Coffee & Tea – Page 7 – The Celiathlete

January 9, 2012

Coffee is a delicious work of art at Quills Coffee

Restaurant: Quills Coffee, Louisville, Kentucky

It was a mild January morning when I stopped in at Quills Coffee Co. in Louisville, Kentucky. The quiet, unassuming coffee shop has been on my bucket list of places to try since I spotted them one day while eating at my favorite local Irish pub. They were hard to miss, situated right across the street from Molly Malone’s on Baxter Avenue.

For some reason, though, I just never made it over there. Until Saturday, when I had just finished running in the Frostbite 5K, an annual winter race in Louisville. The temperature was approaching 50 degrees. Frostbite…not so much.

But my morning had been frantic. Oversleeping, upset stomach, race…and now that everything had settled and the race was run, my roommate and I were gearing up to quickly make a couple of stops before heading back over the river to change and head out to Evansville, Indiana for back-to-back roller derby bouts with a friend of ours. Caffeine wasn’t necessary…it was essential.

We wandered into Quills and were greeted kindly by the staff behind the bar. We explained that it was our first time coming in and they said they would be happy to help us if we had any questions and to take our time looking at their drink menu. We did just that, pondering over what to try, and then, once set, we placed our orders. My roommate ordered a white chocolate mocha. And I went for the simple classic…a soy cappuccino.

Orders in, we settled in at a small, corner table and before we knew it…orders were up. First the white chocolate mocha, which, when I went to retrieve it, had beautiful art done in the milk. I mean…here is a company that loves its coffee. That is evident in the care and precision that goes into each cup. And all of it topped off with a fantastic design of some sort. Latte art…it’s my new obsession. A few moments later, my soy cappuccino was up, foamed to perfection and adorned with more latte art. A fern leaf on this one. It was love at first foam, I think.

Settling in, I had to take pictures. But my roommate was eager to get more caffeine into her system. She took a sip of her white chocolate mocha, not wanting to ruin the artwork, and looked beyond elated. She raved about the mesh of flavors. How the espresso wasn’t bitter at all, how the white chocolate was there, but not overpowering to the drink itself. And how rich it was. I opted to take a small sip…and yes…white chocolate nirvana. Achieved.

My soy cappuccino was calling my name, so I lifted my cup, admired the fine art in the foam once more, then took a sip. It was fantastic. The espresso shot was timed to perfection. Being a cappuccino, there is little room for error. If the shot runs too long, the espresso is strong and bitter. Too short, and it’s too weak. This tasted of espresso, accompanied by the steamed soy milk, topped off with a foamy layer of goodness. Oh yes…I do love my foam. You could call me obsessed with it. I don’t want whipped cream on any of my drinks…not even mochas. Give me foam any day and I’m a happy coffee connoisseur.

Inside Quills Coffee, Louisville, Kentucky

The atmosphere of Quills Coffee is fantastic. It had a lively buzz with customers of every age. Mothers sat with children. Young couples conversed over coffee. The older crowd sat near windows and read the paper while enjoying their cup of caffeinated goodness. It appeals to everyone. The dimly lit interior gives off that classic coffeehouse flair and the decor is minimal. Keeping it simple is the perfect way to highlight the important part – the drinks.

If you live in or near Louisville, Kentucky…I urge you to stop in at Quills Coffee and check them out. And if right now crossing the river from Indiana seems daunting, never fear…Quills just opened up a New Albany branch, dangerously close to where I work, on Market Street. And, unlike New Albany’s other coffee shops, it seems this one is open up like a normal one…until about 10 p.m. If nothing else, the Louisville one is. Which means…I can go to a local place and get a steaming cup of…whatever I am craving…and not have to hit up Starbucks in our local grocery store.

Do you realize how happy this makes me?

Quills Coffee is all about bringing great service to the area and providing a fantastic product, not just to the regulars, but to newbies like me. And for that, I felt beyond welcome, and extremely satisfied with the company. Need a fantastic coffee fix, I highly recommend trying out Quills Coffee. Treat yourself to something good…topped off with a little latte art full of coffee TLC.

January 6, 2012January 6, 2012

La Reunion Coffee Café abuzz with customers and fantastic drink menu

Restaurant: La Reunion Coffee Café, Helena, Alabama

I love coffee.

No, really…I do. I don’t drink it as often as I would like, mostly due to cost, but I do allow myself a treat every now and again. Whether it’s Starbucks, Caribou, a local chain, or an independent shop, I love to indulge every now and again in a hot (or cold) coffee or espresso drink.

While I was visiting with my family for the holidays, my sister and I made a coffee date. She’s been drinking coffee longer than anyone I know. I think she was the only elementary school kid to sit down with a Styrofoam cup of joe at church. She was a hipster long before she knew she was a hipster. Gotta love my sister.

