When I wake up in the morning the first thing I think about is a cup of coffee. Most people get to that point as well, but first they think about what they’re doing that day, what to wear or what time it is. The first thought that crosses my mind when my eyes pop open is that I want a coffee. I know there are a lot of people out there that crave it in the morning; it actually drives some people to start their day – like myself.
It’s not a new thought that coffee has become overrated and romanticized and although I don’t disagree, I can understand why it has become so clichéd. It’s similar to getting off of work on a Friday, after an insane week and then somebody offering an ice cold beer. Or waking up on a lazy morning and looking out the window to see rain falling softly. Curling up near the fireplace, who would turn down a mug of hot cocoa? Not me. This same cliché has hit the average cup of Joe and has since soared to unthinkable levels.
These days friends don’t call each other up to chat – they meet at a coffee shop. Interviews, dates, meetings and study sessions all take place in this new environment. Someone once told me that people need/like to be seen studying, writing or whatever it is they’re doing. Whether or not that’s actually true is irrelevant – there is nothing like being productive at a coffee shop. The subtle aromas, the soft laughing and chattering of strangers and the distant sound of music opens the door of creativity for those seeking it, comfort for those thirsting for it and productivity for those cramming for it.
True coffee connoisseurs enjoy their beverage black or with cream. This way they are able to tell when it’s actually delicious or terrible. Coffee makers and baristas, depending on the brand and location, tend to over roast their beans, add too much artificial flavoring or simply don’t know how to brew. Nowadays people don’t notice the difference because places have capitalized on coffee romanticism.
Just like people that enjoy their food old fashioned without all the fat free, gluten free, sugar free, zero trans-fat nonsense, the same people enjoy their coffee without all the fat free, soy milk, extra pumps of sugar free syrup, etc. in a gigantic pitcher plastic cup. Yuck. I will admit I am torn though because coffee and all foods should be catered to the individual if the opportunity is presented (and in America it is indeed presented) however as far as taste and true flavor go it’s obvious that there is very little coffee at all in the beverage.
Coffee, like wine and many other beverages is an acquired taste. So why not acquire it? Next time you’re in a coffee shop – tell the barista, “I’ll have a plain coffee.” You might be surprised how it tastes without all the junk.
Notice how in commericialized coffee shops you could never expect the barista to give you coffee art because they are too busy mass producing low quality coffee for customers. Type coffee art into a search engine and you’ll see beauty in a coffee cup you never thought possible!
Try the Sidestreet Cafe in Newport Beach or the Neighborhood Cup in Aliso Viejo for some of the best coffee.
Here are the places I enjoy drinking plain coffee: in my car, at work, the beach, a coffee shop, on the couch or in my bed. Coffee tastes even better when you have a hangover the next day. The best time to drink coffee though is when there is someone with you to enjoy it. You can ooh and ahh…together. Something to think about.