches, avocado toast, omelettes, and grilled cheese, plus more unique offerings like arepas, tostones, and yuca fries. Plus: breakfast all day (need I say more?).

 

As the days get chillier, I’m ready to hunker down in a toasty, cozy coffee shop with a steaming drink. In other words, the folks at Martin City Coffee will be seeing a lot of me (you’ve been warned).

martin city coffee kansas city interior

martin city coffee kansas city interior

Javaholic/ Musings

Coffee History: From goats to hipster coffeeshops

September 26, 2021
world map coffee history

World map, 17th century, Image courtesy of Ancient World Maps.

• quawah (Yemen, for wine) • kahveh (Turkish) • koffie (Dutch) • coffee (English) •

Years ago, a great power watched humans and decided that the race was sluggish and dissatisfied. So it presented a gift, a steaming flask of brown liquid, and a seed, and showed how to grow and harvest the first coffee plant.

All right, maybe not. Allow me my fantasies for a moment, ok? Coffee may not have been gifted by the gods, but it does have a long and complex history. In fact, the story of how our current cup of java came to be reaches back thousands of years, starting in ancient Africa and the Middle East. If you’ll allow me a moment of coffee history nerdery…

coffee history kaldi

Image courtesy of Coffee Crossroads, adapted from All About Coffee by William H. Ukers.

From goats to Arab coffeehouses

Long before Starbucks, coffee was mixed with animal fat and eaten (think ancient PowerBar). Legend tells of an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi who discovered his goats bursting with energy after eating the berries from a coffee shrub. Kaldi took these berries to local monks, and the monks created the first coffee drink, making use of this miracle energy source for stamina during long prayers. Whether or not this tale is true, wild coffee plants were likely used by nomadic tribes in Africa for thousands of years. Around the thirteenth century, Arabs began to roast coffee beans, and the public coffeehouse, known as qahveh khaneh, boomed not only as a drinking spot but also, crucially, as a hub for social interaction, business, and exchange of ideas. Word of the popular beverage, sometimes known as “wine of Araby,” spread quickly.

Though Arab nations kept a closely guarded monopoly on the coffee trade for many years, the trend made its way to Europe in the fifteenth century. A Venetian merchant brought coffee to Europe in 1615, and the Dutch followed with the first coffee plant in Europe in 1616 and the first European-owned plantations in Sri Lanka in 1616 and Java (Indonesia) in 1696. The coffee trade soon boomed with the French in the Caribbean, the Spanish in Central America, and the Portuguese in Brazil.

coffee history new world americas

 Image courtesy of Pixabay.

Voyage to the New World

This path has been far from straight, wrought instead with ambition and subterfuge. For instance, in 1723 a French naval officer named Gabriel de Clieu stole a seedling from a coffee plant gifted to King Louis XIV by the mayor of Amsterdam and smuggled it to Martinique, launching the French coffee trade in the Americas. Brazil joined the fray in 1727 through Colonel Francisco de Mello Palheta, with seeds said to have been smuggled through a bouquet given to Palheta by the wife of the governor of French Guiana. And in the soon-to-be United States, coffee rose as the drink of choice after the Boston Tea Party, when tea came to be considered “unpatriotic.”

Coffee as we know it today came onto the scene in the nineteenth century. John and Charles Arbuckle began selling bags of pre-roasted beans in the 1860s, and it became particularly popular with cowboys in the American West. Other well-known coffee producers also broke ground in the 1800s, including James Folger, Maxwell House, and Hill Brothers. The 1960s saw the spark of the specialty coffee movement, and the first Starbucks was established in Seattle in 1971. And now, of course, there’s a hipster coffee shop on nearly every city block. If Kaldi and his goats could have seen that coming…

coffee history coffeeshop

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Miracle brew or dangerous concoction?

Over the years, coffee has run into many a controversy — both as a health risk and as a supposedly “satanic” beverage — from a 1511 ban in Mecca due to health concerns to 17th-century claims in London that it caused impotence. Allegedly, the case was even brought to Pope Clement VIII in the 1600s; upon tasting the beverage, however, the pope enjoyed coffee so much that he gave it official papal approval! It has also long been linked to slavery and colonization, as most of the European coffee trade had its base in colonial plantations worked by slaves (this issue continues today with exploited coffee farmers in many countries, a concern evident in the rising fair trade and equal exchange coffee movement). Yet with an estimated 2.5 billion cups of coffee consumed worldwide each day, it’s clear that there’s something about this brew that we just can’t stay away from.

