I love it and it hates me.
It’s like an abusive relationship. I’m addicted to the ritual of making it, intoxicated by the smell that permeates my home, the deep, rich flavor and how the caffeine highs can make me feel almost invincible. But then, the euphoria gives way to the heart palpitations, the extreme blood sugar dips and the fits of anger – but yet I stay – I love him anyway and convince myself we’re good together. The angst, I tell you.
Recently, I switched to decaffeinated for the sake of my health and only treat myself once or twice a week. I treasure our times together and make sure I purchase only the best coffee I can find. Just a year ago, it was hard to find good decaf, but that is not the case anymore.
Coffee, like other foodstuffs these days, is going through a renaissance. All across the country, specialty purveyors are roasting limited-edition coffee beans using the best artisanal and sustainable practices. These are the beans you should seek out, whether going out for coffee or bringing the beans home. Because of the attention to detail, the taste is incomparable.
Here are some of the best artisanal coffee roasters in the country who ship the freshest beans online tout suite:
- Intelligentsia Coffee
- Metropolis Coffee Company (They make my absolute favorite brew – Redline Decaf.)
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Gorilla Coffee
The real question here is, are you willing to give up your relationship with Mr. Coffee? The seemingly indefatigable, saggy-assed octogenarian who piddles out his weak-brewed love day after day? You want to settle for that?
I didn’t think so.
You need an Italian Stallion. One who has proven his mettle time and time again creating a dark rich brew that really satisfies.
$39.95
Cooking.com
Another great option is this Bodum French Press
Chefs Catalog
This french press extracts great flavor from the beans and keeps your coffee warm for two hours, during which time he’ll talk to you endlessly about philosophy and the meaning of life while smoking cigarette after cigarette.
$26.95
Amazon
For an authentic Latte or Café au lait at home, this device heats and froths milk into a thick foam in seconds. Mmmm, foamy.
And don’t forget to drink it leisurely and authentically, out of a beautiful bowl, just like the French.
Related posts:
Real Food Rehab: PB&J
Real Food Rehab: Five Ingredients or Less – salty snacks
Real Food Rehab: The Perfect Margarita
Real Food Rehab: Top Five Kitchen Tools
Real Food Rehab: Gluten-Free & Loving It
Real Food Rehab: Plastic doesn’t make perfect
Foodie Friday – Meet Dana Altman of Real Food Rehab
Coffee (table book) Talk
You are funny. I love coffee too and sometimes I have to drink decaf just to stay alive it seems. I love all the things you named, but having more than one cup a day sets my heart in overdrive. I can see how you are torn
Thanks! It's a bitch. Grateful for your empathy.
Nice! I just ordered the Blendimentosis from Gorilla coffee. I'm almost out and love trying new brands! I got a coffee grinder last Christmas, so I always buy whole beans- it's so much better!
Susannah, you're so right: grinding the beans fresh each time is a huge improvement in flavor! Yay! A Gorilla fan!
I too have given up coffee, but will take sips of my husband's just to get that wonderfully rich mouthfeel. Just that satisfies my craving. I do have a frother also. That little gadget ROCKS!! It makes perfect foam, good for jazzing up a cup of tea also