And I do. Which is why we planned a girl’s coffee morning. Our location for our coffee beverage…a little coffee café in Old Town Helena, the heart of Helena, Alabama. It’s called La Reunion Coffee Café and both of us were quite excited about trying it out.

Inside La Reunion Coffee Café, Helena, Alabama

Walking into La Reunion was like walking into a friend’s home. The dimly lit, eccentrically decorated, homey feel of the café is very welcoming. Groups were meeting at the scattered tables throughout the shop, and the quite buzz of their conversations was comforting. We were greeted warmly by the baristas who allowed us time to decide on what we wanted to try. While many of the drinks on the cold menu sounded fantastic (hello, Reese’s Reunion and Orange Dreamsicle), it was a chilly morning so we decided to go with warm coffee that day. My sister ordered the Milky Way, a delicious mix of espresso, milk, chocolate and caramel. I finally, after much contemplation because…it wasn’t like I would be able to come back for awhile, decided to get the Alpine Caramel with soy milk, which was a fantastic combination of espresso, soy milk, white chocolate and caramel.

As my brother was stopping by my parent’s house with his kids before driving to Atlanta for Christmas, we got our drinks to go and stepped aside to walk around the shop while the baristas went to work on our order. They had epically delicious looking muffins in their case (which my gluten sensitivity forbid me to try) as well as other delicious cakes, brownies, and treats. They looked fantastic. Crafts were displayed on shelves, that were up for sale. We browsed for a few moments, commenting on some of the items, and then the barista walked our drinks over to us and bid us a good day.

We thanked her and left, warm coffee cups in hand, and headed to the car.

And it was there that we got our first taste of the delicious, fantastic drinks offered at La Reunion. Honestly…the espresso was timed perfectly. Not bitter. Not too strong. And the flavor combination was fantastic. I’m normally not one to praise a drink with white chocolate in it…but this was amazing. I allowed my sister a sip and she liked it too. But she really loved hers. And when we got home, she gave her non-coffee-drinking husband a sip and he really liked it too.

WIN!

La Reunion seems like the perfect spot to just settle in with friends for good conversation. I look forward to returning and trying another of their coffee drinks (the Heart Murmur or Nuttin Honey, perhaps!). And maybe this time I’ll stay awhile, soak in the atmosphere, and join in the buzz that fills the shop.

If you are anywhere near Helena, Alabama, I highly recommend trying out La Reunion for your coffee cravings. The people are wonderful, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the drinks…are out of this world!

December 29, 2011December 29, 2011

Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant plates up classic fine dining in Louisville

Restaurant: Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant, Louisville, Kentucky

It was the weekend before Christmas and one thing was missing from my life. Nope, not a gift. A fine dining experience. And getting in somewhere in Louisville, Kentucky on the last Saturday before the Christmas holiday is no easy task. I had actually tried a different restaurant first but they were booked (no surprise). So, the great fine dining restaurant quest began and I ended up hitting the jackpot in the end.

The place – Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

The atmosphere – Classic, Renaissance-style, high ceilings, low lights, stunning.

And it doesn’t stop there. The staff is done up to the nines here. While there were plenty of diners dressed in jeans, I would have felt out of place had I not dressed up for my dining experience. The hostesses are dressed all in black and keep watch over the bar, letting patrons know if there will be a wait and that they will be seated in just a few moments. The waiters and waitresses…all adorned in tuxedos.

We were seated after a very short wait at a small table near the back. The menus were laid out before us and we were asked if we would like some wine with our meal. We politely declined and opted for water. And then…the difficult task of choosing something from the menu began. It all sounded so good. And despite being a vegetarian with a gluten intolerance, there was plenty for me to choose from at Vincenzo’s. How about that? Fine dining, Italian…and I am not limited to just a salad. That was a nice treat indeed.

And so, I ended up ordering the Insalatina Caprese ($9.95), which was a simply a salad made by layering slices of fresh mozzarella cheese between a tomato, topped with olive oil, cracked pepper, and fresh basil. A light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette finished off the plate. I must admit, this was the first time my caprese salad ever was stacked. The plate looked fantastic. I delicately picked up my fork and knife and began to carve my way through the stacked tomato and cheese, touching it off with a gentle tap into the drizzled dressing. The flavors were astounding. The cheese was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The basil was a nice touch, instead of the normal greens. Herbs add so much to a salad. I wish they were used more. And the tomato was at the perfect level of ripeness so that when it was sliced, juices didn’t run everywhere. It won me over with presentation, but it totally blew away every past caprese salad I ever had with flavor. This salad was loaded with it. Something so simple…and yet…so amazing on the palate. I knew I was in for a treat that night.

