Wise Words From a Barista

Perhaps the best source for coffee’s grandeur is someone who spends hours everyday brewing cup after cup. Meridith Lucius, a barista at Bailiwicks in Tiffin, OH, graciously agreed to allow me to interview her discussing the perks of her job: the crazy customers, the typical environment, and (you guessed it) the coffee.

Meridith’s daily duties as a barista include just what you’d expect. She talks to customers about their coffee orders, has the pleasure of making the delicious drinks, and gets to spend time with fellow “addicts”, as she calls herself, of coffee.

Meridith considers herself and her fellow baristas as “therapists to the customers.” They make the highly specific drinks for the patrons who are actively craving the smallest drop of caffeine. Once the hot, iced, blended, whatever the choice of coffee may be, is delivered, the recipient can finally take his or her stroll into heaven.

As someone who finds herself at Bailiwicks frequently, the smell (as I can attest to from personal experience) is intoxicating. While some people may not love the burnt smell of coffee grounds, all coffee lovers can agree the aroma is pure ecstasy. Behind the counter, Meridith describes the smell as sugary and sweet, the combination of the syrups with the hot coffee blending into the perfect scent. I don’t know about you, but the sensation of the bold, candied, glorified blast hitting my face as I walk into Bailiwicks is causing me to sweat in anticipation.

I admire baristas like Meridith who get to spend so much time with coffee surrounding their souls. I especially envy one of the last comments she made: “I smell like coffee 24/7 so that’s a plus.” Why don’t you rub it in my face even more, Meridith? It's these stories and experiences that let me live vicariously through fortunate people who are surrounded with the drink I consider to be perfection. Making coffee is a craft, and if my career developed into nothing more than a barista, I would be the most radiant boy on earth.

Nicaraguan Coffee: Not What You'd Expect

Sitting in class, taking a sip from my coffee thermos, and my professor asks me, “Would you like to purchase some coffee from Nicaragua?” My head shoots in her direction at the mention of the word coffee. But the specialty of that last bit of information… from Nicaragua… that’s new. Exciting. I’ve never had the pleasure of drinking coffee from another country before, let alone fresh ground coffee from Nicaragua. As soon as I processed the question, I eagerly questioned my professor, “Who do I contact?”

A group of students from my university traveled to Nicaragua over spring break, and to my blessing they conducted a fundraiser that featured Nicaraguan coffee the students would bring back on their return. Participating in the fundraiser was the easiest decision I could make.

Upon the time I received my glorious package of coffee grounds, my eyes filled with golden delight. I snatched the package and ran off so I could go produce a cup instantaneously. The only thing on my mind was brewing a pot of the perfection in my hands soon to be translated into the hot dark liquid consumed by myself, and only myself. I didn’t spend my money on this unique delicacy only to share it with others. Who do you think I am?

Now for the Nicaraguan coffee. It was a cup of truly authentic indulgence. I first tried it black, whereupon the simplicity of the blend was more than satisfying. I was expecting a bold, dark flavor but instead received a fresh blast of a medium roast. The coffee was standard in its roast, not too light but by no means dark. My specialty coffee turned into your classic cup of joe.

Is this a letdown? Absolutely not. I can always go for a classic cup of coffee, embracing my taste buds with its natural flavor. The medium roast of the blend allows creamer to be added in consideration. With the right amount, the taste of the creamer flourishes with the forethought of coffee still on the tip of your tongue. The fresh coffee distinguishable in its medium flavor allows picky coffee drinkers to do as they please with their drink with ease. Milk, sugar, whatever you like… the natural blend of coffee from Nicaragua allows you to painlessly interpret the beverage how you wish.

I highly recommend this wonderful blend of coffee. There’s nothing like an authentic concoction of coffee packaged and produced in Jinotega, Nicaragua. How are you going to get your hands on a package? Don’t ask me. I’m not sharing.

Let's Go Get Some Coffee

Nervous Dog Coffee Bar in Akron, OH

Did someone say coffee shop? Or was that just my addiction talking?

Coffee shops are my second home. At times, they really are my home, my only sanctuary where I can feel at peace. The atmosphere and the aesthetic of coffee shops set my soul at ease and are key to assisting myself destress. It doesn’t matter how small, cheap, or old the shop is, the simple fact that the store is dedicated to coffee is enough to let me know I can quench my thirst and indulge my cravings. I could be driving by one I’ve never seen before and I force myself to throw on the brakes and pick up a coffee. One of my friends could invite me to go on a coffee date and my response is, “Um, is that even a question?” Or sometimes, I may be absolutely lost in life, stressed out to max capacity, and my only answer is to surround myself with coffee and the soothing smells/sounds that can be found in a coffee shop.

