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Another question for coffee drinkers

OOoooo...Tim Hortons! First had that in Kingston ON while visiting friends, later found a Tim's in Canton, MI (Detroit 'burb) that I would get coffee and a couple Dutchies after hitting the Guitar Center up the road. Dang, I could do with a couple Dutchies about now...wish Wendy's (they own Tim's) would open a Tim Hortons in Madison, they have 'em in Ohio now.

Todd in Beerbratistan
 
luvvinvinyl said:
Good news for you, B3. Wendy's is taking Tim Horton's nationwide.
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Howzzat? When I talked to somene in Tim Horton's HQ back in August, they said they had no plans for expanding southward for at least 5 years! If you know anything about them possibly coming down Brooklyn way, tell me about it, my wife and I will be first on line opening day!
 
john_w said:
No, no - NOT "burned"! It's "dark roasted"! :D

Proper semantics affects the taste, dontcha know! Actually, as Fisherdude mentioned, not all Starbucks roasts are the same any more. But I think they're still all a lot darker than the average. I remember their old bean display - showing what they look like at each stage, from green to deep, dark brown - almost black. And yes, they did say that "dark roasting" brought out more of the flavor. But I take anything that comes out of any marketing dept. with a grain of salt.

Currently enjoying my STARBUCKS Columbia Narino Supremo. "Balanced, nutty", "Like a fandango on a warm tropical night" (It's also fun to read the labels!)

I am really glad I don't have to deal with the usual Starbucks environment. That just has a negative affect on the whole experience. We just have a very friendly, personable office barrista. Still an office environment, but at least it's expected there.

Of course I'd rather be some place like Stella's Coffee House - an old converted brick home in South Denver with lots of small rooms lined with bookshelves, and some solo act playing a guitar with a small amp in the corner of the living room. Or Terra - same deal but with a bunch of old sofas, love seats and cushy old livingroom chairs in every room. That is what a coffee house is supposed to be like!
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You're right, the Starbucks Roast (R)!, is darker than most other roasts. Even the milder blends, like the Columbia that you like, are pretty full-bodied.

Something that most people don't know: the darker the roast, the lower the caffeine levels. There's not a huge difference, but the lighter roasts definitely have higher caffeine than the darker roasts. During the roasting process some of the caffeine is driven off.

I really don't understand your comment about the "Starbucks environment", though. That's one of the most important reasons I was a Starbucks junkie for the last 10 years, and one of the reasons I like working here so much. We have overstuffed chairs around the fireplace, Miles Davis playing on the music system, people reading newspapers and talking, and all the regular customers coming in to yak with their favorite barista.

I swear, I'd almost work here for free!
 
Fisherdude said:
I really don't understand your comment about the "Starbucks environment", though.
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Your place sounds inviting, but every Starbucks I can remember going to just gives a weak attempt at being a place you want to sit down and chat for a bit or read the paper. At a real coffee house, you feel like just relaxing and talking for hours. The ones I've been to have a few cold chairs and uninteresting tables, and it's usually in a box shop or supermarket somewhere. No real character. At least Caribou Coffee takes a decent stab at it, but even that place looks a little too new and prefab to me.

You said it yourself - "the atmosphere is cold and uninviting". I take it you were referring to the newer stores. Which makes sense - I think Denver was relatively late on the Starbucks scene, so we got all cookie cutter stores. However, most Starbucks around here are not so empty - they all have long lines at peak hours.
 
Bogframe said:
Howzzat? When I talked to somene in Tim Horton's HQ back in August, they said they had no plans for expanding southward for at least 5 years! If you know anything about them possibly coming down Brooklyn way, tell me about it, my wife and I will be first on line opening day!
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The last I heard from a TH manager, here in town, was that the long-term plan is for nationwide coverage. The plan was very agressive, but was scaled back, in the face of less than eager response from potential franchisees. Your timeline may be correct, as it has been in a state of repeated revision, for the last year or so.

They STILL want to go coast-to-coast, though.
 
luvvinvinyl said:
Good news for you, B3. Wendy's is taking Tim Horton's nationwide.
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I myself would love to see this down here! All they gotta do is stomp the heck out of Dunkin' Donuts. I miss the 50 cent "fancies" at the Tim Horton's in Niagara Falls. <burp> I can hardly wait! :yes:
Tom
 
john_w said:
...You said it yourself - "the atmosphere is cold and uninviting". I take it you were referring to the newer stores. Which makes sense - I think Denver was relatively late on the Starbucks scene, so we got all cookie cutter stores. However, most Starbucks around here are not so empty - they all have long lines at peak hours.
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Actually, the comments I made in the post you're referring to were tongue-in-cheek. Starbucks is growing so fast they're having a hard time hiring people fast enough. There are lines at every store around here during the morning hours, and in the evenings all summer long. They must be doing something right, because the customers sure keep coming back. There are some older stores with simple wood furniture, but Starbucks is making a real concerted effort to build stores with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.
 