Since I am a gluten-intolerant vegetarian, the normal go-to for vegetarians (pastas!) were not an option for me. What I ended up ordering was exactly what I wanted, however. The Risottino Con Funghi ($22.95), which consists of Arborio rice with saffron, tossed with wild mushrooms and adorned with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The risottos are on the menu as an appetizer, but the waitress said it could be prepared at an entrée size. I was quite pleased with this. I was even more surprised when, after a wait and some good conversation, our waitress and waiter (he was training) came to our table with pans and a cart. The burners were lit, and the food was finished off table side. What a treat. I got to see the risotto get tossed, warmed, and then plated right in front of me. My roommate’s ravioli prepped the same way. I love this stuff! The risotto was placed in front of me and then dusted with a nice helping of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (only the best!). We were then left to our food.

This risotto was perfectly prepared. It was the perfect level of al dente, so that the rice was at the right level of starchiness without being undercooked and hard or overcooked and mushy. It was full of rich flavors. The saffron was a nice touch to the dish. And the mushrooms were complimented by everything in there. The entree size was perfect for me as my meal. And I savored every flavorful bite. Honestly, I’ve had risottos in other establishments before, but this one was fantastic. There was just a hint of spice to each bite and the different textures kept it interesting. Who needs pasta at an Italian restaurant? Give me a vegetarian risotto any day. Especially if it is this one.

Our waiter inquired with us after we finished out dessert. We did say we would love to look at the menu. The dessert menu, mind you, is a tray that is plated with the desserts being offered that evening. This consisted of a variety of cakes and pies as well as a trio of cannoli. Not much there for someone with my food allergies. And yet, when this was mentioned, our waiter immediately said that ice cream and sorbets were available as well. I was pleased with this choice and while my roommate opted for cannoli, I treated myself to a sorbet ($8.50). The waiter gave me a flavor choice of lemon or orange. I almost chose lemon, but opted for orange. After the dessert order was placed, the waiter returned a moment later to apologize, letting me know that they did not have orange sorbet that evening, but it was raspberry. Fine by me…I was quite happy to go with raspberry instead.

The sorbet, mind you, was delivered to me in a wine glass. It looked fantastic. Very vibrant color and a healthy portion too. I was expecting a beautiful scoop in a bowl, but I most certainly to Vincenzo’s fine dining flair. The sorbet was delicious. The raspberry was just the right level of sweet, and each scoop was soft and easy to wrangle in the glass. Sometimes sorbets can get too frozen, but this one was creamy, smooth, and flooded with flavor.

We finished off the evening with a bit of light conversation at the table and some hot tea ($4.95). And when we were done, our waitress delivered the bill. We paid, lingered a moment more to take in the atmosphere, and then reluctantly put on our coats and went to retrieve our vehicle from the free valet parking.

Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant is classic fine dining at its best. Tuxedos, table side food prep, and fantastic service. So many fine dining establishments these days make a name for themselves by giving food a twist. But, Vincenzo’s is all about the classics. Why mess with something that is already good? I was blown away by not only the food, but the atmosphere and service at Vincenzo’s. If you are looking for great Italian food while in the Louisville area, I encourage you to step away from the chain restaurants, dress up, and treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of classic Italian dishes done right. Have a taste of Italy right in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. You owe it to yourself to dine at this restaurant.

Vincenzo's Risottino Con Funghi (entrée portion)

November 20, 2011November 20, 2011

Earth Friends Café serves up a winning breakfast every Saturday

Restaurant: Earth Friends Café, New Albany, Indiana

Psst.

To all my readers who live in or around or might be traveling through the New Albany, Indiana/Louisville, Kentucky area. I have a little-known secret for you that I’m just dying to share. Why? Because it’s worthy of sharing. And if you’re coming into the New Albany area via Louisville…it’s even worth braving the bridge traffic for. I promise.

The day: Every Saturday.

The motivation: Breakfast.

The place: Earth Friends Café.

Did you get that? Did you write it down in black Sharpie and paste it to the dashboard of your car so you remember? If not. Do it now. I’ll wait.

…

Okay…good.

Now you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, a couple weeks back I ventured into Earth Friends Café for lunch with my roommate. What I found was a great little place with wooden tables, colorful little vases, posters and fliers for local causes, amazing coffee, great food, fantastic service, great people, and a calm, laid-back café atmosphere. It was my first time in there and the staff made me feel like a regular. That doesn’t happen at your chain restaurants. Hell, that doesn’t happen at most local haunts either.

But that’s what separates Earth Friends Café from other places in the area. New Albany, Indiana has a hidden gem here. I call it a hidden gem simply because it is tucked away behind the main drag of Grant Line Road. Blink and you’ll miss it. So, look for the signs and follow them there.

With such a great experience the day I was in there for lunch, I was very excited to venture that way for breakfast. And it was the morning of one of my races, which was happening later that evening under the moonlight in Indianapolis. So I needed something that would give me energy…but still fit into my sometimes very restrictive diet.