A trip to one shop is a vacation all in itself for a coffee guy like myself. I walk in, stop, absorb the sights and smells, and enter a euphoria similar to a kid in a candy store. Everything in a coffee shop shines in my eyes including the menu, the espresso machines, the comfy booths, and the baristas themselves. As I make the eager walk to the counter, I realize the decision to pick a drink is by far the hardest choice I will ever have to make. As I said, there isn’t a single coffee I don’t enjoy. My first coffee shop purchase was a non-fat vegan white chocolate raspberry latte if that tells you anything. And I’m not vegan. Once the mighty decision has been made, I eagerly sit and watch the counter for my ambrosia to reveal itself.

The aesthetic of coffee shops is the epitome of what I embody. The smell of fresh brewed coffee is strong yet comforting in its familiar aroma. The sight of friendly people having focused and friendly conversations all around offers a sense of joy. The–often–cordial baristas who want nothing more than to craft the perfect coffee for you allows me to feel free to experience whatever I want. There are endless options, any combination of flavoring, sugar, creamer, and strength of coffee to choose from. Many shops provide pastries on display that make your mouth water and set your stomach growling like a dog begging for food. The coffee grounds rustling in bags, steam shooting out of machines, blenders ferociously spinning, coffee dripping into cups… the intensity of sound entirely dedicated to the production of coffee assures me my drink is always one heartbeat away. Finally, the tables all around, the art on the walls, and the typical warm colors give me a sense of welcoming as if I could lie down with a good book and fall asleep without a care in the world. With all of these senses combined, I treat coffee shops with the greatest amount of love and value as I give to my closest family members.

The people you can meet at a coffee shop are some of the friendliest you’ll ever come across. People often go to coffee shops to converse in a relaxing environment or to do work away from distractions. It is a natural place of tranquility. I’ll strike up a conversation with someone in line while waiting to order and any possible topic could come up: the coffee I’m debating on purchasing, how I found this shop, or even how my day’s going. Coffee shops have inspired communication and friendship in every experience I’ve had and this gives me such a great amount of gratitude for my delectable companion.

I’ve been to endless coffee shops to truly pinpoint a specific vibe. But this sums up the experience regardless of where you go. While I will describe single coffee shops in the future, I want to emphasize the importance coffee shops and the environment inside have on my passion for coffee. Symbolically, they’re the source of love, friendship, and comfort because they produce the coffee I desire every breathing moment. I would be lost without the relaxation they provide me.

Finally, as I get my cup of ambrosia and take it to sit down, I look outside the window that coffee shops inevitably have. I hold my cup, let the steam caress my face, and take the first sip. As my eyes wander the outside and I taste the bold liquid entering my being, I know everything’s going to be alright.

Konditori Coffee shop in NYC

Dunkin' Donuts' Girl Scout Cookie Flavors: You're Kidding Me, Right?

Thin Mint, Samoa, Peanut Butter Cookie Samples

It’s no secret that coffee is a part of my daily routine. I need a cup in my hand at every moment during the day, or at the very least sitting right nearby me. I have a cup of strawberry cheesecake flavored coffee sitting next to me as I write this. It only makes sense then that whenever I leave campus, whether it be to shop or out of pure spontaneity, I need to search for a coffee shop. I can’t simply bring a travel mug with me wherever I go. I’d be missing out on some excellent store brewed coffee that makes the world go round. My go-to shop of choice should be no surprise to anyone who has ever left their house: Dunkin’ Donuts.

Dunkin’ is a place I consider to be a slice of heaven. The smell, the sight, the sound of the word “Dun-kin” said in slow motion… chills just went down my spine as we speak. I go to Dunkin’ quite often, several times a week at the very least. I’m always searching for a different flavor combo to add sparks in my life: caramel mocha, toasted almond raspberry, pumpkin spice. The options are endless.

Now, when I heard the new flavors of the month coming to Dunkin’ I almost had a heart attack. Girl Scout cookies are an addiction all on their own, but adding it to coffee? Sign
me up baby.

The three flavors Dunkin’ brought to those of us craving new coffee creations are thin mint, coconut caramel, and peanut butter cookie. I had the brilliant idea to buy all three and inform the world as to whether or not they’re worth it. In support of all coffee lovers (most importantly my addiction), I purchased all three flavors at the same time and proceeded to judge each. Here are my satisfyingly caffeinated findings.

