Kenya Gichathaini - Heart Coffee & Roasting- Portland, Oregon

Preparation:   AeroPress

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:  ?
Balance: ?
Flavor:  ?
Smoothness: ?

Likes:

Dislikes:
  

Summary:   Oh, my GOODNESS!  How to rate this coffee???  Impossible for me at this time!  I like this coffee.  Actually, I really want to like this coffee........   It is very, very lemony!  Almost like drinking pure lemon juice.  Lots of pucker and lots of bold citrus intensity!  I know these are great coffee beans and that they have been lightly roasted with care.  But, it is just too bright, acidy, intense and overpowering for my palate. 

Overall score: TBD at a later date....... but, loved the coffee shop and my Macchiato!  Check it out!

Google Maps sent us on a wild journey!

There were twists, and wrong turns and dead ends, oh my.  Finally, the little red riding car got us to our destination where we found a great spot right out in front!

Reflections

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 Notice the old fashion record player and albums in the background?

We met Josh the Official Coffee Roaster

(He was really nice and friendly)

Kerri and I each ordered a different Machiatto with a big triple chocolate cookie.  Kerri's Macchiato was made with Brazil and Ethopia Kochere beans and mine was made with Guatamala Santa Clara beans.  It was HEAVEN!  They were both outstanding with different characteristics.  And, the cookie was the perfect accompaniment.  Cristina happily ordered a mug of the brewed coffee and helped us make that darn good cookie disappear in no time!  It was a great morning with best of friends.

Black and Tan - Cave Creek Coffee Company - Cave Creek, Arizona

Preparation:   Aeropress Coffee Maker

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:     8
Balance:    9
Flavor:     10
Smoothness:   9

Likes:  Salty
            Savory
            Ripe Blackberries
            Flavorful
            Slightly smokey -  in a good way

Dislikes:
  

Summary:  First of all a big thank you to Cindy C. for sending me these terrific beans!!!  Cindy lives lots closer to Cave Creek than I do and I really appreciate what a generous person she is!!!  She is a lucky gal to be able to pop on over to this gem of a coffee and wine bar.....(yes, it is also a wine bar)  I am still trying to get over there so stay tuned!

Black and Tan coffee beans from Cave Creek Coffee Company are a medium roasted blend from Central America mixed with French roasted beans from Indonesia.  They have the big flavor of a medium roast, but the darker French roast beans quiet down the impact and give the coffee drinker (AKA me) an enjoyable, relaxing and tantalizing coffee moment.  The flavors of ripe blackberries mingled with salty and savory pralines cast no doubt in my mind that this is a coffee to remember and serve often.......even if it is just for you!

On another note, this was the first time I have ever used an Aeropress coffee maker and now I am sold on it.  I can't wait to use it again!  Danny gave it to me in New Orleans for my birthday along with some fine coffee beans from Toronto.  Thank you, Danny!!!!  It was easy to use and I just thought it really brought out more flavor from the coffee than when I used the same coffee in my Cusinart drip.  I will have to do an "in detail" post just on the Aeropress......for sure! 

Overall score:  9

*** Tomorrow off to Sedona, AZ !!!

Ethopia Mordecofe (organic) -Stumptown Coffee Roasters - Portland, Oregon

Preparation:   Mr. Coffee Drip

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:   10
Balance:  10
Flavor:   10
Smoothness:  10

Likes:   Savory
             Toffee
             Flavorful
             Chocolate
             Malt
             Honey

Dislikes:
   

Summary:  I LOVE Stumptown coffee!!!!  I have never tried Ethiopia Mordecofe beans before and now I am a huge fan!  The beans themselves look like a medium roast and they are not shiny or oily.

The roasting date on the bag says August 8 (today is the 12th) and that is perfection!  The fragrance escaped with wild abandon when I opened the bag for the first time.  I knew this was going to be good!

The flavors of malt, honey and soft ripe fruit all come together nicely and they are completely compatible.  There is not a big pucker punch at the end, instead it is a calm and smooth finish.  A delightful coffee to serve anytime.

My actual trek to Stumptown was great!  Kerri and I went to the downtown location (128 SW 3rd Ave.)  I bought my beans to take home, but of course we had to order a "specialty" coffee drink!  I ordered a Coffee Latte with non-fat milk and Kerri ordered a Macchiato.  Oh my, GOODNESS!!!  I thought my Latte was out of this world until I tasted Kerri's Macchiato.  Wow!  It reminded me of the coffee I drank in Sweden.  I will definitely order that next time!  Also, look closely at the work of art in making each of these fabulous drinks....

If you are ever in Portland visiting, I would highly recommend a visit to Stumptown Coffee.  They have several locations......just do a google search and find the one most convenient for you. 

Overall score:  10

Stumptown House Blend - Ford Food + Drink - Portland, Oregon

Greetings!  A good coffee day to you all!!!  Yes, we had a good cup of coffee here at Ford Food + Drink.  Oddly, the sign above the door was missing.....?

