“Coffee is my love language, spoken fluently in the morning.”
~ Anonymous ~
Lake Garda, Italy
Foodie Nation is on the move. Stanley Tucci is chasing his Italian heritage in “Searching for Italy” and more recently, “Tucci In Italy.” Eva Longoria is following her Latino roots and “Searching for Spain.” The shows are wildly popular in the food & travel space and are starting to spur other food related shows.
Coming soon to the Food Network: “In Search of Coffee” by Mark Carruthers. Yup, yours truly is tracking down the world's best beans. Well, sort of. Really, I’m just chasing the ultimate cup of Morning Joe. My cravings usually lead me toward iced coffee, cold brew, a brown sugar shaken (not stirred) espresso with oat milk, or a solid cappuccino. Geez… that last part was a mouthful.
If you know any Producers or Hollywood Execs looking for some new material, I’d gladly consider entertaining the idea if the price is right. World travel is acceptable. Please IM me.
Bethany Beach, DE
Nice, France
My coffee addiction didn't begin until the "tender" age of 40. As a child, Orange Crush was my go-to, and it remained my teenage beverage of choice until alcohol became my college libation—surprise, surprise. Back then, life itself was my source of energy; I had fuel to burn and no need for morning caffeine. While I’ve never been a coffee aficionado, the tides are turning.
As I shift gears in the second half of life, I’m looking for a more luxurious ride. I still prefer my drinks cold, but I’m keeping an open mind for new brands, complex flavonoids, and fresh ideas.
Anywhere, USA
There are a world of options when it comes to preparing a proper cup of coffee. A Sommelier will go into deep conversation about the various nuances:
Pressure-Based Methods such as expresso is often considered the gold standard for extracting the specific flavor profile of the bean. Hot water is forced through finely-ground coffee at a high pressure resulting in a rich & heavy bodied cup of love.
The Immersion Method is a favorite choice for many as well. The coffee beans sit in water for the entire duration of the brew and provide a more uniform extraction. The French Press and Cold Brew are two great examples.
Finally, the Drip or Filtration Method is the most common approach for preparing a cup of java. “Where have you gone” Joe DiMaggio? The legend put the simplicity of a drip coffee machine in the hands of American’s and the world has never been the same - for good and bad! The regulation of water temperature is the key ingredient to this process and allows for the filtration to take place. The Automatic Drip machine (i.e. Mr. Coffee) and Pour-Over process are two popular options.
Congers, NY
A great cup of coffee isn’t about strength; it’s about the specific harmony of chemistry & biology. It’s where your personal taste dances with a clean, fresh brew with robust aroma & clarity.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong. Finding the perfect cup of coffee is a lot like finding a great bottle of wine: it has very little to do with the price tag and everything to do with your own personal taste.
South Lake Tahoe, CA