Stacie, the owner of this café, makes Belgian waffles every morning. And they come in a variety of different flavors, so you need to be sure to inquire what kind is being served that day. The waffles are vegan. And…she keeps Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free flour on hand at all times…so making me a gluten-free waffle just meant waiting a little longer for my food. I was more than happy to wait. While I did, I was able to sip on my peppermint mocha, made with almond milk (another great reason to stop in…especially if you can be sensitive to soy and can’t have dairy milk (the dairy they have, however, is organic!)…because you get the option of almond milk or coconut milk) and served at the perfect temperature.

The breakfast menu is simple. Oatmeal, yogurts, fruits, Belgian waffles (vegan), Tofu Scramble Chili Tacos (vegan), a Ham and Cheddar Panini, a Banini (Banana, local honey, peanut butter, and organic chocolate on wheat bread), and more. Something for everyone. That’s what I love about this place. It’s not a vegan/vegetarian restaurant, but it offers those options. If you are a carnivore and must have your meat…they have something for you. If you have a gluten-allergy…they have something for you. If you are a vegan/vegetarian…they have something for you. When you can span the entire food spectrum on a one-page menu…you are doing something brilliant.

The morning I was there…it was the last day they were offering the Pumpkin with Sugared Pecans Belgian Waffle ($6.95). That sounded brilliant, so that’s what I ordered…done gluten-free of course. My roommate flipped a coin, trying to decide between the ham and cheddar panini and the tofu scramble chili tacos…and the tacos won.

We relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed the soundtrack of the morning provided by Adele’s “21” album over the speaker system. It was the perfect morning. And when the food arrived, I was ready to dig in and enjoy. The tacos my roommate got looked so delicious. And my waffle was fluffy and smelled incredible!

Vegan Tofu Scramble Chili Tacos with a side of Nacho Chips and Salsa

My roomate was eager to give the Tofu Scramble Chili Tacos ($7.95) a try. She’s a carnivore usually when we go out, but this morning, she was really feeling the tofu (thanks coin toss!). And she took a bite of the tacos and loved them. These were served up with a side of nacho chips and salsa (she raved about the salsa, so I tried it. It had a nice heat behind it, but a cooling flavor of lime to follow it up. YUM). And she also got a choice of fruit or yogurt with it. She went for the organic strawberry yogurt. And yes…she ate it all down to the very last bite.

And what about my waffle?

I immediately drizzled a bit of the maple syrup over it, grabbed my fork and dug in. That waffle should have come with a choir because it was the gospel. Honestly. If heaven could be served on a plate with a side of maple syrup, it would look and taste like this. This was my first real (not frozen) gluten-free waffle since I had to change up my diet. And this was the way to start back. The pumpkin flavor was perfect for the season, but what made this waffle crazy-delicious was the fact that the sugared pecans were baked into the batter. Not thrown on top as a garnish. No. The sugared pecans were an ingredient and therefore incorporated. Which meant that every bite, you got a bit of their sweet and crunchy presence. And pairing it with the pumpkin flavor made the entire waffle (and yes…I ate the entire plate-size thing on my own!) was a just enough to fill me up before my long day ahead of me and my run that night. I was full when I left, but not to the point of discomfort. These waffles are fluffy, but light. And they will definitely satisfy.

Alright, my friends…the secret is out. And this is one of those secrets that are meant to be shared. This area has been lacking this kind of a place for years now. We finally have it. And it is one of the friendliest, one of the best places around. If you want a bit of variety on food choices (vegan, vegetarian, meat, organic, local, etc), some great drinks (coffee, tea, espresso…and so many flavors, most also in sugar-free), and some amazing service…seek out Earth Friends Café.

Be it a stop in for a caffeine fix, some breakfast, some lunch, or both…I promise…you’ll want to share too. So tell your friends. Bring your friends. But go and enjoy! You’re in for a treat.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin with Sugared Pecans Belgian Waffle

November 10, 2011

Earth Friends Café serves up a little something for everyone…and all of it (locally) fantastic!

Restaurant: Earth Friends Café, New Albany, Indiana

Stop the presses! Hold the phone! Insert double take…here.

A local café…as in…where I live…that serves up not only vegan/vegetarian food…but also gluten-free options?! Have I stepped into an alternate universe?

Not quite. What I have stumbled across, however, is a fantastic little café in my own backyard. The little shop opened up in April 2011, so it’s pretty new on the scene. The owner, Stacie, placed a specific emphasis on giving the locals a place where they could get vegan, vegetarian, local, organic, fair-trade and cruelty-free items all in one place. And she did all this with gusto…in a town that has seen nothing like this before.