The name was on front of the glass door, but the door was open and it was hard to see from the outside.

What was noticeable was the small Stumptown wooden plack tilted against the window and a guy with a cup of coffee.  This is what caught our eye and this is what enticed us to come on in.

My friend Kerri and I took a look around.  This wasn't a true coffee joint, although I think they were trying to be.  They have a menu with food items and behind a window there are plates of cookies and sweet stuff.  Not wanting to turn around and walk out, Kerri and I ordered two cups of Stumptown's House Blend and an oatmeal cherry cookie to share.  A large community table was open so we took a seat.   I still had the vibe that this should be a coffee shop.

The coffee was served in mugs and it was really very, very good.  Whoever did the brewing did a nice job.  Stumptown would be proud.  I am usually leery of coffee made in large quantities and put in a "push pot" but the coffee was fresh, flavorful and steamy hot.  I must say I was disappointed at first when the gal behind the counter said they only serve coffee this one way and that it was the only choice.  (note: NOT a coffee place) Our cookie was very tasty, but on the small side and overpriced! (Has the price of a barrel of oatmeal gone that far up?)  Nevertheless, we enjoyed both.

The atmosphere did not encourage us to feel like lingering so we set out to explore the building.  There was an art exhibit around the corner and a stairway that announced PICKLES downstairs.  Curious, we headed down the cavernous stairwell with anticipation to find this little pickle stand.  There were several people from New York there sampling and talking pickle talk. 

After sampling pickles and other pickled stuff,  Kerri and I each bought a jar to take home and enjoy.

Summary:  It was the unexpected and the company that made this outing fun.  I was not impressed with Ford Food + Drink.  I think that they could improve what they do by focusing more on what they want to be. (They also have a happy hour serving beer and wine)  Maybe start with a nice big sign outside welcoming in their customers......

So, the coffee was good, but I wouldn't go back just for the cup of coffee.  It just didn't all come together for me.  The building itself was cool and the pickles a unique surprise!

***The Ford Building is located at 2505 SE 11th Avenue on Division.  It opened in 1915 as an assembly plant for Ford automobiles, and the only one in Oregon. 

***MoonBrine pickles is owned by Stew Golomb.  He brews his pickles in the basement of the Ford Building and offers tasting daily M - TH from 11 - 3:30.  Be prepared.....they are great!

El Salvador Las Delicias - Water Avenue Coffee - Portland, Oregon

Preparation:  Pour Over

Scores:  Scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent

Aroma:    7
Balance:    9
Flavor:   8
Smoothness:   9

Likes:  Bright
             Flavorful
             Smooth
             Crisp and Clean

Dislikes:   Sour Finish 

Summary:   I first bought whole beans from Water Avenue Coffee at my local Zupans grocery store and used my Mr. Coffee to brew a few cups for some girl friends.  I explained to them that this was not going to be a Starbucks moment.  I served Water Avenue's "El Toro Espresso" and although I am not critiquing it today, it was great in my opinion.  It was a blend from all major coffee growing regions.  The description on the bag said....... dark chocolate and sweet peanut butter.  I grabbed that baby and threw it in my buggy.  Yummy!!!!

OK, on to today's event.  Water Avenue hasn't always been the coolest place to visit.  Other than OMSI and a few other places it really has been an industrial area that usually is under construction of some kind.

I was surprised at the up and coming feeling it had today.  I brought my friend Kerri with me and it was a good thing because I passed Water Avenue Coffee the first time (it is easy to miss) and she turned me around and she also spotted a parking space just a block away.  Kerri is the best!!!

Upon arrival we were greeted by a very nice young man named Billy.  I explained to him that I wanted Kerri and I to taste two different coffees.  He suggested El Salvador Las Delicias and Nicaragua Segovia 'el jefe'.  The two couldn't have been more different from each other.  I had the El Salvador and Kerri had the Nicaragua.  Although, I tasted Kerri's coffee after my own, I am only fairly critiquing the El Salvador.  I definitely liked the Nicaragua, but decided I need to focus on one coffee at a time.  It is fun to taste and compare, though!

First, I want to point out that this coffee was made using the Pour Over method.  It takes time and a little patience, but worth the few extra minutes.  It gives you a cup of coffee that is pure, clean and clear.  There is not the residue or oils that you have with a french press. 

El Salvador Las Delicias is a bright, crisp coffee that ends with a citrus tang.  On the menu description (which I read afterward) it is described as having notes of milk, chocolate and tangerine with a sparkling finish.  I didn't taste the milk and chocolate, but definitely tasted the tangerine and sparkling finish.  (this may be reason to revisit) Overall, I enjoyed the flavors of this coffee and the experience.  It was especially good with the carrot zucchini muffin that was super moist and light.  I would drink this coffee anytime, but recommend pairing it with a tasty, not too sweet bakery item.

Overall score:  8