Deviant Craft Coffee & Donuts - Bryce Bishop

 Deviant Craft Coffee & Donuts - Bryce Bishop

Mystic CT

        I had a wonderful experience visiting this wonderful Cafe in April. I got to explore this lovely place just after a visit to the Mystic Aquarium. If you are ever in the area and would like to sit down and enjoy a very reasonably priced coffee with a very unique and tasteful donut, I couldn't recommend this place enough.

            With only a five minute walk from the aquarium entrance, you will stumble upon a building that is shown above. The atmosphere inside is wonderful, as even when it gets very busy the people inside are a delight and take pride in each cup of coffee and donut they craft and serve. 

 

            The food and coffee that I ordered was just delicious, and I definitely recommend their cherry cream donut shown on the right image. If you are ever in the Mystic Village area, please stop in to this great Cafe. I will definitely be making this a regular stop when I am visiting that town with my girlfriend and her family.

Nighthawks: Third Placeless

via GIPHY

I might have learned of Nighthawks by Edward Hopper from the board game Masterpiece. This game involved auctioning works of art, and was mildly educational since the back of each game card included at least the title and author. Each edition of the game featured paintings from.a different real museum, and the 1976 edition included only works from the Art Institute of Chicago. I knew nothing about that museum that begins Route 66, nor about the college housed inside its walls, nor that my own child would eventually be educated as an artist at that college!

Wherever I first saw the image of the Nighthawks, I know where I was when I first saw the original painting. It was part of a 2007 Edward Hopper exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. I am pretty certain that something else had drawn us to the exhibit, because when I saw this on the wall, I was stopped in my tracks. And then I was drawn to it. Drawn into it. I knew not to get close enough to set off the electronic alarm, but I think I did get close enough to draw the attention of a human guard. I was mesmerized. It measures 33-1/8 by 60 inches -- large for a painting, but not as large as I remember it. I felt as if I could lean against the glass, and somehow push through it.

I never noticed, as the AIC notes point out, that the Hopper deliberately avoided any reference to an entrance. This was part of Hopper's genius in drawing the viewer into the scene, while excluding us from it. Hopper also populated the café with four individuals who were essentially alone together in this space. Years later, Ray Oldenburg and other social critics would include cafés as typical of what he called a "third place" -- neither home nor work.

Hopper's original nighthawks do not exhibit the conviviality that Oldenburg and others typically associate with those third places, but they are drawn to a place that is optional. Those on the far side of counter have no obligation -- familial, financial, or otherwise -- to be there. Engagement with other visitors is also optional, and in Hopper's glimpse it is eschewed. But clearly, it is what the visitor in the GIF above craves. I do not know when this parody was created, but it certainly resonates with the current company-craving gestalt of a world in various stages of quarantine.

NOTE: Strange as this will seem to some readers, I use "the visitor in the GIF" because it only slowly occurred to me that this is John Travolta, in a scene from Pulp Fiction. In my defense, I saw that movie only once, a very long time ago. He looks confused, and in fact this is a popular meme known simply as Confused Travolta. Thanks to students in my Spring 2020 seminar Secret Life of Coffee for helping me figure this out. During a Zoom meeting, of course.

Lagniappe

I post this parody because of the geographies it so deftly brings to mind -- the geographies of coffee shops and community in more ordinary times. I post it for the benefit of my coffee students, who mainly study where coffee comes from, but who also analyze the places it goes to.

The rest of the posts in this blog relate to cafés that were -- by definition -- open when my students or I went to visit them. In late March and April of almost every year since 2007, students have told me and each other about the third places" they have visited in their hometowns or far away.

They have tried to figure out what made them successful (which they had to be to some extent, to be open when a well-financed franchise is never more than a mile or so away) and how they fit into their neighborhoods.

Perhaps my first encounter with the original painting captivated me so deeply because it was within a couple months of the first dozen or so of these student presentations. I have enjoyed hundreds of them since then -- including reviews of cafés that are since defunct.