*This post was previously published on my earlier blog, Beanopia, in 2014.*

Sources:
How Coffee Influenced History, NPR.org
The Caffeinated History of Coffee, PBS.org
National Coffee Association

5 Historical Attempts to Ban Coffee, Mental Floss

Food/ Javaholic

Before the Bean: The story of coffeefruit

September 12, 2021
coffeefruit, coffee fruit, coffee berry

The coffee bean: the universal symbol of java. Logos, coffeeshop names, cheesy puns (ahem, I certainly never make bean puns). But the iconic bean has rather stolen the spotlight from another member of the coffee family: the coffee berry. Yes, coffee is a fruit. Er, sort of. While the health effects of coffee have been debated ad nauseam, the coffee berry has been garnering attention recently as having health creds to rival even the most touted superfoods. Is this news to anyone else? I was casually sipping a Bai (like Gatorade’s Whole-Foods-born sister) when I skimmed the back of the bottle and saw a blurb on the “secret ingredient” of the drink: coffee fruit. Say what? My curiosity was (of course) piqued, and I had to do a bit more research. So what’s the deal? Read on for the 411 on the coffee bean’s neglected sister.

 

coffeefruit, coffee berry, coffee, antioxidants

 

What is this?

Just as it sounds, the coffee berry is, well, a berry. The bean part used to make our fav brew is actually the seed at the center of a round red berry known as the coffee fruit, coffee berry, or coffee cherry. Picture a bush with jasmine-like flowers and cranberry-esque berries (can I get a coffee bush in my apartment?). The berry itself has a crisp skin layer, similar to a bell pepper, and a sweet, sticky pulp. Full disclosure: I haven’t actually eaten a coffee cherry (believe me, I would pick some up at Whole Foods if I could), but the taste apparently varies according to the type of bean and can have notes of berry, watermelon, jasmine, and hibiscus. If you’re curious, cascara — a tea-like drink common in coffee-growing regions that’s made from infusing dried coffee cherry husks in water — has a similar taste.

Anyway, the berry pulp is separated from the bean and used as fertilizer, while the bean begins its journey to your cup. That’s usually the end of the story for the coffee berry, but thanks to recent studies and a few enterprising products, coffee fruit may have a new role as the next big superfood.

ad8d4825962953.5634d786993d9

Graphic courtesy of Studentshow.

 

Superfood credentials, please. 

Coffee fruit’s main claim to (health nut) fame is that buzzword: antioxidants. I know, I know, everything is a new antioxidant-hoard superfood. Hear me out and decide for yourself about the hype. So, antioxidants. According to dermatologist Dr. Debbie Palmer, coffee fruit pulp has higher levels of antioxidants than tea, vitamins C & E, raspberries, strawberries, pomegranate, and blueberries, and the US Department of Agriculture states that coffee fruit extract provides 30 to 40 times the antioxidant power of superfood celebs açai and pomegranate. Antioxidants are well-supported by science to have notable health benefits: They help protect against cell damage from free radicals that can lead to memory degeneration, cancer, heart disease, and more. They boost the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. They grant eternal life. Ok, maybe not that last one. But good stuff, in any case.

In addition, studies associate coffee fruit extract with increased levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that  aids in nerve growth, cognition and mental processes. Decreased BDNF has been linked to depression, Alzheimer’s, OCD, and dementia. In other words, coffee berry extract could boost BDNF levels, aiding in neurological health.

And to top it off, coffee fruit extract provides a boost of natural energy with only 4.4 mg of caffeine per gram versus the 100-150 mg of caffeine in a typical brewed cup of coffee.

 

coffeefruit, coffee berry, coffee, antioxidants

 

Seeking out the magic berry

So how do you get this stuff? The actual fruit is a bit difficult to find unless you live in a coffee-growing region (and it’s not really a pop-in-your-mouth snack anyway), but extracts and powders are becoming trendy ingredients in skincare products, supplements, juices, and more. A company called FutureCeuticals took the lead here, creating a patented process for preserving coffee fruit, as well as a coffee fruit extract, NeuroFactor, and a line of powders and concentrates, Coffeeberry.