I had been told about this business, first by my former journalism professor, and then by a vegan co-worker who raved about it. With two glowing endorsements, I knew I needed to try it out. So, I took a long lunch one day from my office and my roommate and I headed out to give their food and drinks a try.

The menu is simple, fresh, and seasonal. It only took me a moment to decide what I was going to have. The same held true for my roommate. She ordered up the Smoked BBQ Chicken Quesadilla (which is made with local smoked chicken, mind you!), with a side of the organic applesauce ($7.95), and paired it with the most amazing White Chocolate and Hazelnut Mocha (made with organic skim milk) ($4.20). Honestly…for not liking coffee drinks, she devoured this one.

As for my lunch, I went with the Veggie Wrap (on a gluten-free wrap), which is smeared with roasted red pepper hummus and filled with spinach leaves, carrots, green peppers, toasted pumpkin seeds, and I topped mine off with Daiya vegan cheese with the seasonal fruit as my side ($6.95). And, my drink of choice, a Sugar-Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte ($3.45), which was done with almond milk! FINALLY, a local café that gives the option of either almond milk or coconut milk…because sometimes soy milk isn’t gluten-free and there is no guarantee that it won’t affect you if you are gluten-intolerant. So, this made me extremely happy.

Earth Friends Café's Sugar-Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte with Almond Milk

The latte was, in a word, to die for. It smelled like a freshly baked sugar cookie…and the taste matched. Brilliantly timed espresso shot, so that it didn’t overpower the other flavors that were working in the drink. The almond milk (I’m still stupid excited about having a local place that gives this option!) was steamed to the perfect perfection and I had a healthy dose of the foam on top (my favorite!). I think I fell in love with that drink. I did steal a small sip of my roommate’s drink creation and I was blown away. Honestly, she won the coffee pool that day. It was like drinking a dessert.

As for the food…well…we were blown away by it. Honestly. My wrap was so delicious…packed with flavor and food. There was no skimping on the filling here. The vegetables were fresh, crisp, and paired so well with the hummus. The gluten-free wrap and the vegan cheese were amazing compliments to the fresh flavors that filled the actual sandwich. One bite…and I was hooked. One of my favorite parts of the wrap was the inclusion of the toasted pumpkin seeds. Never would have thought about it, but it just added a bit of texture and flair. And it was amazing. As for the hummus…I was hooked. No bit of that spread was going to waste. It was a very filling, very delicious meal. The fruit that came on the side was also fresh, chilled, and ripe. I was in local foodie heaven.

Both my roommate and I polished off our meals and drinks…and were quite happy with our experience. The staff there is fantastic. Very friendly. Very talkative. I mean, we had a long conversation with our server, Remy, about U2 and concerts. It was friendly, casual, and it didn’t feel like the first time I had stepped in there. I already felt like part of the family. I felt like I belonged. And with the various options (meat, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)…this place is heads and tails ahead of the game in this area. There really is something for everyone to enjoy and if what we sampled was any indication of what the rest of the menu is like…prepare yourself for a tantalizing foodie journey. All in a bare-bones, minimalist shop…just off the beaten path in my town. It’s a diamond in the rough.

Oh…and as a side note regarding how amazing this place can be…on a recent Facebook posting, Stacie was letting followers know about the pumpkin waffles being served up on Saturday morning. I asked if they were gluten-free and she came back quickly saying that if I let her know when I’m coming in, she can make me up gluten-free waffles. What other business goes to that length for their patrons? I am beyond impressed. I’m sold. I want to get the word out about this fantastic business…get people in there. Because I want this place to be around for a long time. Selfishly so I can enjoy the benefits of this business…but unselfishly…this is a local business run by local people doing great things for the community (the owner has a flair for animal rights!).

If you live in New Albany, Indiana…or close by…or if you happen to be passing through…get to Grant Line Road. Get to Earth Friends Café. Get amazing food and service by amazing people doing amazing things.

I am hooked. Soon…you will be too. I promise!

Earth Friends Café's Veggie Wrap (on a gluten-free wrap w/ Daiya vegan cheese) with seasonal fruit

August 7, 2011August 7, 2011

Coffee Perkfection!

Perkfections — Perfections Cafe & Bar, Jeffersonville, Indiana

Just when I think I have had the best coffee anywhere…I find somewhere that does it better.

I’m growing quite fond of the myriad of different local coffee shops in our area here. I have known about Perkfection for awhile. After all, a lot of journalism majors at my university hung out there or held meetings there. But, I never quite ventured out that way. However, a Groupon came over my e-mail for half off drinks and food from this coffee shop and diner, and I was quite eager to purchase it and give it a try.

So that’s what I did.

The actual Groupon sat for months because of my busy schedule. Things had finally settled down and the expiration date was approaching…so my roommate and I headed down to Jeffersonville, Indiana to see about some morning caffeine.

