Daily Caffeine Drip (-olator)

The local coffee shop: the place where many people start each day. Sadly, too many of those daily grinders settle for the first stop available, rarely enjoying a quality cup and becoming accustomed to mediocrity. But true coffee lovers expect the real deal: fair trade, organic, locally roasted beans, ground to order and made fresh into that dark, ambrosial liquid we call coffee. Far from the burnt popcorn-tasting, teeth-staining, bitter brew served in truck stops and Starbucks nationwide. In fact, I'm having espresso right now, my fingers involuntarily twitching between keystrokes, heart racing, feeling the buzz - a smile-provoking euphoria I crave.

I have been appreciating and consuming fine coffees for years and years, and believe me I have made my rounds at the local spots. I've tried what various roasters claim to do differently from one another, tasted what each shop thinks is the best source for their beans, and even have experience as a barista, learning from a veteran how to make my own. I've come to the conclusion that it's not alone the type of coffee you buy, which roaster you choose, or what kind of machine you use to make it. It's the right combination thereof and the careful, watchful method in which any good barista takes pride in - that they can so skillfully craft something adored again and again is what makes it all come together.

"So where then!" you ask? It's The Dripolator Coffee Bar that stands out among a sea of competition as the perfect representation of what gourmet coffee culture is all about. If gastronomy is the study of the relationship between food and culture, then I am coining the term espronomy: the study of the relationship and effects of espresso and otherwise produced coffees on the population. Ok so maybe that's not the next definition supplied by Wikipedia, but folks at The Dripolator are cranking out a product that changes the way you look at and feel about coffee.

Located in the brand-new Pioneer Building on Broadway, just behind Greenlife, "The Drip" is a local's spot. The place where Tony Bourdain would be directed to upon rolling into town and asking around for a latte. Recently moving into this location, The Dripolator's owners decided to somewhat expand its offerings by adding local beer and wine to the menu. Featuring Wedge Brewery's Gollum High-Gravity, Payne's Pale Ale, Wit Bier, and I.P.A. In fact, supporting other local businesses is something that they pride themselves in. The pastries and desserts calling to you from their case are made locally, the furniture was made by a local carpenter, the coffee is roasted just across town, even the website was made by a local designer. This, for me, is like the icing on the cake, the perfect design in the frothy foam on my latte. Not only is the coffee here superior to Starbucks, Caribou Coffee and the like, but by supporting this local business, you're actually supporting several other local businesses all at the same time! Not to get off topic here, but that's just good economics.

So next time you decide that a cup of joe is what you chiefly need, make the short trek over to Broadway, pop in and say hello to the friendly locals at The Drip. Trust me, you'll be spoiled on REAL coffee from then on!

G.