Then you have my introduction to coffee fruit: Bai, a series of coffee fruit-infused drinks in a variety of exotic fruit flavors. The drinks taste like fruit juice or fancy Gatorade (not coffee berry itself), and Bai focuses on the exotic fruit aspect rather than marketing the coffee fruit element, though they embrace the idea of a “secret” ingredient (i.e., coffee fruit).

Playing up the tropical and superfood angles, KonaRed creates juices and drink powders using Coffeeberry’s drying/extraction processes and highlights its Hawaiian origins and health benefits as “Hawaiian Superfruit Antioxidant Juice.”

And finally, departing from the juice-crazy crowd a bit: CoffeeFlour. As you might guess, this is “flour” made from dried and ground coffee fruit. I actually did an entire post on it — check out the deets here.

So there you have it. Personally, I have no idea how much benefit you actually get from Bai juice (I just like the taste). I kind of doubt coffee fruit is a miracle superfood, but it certainly seems to have some good credentials, and I’m interested in checking out CoffeeFlour and cascara tea purely for the sake of experimentation. If I’m ever lucky enough to visit a coffee farm, I’ll certainly be plucking a few ripe coffee cherries. What do you think? Will you give coffee fruit extract a try?

 

*This post was previously published on my former blog, Beanopia, in 2016.

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Outta the Blue

September 5, 2021
outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe

Anyone still out there? I am, in fact, still alive (I know, you were dying of suspense wondering).

Obviously unnecessary to state, but it has been A YEAR (or two? What is time anymore?) Everything has been a little topsy-turvy for everyone since about 2019, I think, and between public spaces being closed and life just plain being crazy, I’ve completed neglected my little corner of the web over here. In all honesty, the past couple of years have been very rocky in my personal life — I’m not going to go into detail, because that’s not really the aim of this blog, but suffice it to say, I’ve been out of the loop, and for anyone who has been feeling lost and/or hopeless lately (or ever): I feel you. With that said, I’m trying to get back into the swing of things, and it has been way too long since I’ve done some wandering.

So: I have new coffee shops to check out, new places to explore, yada yada. A lot of life/the world is a chaotic mess, but there’s still coffee and getting lost in colorful city streets and discovering hidden gems of art and humanity. I, for one, could use some of all that. Let’s see if anyone is still around to read about my shenanigans, eh? (If not, at least I have an excuse to drink lots of coffee).

First up: a cheery spot in Leawood to grab a java (or cocktail).

*****

Coffeeshop Love: Outta the Blue

5291 W. 116th Place, Leawood, KS

outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe

Despite the fact that I’m currently bemoaning the hot, sticky weather and longing for fall, I have to admit that I love the beach (who doesn’t?). Of course, there are no (ocean) beaches in Kansas, but I’m all for places that let me pretend I’m in a tropical cabana. Outta the Blue dubs itself “KC’s Lil’ Oasis,” and really, the flip-flop fits. There’s (sadly) no ocean and (probably thankfully) no sand, but they do have palm trees, rattan furniture, and colorful surfboards on the wall. With plenty of windows, light colors, and modernistic furniture, the entire place is hip and cheerful. Did I mention there are swings? Probably not conducive to sipping coffee, but they sure are fun.

A recent addition to Leawood’s Park Place shopping center, Outta the Blue is a Made in KC outpost (though interestingly, I didn’t see anything that said Made in KC in the actual café). It’s usually quietly bustling, busy with everyone from people tapping away on laptops to friends catching up to families corralling kids. While I’ve been there, the soundtrack has ranged from mid-2000s nostalgia (think Hillary Duff) to 1960s-80s oldies. It’s a friendly, fun atmosphere, calm enough to get work done yet active enough for good people-watching and a welcome dose of gaiety. A little bit granola-crunchy, quite a bit hip, the café fits into the clean-cut environment of suburban Leawood, but it also adds a touch of style — and a laid-back beachy vibe — in an area mostly filled with a lot of chain restaurants and shops.

outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe interior

If you’re hungry, they have snacks and breakfast sandwiches from Parisi Coffee, pastries from local Scratch Bakery, and vegan breakfast sandwiches from Mattie’s Foods. (Major points, in my humble opinion, for having almond croissants, which are annoyingly difficult to find and obviously the best.) For sips, there’s the usual lineup of espresso beverages and (quite tasty) drip coffee, as well as a selection of teas and cold-pressed juices. And if you need something a bit stronger — or feel like really leaning into the tropical cabana spirit — they have a full bar menu of cocktails, beer, and natural/organic wine.