The actual shop is quite open and very welcoming. Lots of natural light. We were greeted immediately by the barista behind the counter, who took a moment to explain a little bit about the drink menu. I guess we looked like newbies to this place. Then again, as a former barista, you do get to know your customers. New faces…new chance to impress.

So, orders in. My roommate got a tall (which is a medium here) mint mocha with skim milk and I ordered a tall sugar-free chocolate latte with soy milk. Simple enough decision. So, our lovely barista went to execute the orders. She did the mocha first, double-checking to make sure that whipped cream was wanted. When it comes to my roommate, whipped cream is not an option – it’s a necessity. That made, she went to pour my soy milk to steam it…and then realized that she didn’t have any soy milk in stock. It had been used up the night prior and no one told her. She asked if I could have milk at all. So, I took a lactase enzyme and said it would be fine with skim milk this time.

With both drinks made she rang us up…and we were just under the total on the coupon. But this is also a diner…and there were cookies. I couldn’t have one, but my roommate saw the chocolate chip goodness in the case and said she’d love a cookie. We were now over by $0.13, but the barista told us not to worry about it, handed over the cookie and the drinks and we were on our way.

Now, while I do love my coffee…my roommate is a little harder to please. She actually got in a sip of her drink before I managed with mine, and immediately declared this to be “The Best Coffee Ever.” Strange words coming from her, but not ones to be taken lightly. I took a sip of my own and what I noticed was the blend of flavors. It played on my palate. The roast of espresso had a nutty tang to it, which meshed perfectly with my sugar-free chocolate syrup. The entire drink was smooth, and heated to perfection: not too hot so immediate gratification could be met.

I dislike that Perkfection entails a drive to Jeffersonville, but with coffee this amazing…I do want to go back. I do want to try other things there. And I do want to support a local business. Speaking of supporting a local business…their coffee is local as well.

And as for that cookie…my roommate saved it for later as a snack. But it was gone as quickly as she had unwrapped it from the wax paper. She actually said, “Damn…their cookies are amazing too.” I will only have to take her word on that, unless they start getting (or baking) gluten-free treats.

Jeffersonville has a gem of a coffee shop downtown in Perfections. Great service. Great coffee. Great experience. Great prices! Enough to win me over and declare that we would have to go back as soon as possible for more. And I intend to hold to that.

Local business. Local roast. Local coffee. Nothing short of Perkfection, indeed!

Perkfection's Sugar-Free Chocolate Latte — Perkfection's Non-fat Sugar-Free Chocolate Latte

July 11, 2011

The Aroma of delicious coffee

Aroma Coffee & Tea Company, Studio City, California

Coffee is an important part of any day. The trouble, at times, especially while traveling, is finding a decent place that serves it up. Sure, you can usually track down a Starbucks on a street corner, but why settle for a chain? Independent coffee houses are out there…everywhere…you just need to know where to look. In my case…I know someone who is passionate about her coffee and suggested Aroma Coffee & Tea Company prior to my visit. When everyone needed an afternoon pick-me-up, this was our go-to coffee joint. I was not disappointed.

Aroma is one of those eclectic little places that you fall in love with at first sight. Without even tasting the coffee, I was enamored with surroundings. It was very quaint, and in the initial café part of the restaurant, very crowded. That…is a good sign. Two counters were open, so we didn’t do a lot of standing around. When it came to my turn, I ordered a ice-blended soy mocha. And, of course, after the fact, I noticed they also offered almond and rice milk instead of soy. I totally would have preferred either of those. I’m just not used to a coffee place offering something other than soy milk. Now I know. Ah, California…always one step ahead of the rest of the country.

While waiting for our drinks to come up, my friends and I took a glance over at the pastry case. It was stuffed full with epic cakes and pastries. I mean…Mad Hatter style cakes. Large, towering sweet treats that looked professionally decorated. I was in awe. And I only wish I could have sampled them. If they ever bake or offer something gluten-free in that pastry case…I just might end up getting something next time.

In short order, our drinks were ready. Taking my cup, we went around the corner to the backyard patio where many patrons were enjoying a brunch. The food looked awesome, so I think, perhaps, next time we visit, we might take in an entire meal here. Everything looked and smelled so good. But my focus then was on my coffee.

My first sip and I was in love. Cold, smooth, blended to perfection. The espresso flavor permeated the rich mocha flavor perfectly. I was in caffeinated bliss. I think I actually smiled after my first sip and offered a taste to my friends. It was an epic coffee win for me. This sort of flavor and taste is exactly why I seek out independent coffee houses when possible. Starbucks and other chains have their place and their cost. But when something this amazing exists, why pay for over-roasted and unappreciated coffee, when you can find a place that will pride itself on every drink and every cup it serves to every patron. That’s how it felt inside Aroma.