This spring, my students have a different assignment: they are writing about cafés elsewhere (each has been assigned a state outside of New England), because their research perforce does not include. site visit. They will be learning about the cafes remotely -- as will students in my Coffee Week summer class if we are able to offer it. In many cases, the ways that the cafés find a new role in their communities -- with some combination of curbside pickup, delivery, charitable work or virtual gathering -- will be an important part of the story they tell.

Inauguration 2021 Update 

Inevitably ... 

And Campaign 2024 Update 

(With apologies for reposting an image of the most over-exposed person of our times.) 

During the 2024 campaign for election to the office of President of the United States, a certain former occupant became a little desperate and began exaggerating even more than usual about the number of people supporting his campaign and attending his events. 

He had the support of "hundreds of governors" out of a possible 50. Crowds at his rallies were 10, 20, or even 30 times the size of those attending the events of his rivals -- as if arenas that could hold a half million "fans" even exist. 

All of this led to some meming, and one result is a variation on Nighthawks that I call Nighthawk. As with all such rapidly-spreading imagery, I do not know the artist who deserves the credit. 

Coffee Exchange | Providence, RI

Coffee Exchange

Coffee Exchange, a coffee shop located just outside of
downtown Providence, has a welcoming and warm curb appeal.
The shop immediately draws your attention, with its charm and
unique coffee menu. Coffee Exchange has been in operation for
over 30 years, and continues to expand and thrive in the greater
Providence area. This shop appeals to different coffee lover's
preferences. At the counter, you face an array of coffee offerings,
ranging from a simple cup of Brazilian coffee, to an exceptional
flavored latte.

Coffee Exchange is dedicated to serving organic coffee, while practicing

fair-trade when purchasing their coffees. You can find coffee originating from various nations in Africa, Central, and Latin America. Coffee Exchange retails their coffee, so you too can be a part of fair trade coffee. The shop showcases their coffees in a container that allows you to view each coffee and has a short write-up of each coffee's story. Here, you are able to purchase any one of their coffees.

As I sit and enjoy my cup of Nicaraguan coffee, I observe a wide range of people sitting, chatting, and doing work, while sipping on their favorite Coffee Exchange beverage. These people range in age from mid-30's and older. Groups and single individuals all occupy the seats in the shop. Some are here to catch up with friends, while others are here to finish work. I visited Coffee Exchange on a Tuesday at 5:00 PM, and the volume of customers was high. Nearly every seat was taken. On top of eat-in customers, there were several take-out customers as well. Despite the Dunkin Donuts close-by, this independent shop is able to maintain their customers and provide a unique coffee experience, one coffee chain corporations cannot provide. Coffee Exchange further promotes organic and fair-trade by offering a variety of literature that you can read and learn about fair-trade, organic coffee, and other elements of coffee production, such as the Roya disease. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Coffee Exchange; the helpful staff, wide variety of coffee options, and their contributions to fair-trade all make this shop unique and well worth the trip. I plan to re-visit Coffee Exchange the next time I am in Providence.                                                                                                                                                                                                     -William Wright 

207 Wickenden Street, Providence, RI 

(401) 273 1198

 

Coffee in Chicago!

Intelligentsia, a Dollop of Metropolis, illy and a pancake house = coffee tasting in Chicago!

Coffee Tree growing in the Crystal Gardens greenhouse of Chicago's Navy Pier!

INTELLIGENTSIA

A visit to Intelligentsia could best be described as an educational visit to a coffee college.  This coffee shop is the real deal and a true find in this coffee lover's quest to learn more about coffee growing and taste my way through the coffee culture. During my visit in Chicago my goal was not to ask specific probing questions about practices and allowed the baristas to teach me about what makes their coffeehouse and coffee special. 

Intelligentsia started as a single coffee shop in Chicago with their own small in house roaster.  Expansion now includes their headquarters and roasting works on Fulton Street in Chicago - home to roasting facilities, coffee labs, coffee tours, coffee storage education and screen printing. 