All in all, it’s not actually the beach, but Outta the Blue is a fun place to work or hang out. As much as I like offbeat, slightly shabby coffee shops, it’s hard not to fall in love with this bright little café. After all, who doesn’t love palm trees and swings?

outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe interior

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Messenger Coffee Co.

February 25, 2020
messenger coffee kansas city

If you’re in the Kansas City area and haven’t been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard of Messenger Coffee. Honestly, I’m a little late to the party here (this one has been lingering on my coffeeshop list for a while), but seeing as how it’s in my neighborhood and I go there fairly frequently, I couldn’t pass up mentioning it here. Messenger has become something of a KC darling and gotten a lot of hype in the last few years, and for good reason. Though the roasting company was established in 2013 and supplies many local coffeeshops, they opened their flagship roasting facility and café in 2017 in the Crossroads district. As such, they’re first and foremost a roaster, focusing on farm-direct beans roasted right here in KC (in other words, they know their coffee). That said, the café has become a hotspot in its own right.

messenger coffee kansas cityIf hip and sleek is your coffeeshop jam, then Messenger has you covered. Their Crossroads café is hyper-cool and modern — think clean white palette, chic minimalist furniture, soaring ceilings, and lots of light. The décor is unfailingly hip. As an added bonus, there’s an open kitchen with views into the bakery and coffee roasting areas (so you know both your croissant and your java are fresh and homemade). And unlike many coffeeshops, there’s plenty of space and seating here, in the bustling first floor area or upstairs in one of the more studious enclaves. There’s even a much-Instagrammed rooftop patio with amazing views of the downtown KC skyline. The only downside to this is that it sometimes gets a bit loud — it’s never not been busy when I’m there — though there’s enough room that you can usually find a private corner.

messenger coffee kansas city

messenger coffee kansas city

messenger coffee kansas city

For all the hype about Messenger, the baristas know their stuff. The coffee is always delicious, and they’re particularly on-point in the latte art game (even when it comes to my almond milk lattes). I have photographic proof — I’ve never received a less-than-gorgeous latte, and they taste as good as they look. And thanks to Ibis bakery, the menu is worth drooling over as well. The amazing baked goods are all made in-house (in fact, you can see them coming out of the oven in the open kitchen), and the menu is actually fairly extensive, which isn’t a given for coffeeshops. Good luck choosing between the range of carefully handcrafted breads, both classic and creative pastries, and a hot menu of toasts, tartines, eggs, and other breakfast yummies. Sacrilegious though it is, I’ve yet to test the pastries — though they always look incredible — but I can vouch for a decadent chocolate truffle. Considering Ibis’s rising fame, it’s probably safe to say the food is awesome.

messenger coffee kansas city

messenger coffee kansas city ibis bakery

All in all, I have to admit that smaller, slightly shabby cafes are more my style, but there’s no denying that Messenger Coffee is a cool spot, and definitely worth a visit. You know you’ll get a great cup of coffee (and likely a killer bite to eat as well), and really, it’s worth going just to check out the space. You’ll feel cooler just stepping into the café.

messenger coffee kansas city

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Coffee Shop Love: Quay Coffee

January 25, 2020
Coffee Kansas City Quay

When it comes to coffeeshops, quaint and a bit quirky is my sweet spot. Hip, sleek and modern is all very nice, but give me a funky hole-in-the-wall any day. Though it’s gaining a name as one of the mainstay local coffee sources in KC — hardly a hole-in-the-wall — Quay Coffee somehow manages to be both hip and homey. Named for the River Quay, the former name of the River Market, Quay (pronounced “key”) is a cozy, brick-walled spot in the heart of the eclectic River Market district. (If you’re strolling through the Nelson-Atkins Museum and in need of a caffeine fix, they also opened a location in the museum, but I highly recommend visiting the original.) Small but with plenty of seating, the place is always bustling with people working or chatting over a cuppa. In short, it’s a friendly, festive spot. It seems like sometimes it’s difficult to find beautiful latte art and a smile (thus the snobby barista trope), but Quay truly manages to do both. They definitely know their coffee, but I’ve never been greeted by anything less than genuine cheer and friendly banter.