We lingered with our drinks, checking out the attached bookstore and then wandering outside to people-watch for a bit. After that, we took a stroll around the neighborhood, looking at the beautiful houses, ambling past the lively park, savoring each sip until it was gone.

The sign of a good coffee house rests not only in the flavor, service, and ambiance, but also with the people who frequent there. Aroma Coffee & Tea Company offered up a good selection of drink options, so there really was something for everyone. And I applaud their addition of either rice or almond milk for those who can’t do soy and can’t do dairy. Because of them, I check menus at other local haunts in hopes that somewhere in the Midwest will pick that up and start doing it.

This was the ultimate coffee experience. Walking around the Los Angeles area with friends, sipping on a delicious coffee, taking in my surroundings while enjoying every bit of the flavor. This was top-of-the-line for me. And if I lived in the area, I would become a regular.

Make it a point, next time you venture down to Los Angeles, to seek out Aroma Coffee & Tea Company and see for yourself why this place is the one to beat for the best coffee anywhere…hands down. Take a seat outside. Sip slowly. Drink in the Aroma.

Aroma Coffee & Tea Company's Ice Blended Soy Mocha

July 11, 2011July 11, 2011

Top Chef serves up amazing Italian food at Cafe Firenze

Top Chef. It’s one of my guilty pleasures. Any food show is, naturally. Celeb chef cooking shows on Food Network, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Adam Richman’s Man v. Food, Gordan Ramsay’s The F-Word, Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen. So, yes…I enjoy watching chefs from every level and every walk of life duke it out on Top Chef as much as the next person.

And that was how I found Fabio Viviani. First seen on Top Chef: Season 5 – New York, Viviani was one of my personal favorites to cheer for. He ended up in the top four before being cast off, but he returned and won fan favorite. Anyone who watched would understand why. So, when I was making plans with my friends for a good place to eat Saturday afternoon, we all agreed that Viviani’s restaurant in Moorpark, California, Cafe Firenze, would be an ideal place to dine.

Cafe Firenze's Bowl of Steamed Mussels in a White Wine Broth with Crostino

We arrived for our reservation right when the restaurant opened. We were seated in a booth in the back, where I had a fine view of the kitchen, which only added to my excitement. We settled in with water and perused the menu for a moment. I already had an idea of what I wanted, but an appetizer was in question. We decided to split an order of Steamed Mussels in a White Wine Broth with Crostino. This was one of my friend’s first experience with mussels…and now she is addicted to them. If a restaurant has them…she wants them. But nothing has equaled Cafe Firenze’s version. Especially with the sauce they were served in. Light, but full of flavor. It was the perfect compliment to the seafood bite of the mussels. In fact, I think my three friends set themselves to mopping up every bit of that sauce with the complimentary bread that had been brought to the table.

The entrees were next. And each of us ordered something different. Tawn ordered the Fettuccini Four Cheese and Sausage; Indy ordered the Penne alla Vodka, Cathy won the prize for best deal with her “personal” Margherita Pizza, which was the size of a regular pizza pan; and I got the Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Ricotta. We had good conversation and good photo ops while we awaited our food. And I had the chance to watch the chefs in the kitchen prepare each meal from scratch…including the pasta. Yes…I loved where we were seated!

Cafe Firenze's Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Ricotta

When our meals arrived, none of us were disappointed. Cathy indulged in every bite of her pizza. Indy’s penne was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing. Tawn enjoyed her fettuccini so much, she swore she saw Jesus in her plate. And as for me…the gnocchi was out of this world. Soft, delicate, and served with a sauce that was packed with bold flavor. The ricotta was the perfect match to the sweet tomato sauce. It was topped off with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, which only served to enhance the dish. I savored each bite and shared it with my friends. Just awesome food. Fresh, delicious, and made to order. It doesn’t get better than that.

After we polished off our meals, we allowed food to settle. Tawn, Indy and I settled in for a round of cappuccinos. Interesting thing about this cappuccino was that the longer it sit, the more delicious it was. All three of us noticed that, so we didn’t down it quickly. We sipped it slowly, discussing desserts. And just in time too…as the dessert menu was brought out to us.

Once again, we all decided to get something different. Tawn ordered the Tiramisu; Indy ordered the Panna Cotta; Cathy got her usual at Italian restaurants, the Cannoli; as for me…I went with the gluten-free option: the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

As we waited for our desserts we were blessed with an even better surprise. Fabio Viviani was in the restaurant. He had the day off, but had stopped in and delivered our desserts to us. What an amazing surprise. The best moment of the entire time at the restaurant was when he came around that corner and all four of us blinked up at him and in the girliest tone all said, in unison: “FABIO!” It was…epic! He was very nice, asking how we enjoyed our meals and being kind enough to take pictures with us. We eventually let him get back to what he was doing, but it was the topper of the day. Honestly! I was floating on a Foodie Cloud Nine. Meeting a chef hero…cross that one off the bucket list!