If anyone would like to try some of Einsteins coffee that does not have one local to them let me know. I would be happy to ship some to you. Since I do not drink coffee I cannot say good, bad or indifferent..
 
This has been an interesting read. Like Toze, I often view coffee as an indispensable ‘tool’ I need to perform satisfactorily at work and at life in general but I sure do appreciate and savor a quality cup when I get it.

I do love the coffee at Tim’s (which I’ve also seen in upstate NY, OH & MI) but buying their ground in a tin doesn’t translate into the same cup at home or in the office so assuming it’s the same coffee, there must be more to it than just the coffee.

This thread really has me wanting to expand my horizons with coffee so I think I’ll get a decent grinder and start experimenting. I tried a ‘press’ many years ago and didn’t like the results (too many grounds floating around) but in hindsight that’s probably because I used regular ground. Could somebody give me some pointers on the proper use of a press?

Also, I need something more practical for use at work so that means something with a disposable filter. Any recommendations for a good drip coffee machine, preferably something suited to making only a few cups at a time?

Thanks guys.
 
My wife works for Einsteins which I'm told has decent coffee. They sell the beans for take home hence my offer.

I have pretty much been caffeine free for 10 years. As mentioned when I did caffeine it was in Pepsi not coffee so I can offer no other input
 
grumpy said:
My wife works for Einsteins which I'm told has decent coffee. They sell the beans for take home hence my offer.

I have pretty much been caffeine free for 10 years. As mentioned when I did caffeine it was in Pepsi not coffee so I can offer no other input
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Those grilled paninis at Einsteins are to DIE for!!! I can still taste it!

Coffee was pretty damn good too :)
 
Kamakiri said:
Those grilled paninis at Einsteins are to DIE for!!! I can still taste it!

Coffee was pretty damn good too :)
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I know what your talkin' about, Kam! The italian chicken panini is the best, IMO. And the few times I've had the coffee, I was impressed. Not as much variety or atmosphere as some places, but for just a really good coffee or espresso, it works for me.

I haven't tried Tim Horton's, but I see that they have 5 stores in the Pontiac/Waterford/Drayton Plains area in Michigan. Maybe I'll get a chance to stop in there between holidays while visiting some friends. I really should do decaf while on vacation, tho.

I've got to get back to Stella's some time and find out what coffee the use. Pretty good stuff there too.

Coffee of the Day: The famed SB Sumatra..."Velvety and woodsy". Bolder and stronger, yet somehow more smooth than the Columbian blend of yesterday. If I'm not feeling particularly crappy and don't need to be coaxed awake as much, this is the stuff of choice!

Actually, I haven't decided on a favorite blend yet. I like 'em all, and there are several near the top of the list.
 
I'd like to try some of the Einsteins Grump, if it's a hassle to deal with over the border shipping I can wait till I'm down again.

Let me know either way.

Thanks.
 
Billfort said:
Any recommendations for a good drip coffee machine, preferably something suited to making only a few cups at a time?
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Just this afternoon I saw a 4-cup Mr. Coffee at Wal-Mart, Bill. And years ago I had a Black & Decker single cup machine that dripped fresh coffee right into your mug. I think I have a manual Bodum cup topper device for one cup as well as the B&D somewhere in my kitchen.

tom
 
The problem we just discovered at our shore place with these cheapo coffee-makers is that they do not turn themselves off after a few hours. :thumbsdn: We had our morning coffee yesterday and then left for the day. When we returned the pot was dry and burner still running. So be careful to turn off the cheapo models. We got spoiled by our Gevalia/Mellita coffee maker.
 
I have about 3 or 4 2 once bags of of Einsteins coffee for anyone who would like to try them.

Celt gets one and if theres no hassles I'll shoot one up to you Bill. If anyone else wants to try it let me know. Since I'm paying for this outta my pocket please post if you like it or not and don't leave the stuff sitting on the counter next to the other foods that no one likes :)

They have a bazillion types of coffee so i just asked my wife to pick 1 or 2 of their more popular flavors.


Grumpy
 
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