Coffee Kansas City Quay Coffee Kansas City Quay

But of course, the main draw: the coffee is good. Very good. Quay puts fastidious attention into choosing top-notch direct trade roasters, and the coffee never disappoints. With housemade syrups in scrumptious flavors like Old Overholt Caramel and Spice Brown Sugar, inventive seasonal drinks, and fresh local baked goods, the menu is classic but never boring.

Coffee Kansas City Quay

River Market in of itself is worth exploring, and my go-to is fueling myself with a good caffeine dose from Quay as I do my wandering. Then again, it’s worth making a trip there just for the coffee and warm atmosphere. Bring a book, some work, or a friend and settle in with a delicious latte — you won’t want to leave.

Coffee Kansas City Quay

Javaholic/ Travel

Coffee Shop Love: South West Collective

December 26, 2019
Cayman Islands South West Collective coffeeshop

Possibly an unpopular opinion, but I like winter. Crisp air, moody grey skies, a fluttering of snow — it’s magical. That said, as I stomp through the slush of three-day-old snow, I have to admit that a tropical vacation doesn’t sound so bad (this is why spring break was invented, right?). Though I do have a warm locale on the books, that’s not for a couple of months, so I’m looking back to spring break last year and a belated but much-deserved coffeeshop feature: South West Collective in the Cayman Islands. If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean, both this little group of islands and this hip coffeeshop are definitely worth a visit. If not, just pretend you can feel the warm tropical sun on your face and a tasty latte on your tongue.

For fruity cocktails and cabanas selling fresh fruit juice, the beach is a pretty sure bet. But this may not be exactly where you’d expect to find a hip coffeeshop. Luckily, South West Collective fills all of the aforementioned needs (and considering the size of the Cayman Islands, it’s pretty easy to make a trip there no matter where you are on the islands). Located in Georgetown, the capital of the largest island, Grand Cayman, this hip, light-filled spot is right in the middle of most of the hustle and bustle going on in the islands. In case you’re (unsurprisingly) not familiar with the Caymans, this tropical paradise is a trio of tiny islands in the Caribbean Sea, just west of Cuba. A British territory, they’re known for their beautiful beaches and abundance of sea turtles. Hardly a wonder, then, that many cruise ships stop off on Grand Cayman. South West Collective is right in the middle of Harbour Place, the bustling, colorful area of Georgetown where the cruise ships come to dock. As you sip your coffee, peek into the many shops nearby, or take a look at the local markets going on most days (trust me, there’s more than enough to look at!).

The coffeeshop itself is on the second floor of a collection of shops and restaurants. With naval-inspired blue and white décor, comfy seating, and stunning ocean views, it’s the perfect place to take a shopping break and watch the magnificent cruise ships glide into port. The menu is stocked with all your favorite hot and cold coffee drinks, plus fresh juices and smoothies and a mouthwatering selection of housemade toasts, sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. There’s even a chill bar and foozball area in back if you’re in need of something stronger than coffee!

I know hot coffee isn’t exactly tropical, but even in the heat, it was well worth ordering a latte, in my opinion — it was delicious enough to be worth a little extra sweating. And Cayman may not be the most common tourist destination (though I would argue that equals extra points in its favor), but I would highly recommend adding it to the vacay list. With a surprisingly diverse crowd, gorgeous beaches and water, and lovely hotels and restaurants (and of course, those turtles), it’s definitely worth a stop. And hey, you already know where to get your coffee there.