Intelligentsia Roasting Works and Headquarters in Chicago. Photo from:  Intelligentsia

Another roasting facility is located in Los Angeles, and two training facilities in Atlanta and New York.  Retail coffeebar locations can be found throughout Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.  

I visited the Millennium Park location on East Randolph Street. 

The Coffeebar had several coffee machines and brewing stations that included:


Grinding (for whole roasted beans)
Steaming (milk)
Espresso Machines

Brewed Coffee:
V60
Fetco
Kalita Wave
Chemex
Solo



For Espresso choices: 
Espresso, Latte, Cappuccinos, etc. they offer: Bourbon Variety

Black Cat 
Classic Blend
Jacques Carneiro & Luiz Paulo Pereira
Fazenda Santa Ines
Carmo de Minas, Brazil

Nyarusiza Rwanda
Single Origin Espresso
Epiphanie Mukashyaka and Sam Muhirwa
Nyarusiza Washing Station
Gikongoro, Rwanda

Brewed coffee varies by selection for that day. 

During my visit they were offering coffee from: 

 Rwanda 

 Burundi 

 El Salvador 

 Zambia

There was approximately four or five hard working baristas behind the counter that all worked a brew station that they were experts in. Each offered helpful information and recommendations for variety, brewing techniques and information about the region the coffee grew in.   Ken was friendly, professional and generous with information about Intelligentsia's philosophy, which is to basically work with farmers directly all over the world looking for the very best quality coffee.  Direct trade is their goal and only the finest quality coffee is bought and roasted.  Organic is important, as is fair trade, and they work hard to seek those coffee farms using practices and cooperatives that support the farm and environment.  Ken explained that fair trade is a focus word right now, and that many people do not understand it.  He said the emphasis for Intelligentsia is quality coffee and good relationships with farmers and growers.  When that happens everything else falls into place. 

Ken asked how I enjoy my coffee (which is a simple drip brew or pressed and serviced black) and recommended the Burundi Bwayi. His co-barista made my coffee to order.

Wow, was this a treat! Brewed in a pour over method using Kalita Wave dripper. 


Served black and elegantly in a glass sniffer style coffee glass with a small refill carafe on the side, all placed on a eco-friendly bamboo single serve tray.

The coffee was amazing and I tasted caramel with a slight tangy but sugary fruit flavors.  I could not smell this but a flowery note could also be tasted. It was hot but not burning, allowing the coffee to be enjoyed without any additives.  The glass felt wonderfully warm after walking in the cool, windy Chicago neighborhoods. 

Wifi working and coffee sipping just go together, and this is definitely a meeting spot as much as a working space.  The coffeebar was very busy, filled with people meeting for coffee or enjoying a cup while working solo.  Mostly bar style high tops and counters, with few tables and chairs placed throughout. There was a even a quiet corner in the rear. Even though the room was busy and full, it did not feel crowded as the trendy and lofty interior always felt more spacious than the crowd.

  

With plenty of coffee items, brew tools and extras to purchase, including of course the well stock pantry shelves offering all the coffee varieties at their freshly roasted selections.

The only criticism is prices.  The coffee for purchase especially the in season or special single origin by the bag or cup or is not for a budget conscience person or someone looking for chain coffee prices.  This is not really critical because it is indicative of a coffee company really looking for and expecting their customers to appreciate quality coffee.  You definitely get what you pay for and that is: a beautifully served, expertly crafted, satisfying coffee experience.  My favorite part was that my barista Ken, encouraged and strongly recommended coffee aficionados take the time to enjoy their coffee, in house, in a real glass or ceramic cup.  Take out paper cups are an option but if you ask EVERYONE just shrugs.

To learn more about Intelligentsia coffees, brewing tools and tutorials; including workshops, tours and barista classes visit:

Intelligentsia

http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com

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Wildberry Pancake and Cafe is a restaurant that 

serves Intelligentsia coffee and even has a barista counter at the front of the restaurant for those not staying for breakfast and are looking for quick take out coffee.

