Adam and Tiffy

Today, I walked out of my way for a good cup of coffee. I’ll bet I’m not the only one. That got me thinking about why I do it and how coffee fits into my life, whether it’s stepping out for a cup or making one myself.

The first order of business is to curse Dave Sobel, who introduced me to coffee during college. Dave, because of you I’ve spent an incalculable amount of money and time on this topic. I probably did derive a great share of pleasure from it, too. Let’s call it a wash.

At home, I’ve tried a variety of bean purveyors in my time, but the level of effort I’m willing to put behind the venture is limited. That is to say that I won’t buy raw beans and roast them, and I generally don’t have a lot of free time to hang out in or even drive by any establishments that might roast their own. Mostly I’ve gone with what can be found either in the grocery store or by mail order in whole bean form — never freeze dried, never ground. I have even inflicted on myself some of the ventures by the bulk brands to break into the whole bean market with painful results, including headaches, nausea, and upset stomach. I’m not going to dignify those companies by naming them.

Before you ask, I drink it black. There had been a slow paring back of coffee amendments for me. I settled on the simplest way as also the best way. It’s a personal choice, that’s what makes America great, etc., etc.

What do I like? There are two brands, one local and one not. La Columbe (which happens to be sold at our local suburban 320 Market and by the cup a couple blocks away at Picnic) is great: it has body and a well-rounded depth of flavor that is both rich and smooth. It makes everything you consume with it better, including Picnic’s pastries and delicious biscuit sandwiches. No, they don’t pay me anything.

As far as I’m concerned, though, the pinnacle of coffee flavor and experience is Peet’s. They’re based in California, so I’ve never consumed any of their coffee within minutes of roasting. However, it is a heady experience to order via mail and receive those airtight packages, crack one open, and go into olfactory overload. You can see the sheen of oil on those dark beans. The French press is my default method of brewing now since I almost never need to serve more than myself. After a coarse grind, hot water, and a few minutes of brewing I’m ready to go. Peet’s is the cup of coffee I can drink on its own, no accompaniment or sustenance needed. No, they don’t pay me anything. Stop asking.

When we traveled recently on an early morning flight out of Philadelphia International Airport, I did a double-take when I saw a Peet’s Coffee shop in Terminal E. Nirvana! With giant muffins! It’s a little inconvenient to drive to the airport and short-term park just for a cup of coffee.

There’s my honorable mention: Starbucks. It’s everywhere. There are two within a block of my office and three within a five minute drive of my house. They don’t need me to say anything about them to continue to be a success. Sometimes their cup is right on, and sometimes I buy or drink an astringent, weak blend that is less than satisfying. On balance, they come through for me more often than not. There aren’t many other places that spring to mind for actually good coffee-flavored beverages if that’s what you’re looking for.

In order of my preference, places in University City for coffee:

• Picnic (La Columbe)
• Saturn Club (La Columbe, but never open early enough)
• Potbelly (Starbucks, but a consistent blend)
• Starbucks (hit or miss)
• Houston Hall (Starbucks, but never open early enough)
• Cosi (their own)
• Avril 50 (who knows?)
• Campus food trucks (best not to ask)
• Dunkin Donuts (with cream and sugar … and two donuts)

I might buy coffee from other local places under duress, but life is too short to purposefully drink bad coffee.