Food/ Javaholic/ Travel

The Best Paris Coffeeshops

November 29, 2019
Paris coffee coffeeshops

What would a trip to Paris be without le café? Despite Paris’s vibrant café culture, it’s generally accepted that the coffee itself isn’t all that great. But in the past few years, the third-wave coffee movement has hit the city — with vigor — and these days there are legit roasters and more coffeeshops than even I could manage to hit in one trip. That’s not to say I didn’t try — I had a mile-long list going into my trip, and I drank enough coffee to fuel endless trekking around the city (which is a lot). Though I don’t want to think about how much of my trip budget went to coffee breaks, this did leave me with a pretty good sampling of the Paris coffee scene. Unlike years past, it’s pretty easy now to find a good latte or filter coffee in Paris (and the list of places offering alternative milks is also growing), not to mention that there’s a collection of friendly, charming cafés to visit. My list was a good one — I don’t think I drank a bad cup of coffee on my trip. That said, I narrowed it down to my top five picks for the best Paris coffeeshops (though the full list of spots I visited is included as well — all of which I would recommend, honestly). Thankfully, there’s never a need to wander Paris under-caffeinated again!

Boot Café

19 rue du Pont aux Choux

This might just be the tiniest coffeeshop in Paris — it’s also one of the cutest, and serves up delicious coffee to boot (no pun intended). Nestled in an old cordonnerie, or cobbler’s shop, in the Marais, this petite blue café has just enough room inside for the counter and a couple of tables. They manage to fit a lot of charm into a small space, though, with rustic-chic décor, art on the walls, and fresh flowers — plus delicious coffee and pastries, of course. Get a flat white to go as you meander through the Marais, or take a moment to perch on one of the outside seats and enjoy the charming street.

 

Paul et Rimbaud

40 rue Sedaine

Books and coffee — what’s not to love? Near Bastille in the hip 11e, this charming café is stocked floor to ceiling with books and filled with plants. It’s definitely worth taking your coffee to stay here — grab a seat at one of the eclectically mismatched tables or sofas and enjoy the tranquil vibes as you sip your café from a pastel-hued cup and munch on a house-made treat (I highly recommend the carrot cake — it was scrumptious). Though I generally think the rude Parisian stereotype is a myth, it’s also worth noting that the staff here are lovely (not a surly waiter in sight).

Strada Café

24 rue Monge

It should tell you something that I went out of my way to return to this little café several times during my trip. There are actually two locations, though I only checked out the bustling café near the Latin Quarter. This was one of the few places where I found a nearly-American-size latte (which is likely a point against me in javaholic cred but was a plus in my book). In any case, the coffee is delicious and the space lively and inviting.  If you’re feeling peckish, definitely try the brownie, which is essentially death by chocolate and worth every bite. Strada is a little out of the way of the typical tourist spots, but if you’re exploring the Left Bank (which I highly recommend) — especially Jardin des Plantes or the ancient Roman Arènes de Lutèce — it’s definitely worth a stop (or two).

Le Peloton

17 rue du Pont Louis Philippe

You can’t visit Paris without stopping into this friendly spot in the Marais. It’s the sort of place where the patrons are regulars and the baristas chatty. I was barely there a minute before I was chatting about my trip with a fellow patron and the baristas, and the owners themselves are often behind the bar, making drinks and talking to people. With Aussie and New Zealand roots, it’s a favorite gathering spot for the expat crowd in Paris, and for good reason. Don’t miss the delicious waffles with your flat white, and if you’re looking for a little guidance around Paris, they also host bike tours around Paris and Versailles.

Café Oberkampf

3 rue Neuve Popincourt

If you’re looking for a mean flat white and a tasty bite in the up-and-coming Oberkampf district, look no further than Café Oberkampf. This Aussie-inspired café serves up top-notch coffee and fresh, healthy eats in a bright, friendly setting. It’s another tiny spot, but it’s definitely worth grabbing one of the few tables and staying for brunch or lunch. Their specialty is the tartine (an open-faced sandwich or toast) — a perfect accompaniment to a delicious cup of coffee.

 

There you have it — the best Paris coffeeshops! Here’s the list of all the coffeeshops I visited. Anyone fancy a cuppa?

Café Oberkampf

KB Café

Café Méricourt

Honor Café

Boot Café

Strada Café

Fragments

Ten Belles

Le Peloton

Sylon de Montmartre

Paul et Rimbaud

Matamata

La Caféothèque

Republique of Coffee

Binici

La Recyclerie