Back in Business
coffee art (taken with my camera phone)
Here’s a mini review – “blog post lite” if you wish - because it wasn’t intended:
Decided to stop by Sam James Coffee Bar to see what the fuss is about. Blogging about it was secondary but yesterday during my morning meditation (a habit I’m trying to get into, didn’t do it today) I decided to try a new exercise: Be mindful of every sensation. Near the end of the day I realized that I didn’t do this. Now I realize that I have the goal, be more mindful, but not the tasks needed to accomplish it. Once I realized that I’d already failed in my new goal (which I hadn’t yet identified as such) I decided that in order to be mindful of every sensation I’m going to take sensory notes of everything I eat and drink – if I don’t take notes I won’t stop to think about it. I still have to remember to take pen to paper, but it then becomes a physical exercise rather than simply a mental one. The habit of physically taking notes is easier to acquire than the habit of thinking, I think.
It doubles as an exercise in blogging and provides (maybe) another level to blogging. This entry is experimental, so let’s see:
Drink: Macchiato off the “old school” menu. (Took a camera phone photo, need to put my mini SD card in an adapter to upload)
Aroma: No notes on this part of the sensory experience. In my mind’s eye it’s malty but maybe that’s because of the lingering taste in my mouth. [Note to self, note aroma.]
Taste: Smooth. Earthy. Roasted. Malty. Sweet.
Feel: Smooth. The foam was soft against my lips.
Verdict: I could drink so many of those. Next time make it a double and, on second thought, forget the milk. Make it a straight espresso. The coffee really is that good.
The place: Small. Most of the other patrons appeared to be friends of the barista Emily, who was witty and adorable. Her clumsiness when she broke her friend/customer’s mug was endearing. (Damn, did I just out that to the owner? I’m going to tweet this post – you know things get tweeted) Mocking ensued. I imagine that it gathers a combination of locals and friends of employees. I know people who regularly venture there from north of Davenport.
If only it was closer to my place (St. Clair and Christie – for James’ reference). I don’t think I’ve had coffee that good before. However, Scratch is near my place and I do tell myself that I should go regularly, except that I seem to be balancing hopping coffee shops (mostly with free WiFi) with saving money. A balancing act indeed.
It took about a half hour for the caffeine to kick in and have been giddily buzzing ever since (a couple of hours).
What others are saying:
(As usual, if I missed your blog feel free to leave a link in comments. I believe in cross-linking among bloggers.)
Final note: I came down the block to Linux Caffe and am being one of THOSE people who uses the free WiFi but doesn’t order something. I scowl at those people. I’m short on time and apologize but will come back, do a mini review and order.
Final final note: Finishing this at My Place – A Canadian Pub where (aka My Place Pub) where I have WiFi and a pint of Waterloo Dark. Blog post possibly pending.
Sam is getting all kinds of attention with his new bar, and rightfully so, he’s one of the best in the business. All the best to him
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