Photo: Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

Our breakfast waiter at Wildberry did not know a lot about the coffee, but he was friendly and willing to ask the manager for more coffee information.  He ultimately brought us a bag of coffee which was a Columbian Catuai that Ken at Intelligentsia talked about, and referred us to the headquarters to learn more. 

I had the Catuai French Roast, made by drip method, first black then my second cup with a little cream and sugar.  The coffee was a rich and hearty robust flavor, and together with my big breakfast (perfectly poached eggs) it was a perfect start to a walking day in Chicago.

Wildberry has three locations, and was voted best pancakes in Chicago!  Not just for breakfast, the menu featured lunch items and the menu tempted a longer stay to try each and every offering. 

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

http://www.wildberrycafe.com/

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espressamente illy 

Located on the corner of E. North Water and N. Cityfront Plaza in downtown Chicago, this a tiny espresso bar featuring of course the internationally known coffee producer illy, was on the side of the Chicago River and the convention center I was presenting in that brought me to Chicago.  

Admittedly what drove me in to this small little espresso bar was mostly curiosity and the opportunity to try the espresso coffee that is found literally all over the world served authentically in one of their shops. 

 It was a very brief visit. The tiny cafe was very busy and crowded for late afternoon. Standing room only and patrons have to squeeze by carefully avoiding spills and accidents from hand held espresso cups. I was nervous and preoccupied that coffee would be spilled on my camera!

I asked a few questions about the coffee, not needing anything particularly answered, I just wanted a feel for the service and the knowledge shared.  It was also super busy, so I didn't expect much.  Instead of questions answered a free espresso sample was handed to me promptly in a little beautiful espresso set! 

Sweet deal!  I smiled, winked and and said thank you.  Then shot my espresso and was out the door. Perhaps another time or day and this visit wouldn't feel so rushed. Verdict is, this is really really good espresso and an award for biggest ceramic espresso cup!

Ciao!

illy.com

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Dollop Coffee Company

I loved this coffee shop.

Dollop has five locations, and coffee is definitely a passion here.  Casual, comfortable and with a laid back atmosphere, my visit to the Streeterville location had me wishing I brought my laptop and some books.  I could have spent the whole day here working or reading or both.  

This space was trendy but unpretentious, warm with touches of wood and couches to sit in throughout.  A wall of windows that allowed natural light to filter in, giving the cafe an open airy spacious area to work or just relax in. 

 A variety of brew styles and options to choose from from drip blends to espresso drinks and brewed to order single origin selections from Brazil to Ethiopia.

Super cool and clean counter spaces with espresso machines built UNDER the counter allowed patrons to watch their coffees being made, and their espressos and steamed milk crafted before them.  

My barista offered any coffee variety, as she said the coffee was so good it didn't matter between brew technique.  I opted for an espresso blend called Red Line made as a latte.  

It tasted like dessert.  It was rich, velvety and tasted like a chocolatey coffee with ripened fruit, maybe like a wine? It was hard to describe, and I don't order coffee with steamed, frothed or heated milk often, but this was one of the best lattes I've ever had. EVER.  

I bought a bag of these beans along with a bag of heirloom variety Ethiopian coffee from the Gedeo Kongo region, processed naturally from the Sedie Kongo Farmers Group.

Nice touches like the help yourself filtered water and a clean up after yourself area; gave the coffee shop a cozy home feeling but in a gorgeous modern space. 

People were socializing
working, meeting and relaxed.

Yoga anyone? 


Affordable, helpful, knowledgeable and willing to share about their coffee, I found Dollop both warm in hospitality and rich in coffee selections. 

Additionally, Metropolis is also located in Chicago and they sell their coffee online too!

Dollop and Metropolis equals a perfect morning and a definite best from my trip to Chicago! 





To learn more about Dollop Coffee houses or Metropolis Coffee Company visit their websites here: 


Dollop Coffee Company
http://www.dollopcoffee.com

Metropolis Coffee Company
http://www.metropoliscoffee.com

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