First comes the thin mint coffee. I expected this coffee to be identical to peppermint mocha, which it is for the most part. However, I tasted more chocolate in this drink and this surprise caused my eyes to pop out of my head in ecstasy. The flavor profile slapped me in the face, similar to a box of thin mints thrown at me from across the room. The taste is bold rather than creamy. The boldness knocks your socks off in mint chocolate delicacy. While thin mints aren’t my favorite Girl Scout cookie, they were more than reminiscent in Dunkin’s coffee. In terms of relation to the thin mint, I gave it a 4 out of 5.

The peanut butter cookie flavor is inspired by the Girl Scout do-si-do. Did I enjoy this coffee? Of course I did. It’s coffee and I’ll down it either way. Was it memorable? Sadly, not in any regard. It lacked the scrumptious peanut butter flavor I was hoping for. Instead, it felt like I stuffed a bunch of my grandma’s stale sugar cookies in my mouth out of obligation. The do-si-do peanut butter crumble taste is nearly non-existent. It was creamy rather than bold, but this wasn’t the issue. Had the drink embraced a bolder taste in peanut butter, it would be much more valuable, especially in comparison to the other two flavors. In relation to the do-si-do, I gave it a 1.5 out of 5.

The last blend Dunkin’ has brought to its specialty flavors is coconut caramel, taken from the the Girl Scout samoa cookie. I saved this drink to be judged last because I had high expectations (I may have taken a quick sip as soon as I got the drink, but that’s irrelevant). Samoas are my favorite Girl Scout cookie and were the main inspiration for this review. I must say, as opinionated as I am with coffee, this flavor was the absolute best and most memorable. The mix of coconut and caramel was pure perfection. Each flavor was equal to the other and I thought I was taking a delectable bite out of a crispy samoa. The creamy taste led my mind to believe I was bathing in a caramel jacuzzi; at the same time, Dunkin’ employees threw flaky coconut chips all over me. For all my mind truly knows, this actually happened. I may or may not have found the true love of my life. But in all seriousness, in relation to the samoa, the score is hands down a 5 out of 5.

I am more than pleased with the new Girl Scout flavors at Dunkin’ Donuts. They were spectacular, bold, and for the most part memorable. I wouldn’t recommend the peanut butter cookie if you’re looking for a show stopper, but you can most definitely find your new addiction with the thin mint or the coconut caramel. I will be frequenting Dunkin’ more often than normal as long as these flavors stick around. I guess I can throw away any hopes for a loaded bank account.

My Addiction

Have you ever seen people lose their minds over a certain food? Possibly their favorite movie? Or even a place that they love to be at? I lose my mind, my sanity, my everything over one word: coffee. And that’s just hearing the word.

Coffee is quite literally my everything I could ever want in life. I was introduced to my delectable companion my junior year of high school and ever since we’ve been inseparable. I can’t imagine a day where I go without coffee. It’s unthinkable and frightening. It makes me want to sit on the floor and bawl tears of caffeine. If a boy like me didn’t have his coffee, I can easily tell you that crime would be much higher in the world today than it actually is.

I start my day waking up and the first thought on my mind is: I gotta make that first cup of coffee. That often means I groggily shuffle over to my Keurig and brew a cup. If my mind is really in the dumps, I’ll stand next to the coffee maker and let the steam pour into my face. The heat and smell of the steam is more than enough to perk my optimistic spirits up. However, if I’m in a hurry, I’ll run into the cafeteria on campus and steal a cup there. At the end of the day, I’ll do anything for a cup of coffee, regardless of how awful it is. Coffee is coffee.

After each cup I finish, I make it a mission to find my next source. Free coffee in the common area? Perfect. Coffee run to the on campus bistro? Yes please. Another run for putrid coffee in the cafeteria? It’ll do. By the end of the day, I normally have anywhere from 5-7 cups. My record is 11 cups, but who’s keeping track?  

Each cup I drink depends on the quality. I down it either way, but I carefully sip the good stuff. I let it embrace my tongue in a warm, intrepid flood that sends my taste buds to glory. It flows into my body like pure gold. The tingly rush I get when the caffeine enters my bloodstream is the most complete feeling I experience during the course of my day. Each cup of coffee I drink is a new encounter all in itself. It’s a process that needs to be specific in the consumption all the way down to the very last drop. Coffee is not something I rush quickly only to forget I drank a cup in the first place. That would be an injustice to mankind.

Call me crazy, call my addiction unhealthy, I don’t care. I couldn’t exist without my one true love. Its taste provides the kiss upon my lips that lovers crave. The warmth of the cup in my hands as I go to classes gives me the energy to power through the day just like the weights do for the health nut at the gym. One of my greatest passions in life is drinking coffee and if you haven’t realized it at this point, I suggest you move along to another blog.