Desserts were now in front of us, and I managed to come down from my chef high and take my first bite of the chocolate cake. It was moist and rich, melting against my tongue. It was topped with a vanilla gelato with chocolate sauce and coffee cream. Yes…it was as amazing as it sounds. It was completely different texture and taste from the flourless cake I had at Nobu in Vegas. But this stood on its own. The flavors came alive in my mouth, every bit of chocolate, vanilla, and coffee meshing in perfect harmony and drawing me into another heavenly food coma. If gluten-free desserts meant more flourless chocolate cakes like this, then I’m one happy allergic foodie. I still dream of this dessert.

Cafe Firenze was at a level all its own. The Italian ambiance was authentic. The food was beyond all expectations. The desserts were one step closer to heaven. And the opportunity to meet Fabio Viviani topped off the experience. Nothing could ever compare to this level of Italian goodness outside of Italy itself. Then again, Fabio hails from Florence, Italy. If the food was anything but authentic, I would have been disappointed. This isn’t a Buca di Beppo or Olive Garden. This is a state of Italy in California. And oh…it tastes so good!

Me and Fabio — Top Chef Fabio Viviani with me at his restaurant, Cafe Firenze, Moorpark, California

July 10, 2011

Nobu wows with sushi that won my heart and made me cancel my other dinner plans!

Mexican food has been my initial plan for dinner my final night in Las Vegas. I had the place all picked out. It had astounding ratings on Trip Adviser. It was the best-of-the-best when it came to Mexican food in Las Vegas. And I was psyched to go and try it. Why? Because I love Mexican food with a passion. It’s everything I love. Spicy, filling, salty, and full of textures and flavors. Not to mention, being a vegetarian with a few food allergies, the food at a Mexican restaurant is pretty easy to navigate through and manage a safe meal.

But my first night in Vegas I ate at Nobu, a Japanese restaurant nestled inside the Hard Rock Hotel, and I was blown away by the cuisine and the entire dining experience. Not only did the waiter advise me of anything that wouldn’t be vegetarian, he let me know they did have a gluten-free soy sauce available and that he would advise the chefs of my food allergies. The food was more than I anticipated and everything I craved when it came to Japanese cuisine.

Sushi is my love. And Nobu offers up some of the finest vegetarian sushi I have ever had. I craved more of it and this would be my last chance I had before leaving Vegas and continuing on to California for the rest of my vacation. Hence, the change in dinner plans.

I eagerly returned to Nobu and my friend and I were seated at the table we were at our first night. It was like returning to an old haunt. Sushi was still on my mind, so I knew what I was going to order. Instead of soup as my appetizer this time, however, I opted for the Edamame Salad. My friend, having been blown away by the flavors of the Miso Soup on the previous visit, stuck with what she knew was good and had it again.

The Edamame Salad was brought out in a bowl, with a second bowl to discard the outer shells in. It was like nothing I had ever had or done in a restaurant. Eating with my hands was the only option and it was a fun way to enjoy my food in a fancy restaurant. I shared some with my friend, who I was surprised enjoyed it as much as I did.

When the appetizers were gone, I put in my order for my sushi rolls. I ordered the same kinds I did the previous visit – the Vegetable and Oshinko rolls, this time done as hand rolls instead of cut. I mean, I had to add a little variety, right? And my friend totally stepped out of her food comfort zone and ordered the Squid “Pasta” with Light Garlic Sauce, with an order of Broccoli Tempura and Shitake Tempura.

Oh, we never even thought twice about that Mexican place once our meals were placed in front of us. I must admit, I was delighted with my sushi, once again. And after eating each hand roll, I had to get the Oshinko in a cut roll to savor even more. Yeah…it was hard to make myself stop. It always is when it comes to sushi. Once again, just amazing flavors all paired beautifully. The vegetables and rice, rolled up to perfection. The pickled vegetables were the right hint of sour tartness that I craved and blended perfectly with the wrap and rice. It was the perfect marriage of Japanese flavors. Best sushi…anywhere.

And my friend was blown away by every bite of her squid “pasta”…but even more by the dipping sauce she received with her tempura order. It was another amazing dining experience at a place we opted to go to twice instead of branching out. This isn’t something I make a habit of, but when a restaurant wow’s me like Nobu did…I knew I needed one more fix there before departing.

I will never, ever regret that decision.

I once again finished off the evening with their green tea and declined on the dessert this time because I had other plans for that. But that’s saved for my next blog.

I’ve said it once…and I will gladly say it again. Japanese food doesn’t get much better than what is served up at Nobu. If you happen to be in one of the cities that is the home to one of chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurants…go. Go often. And enjoy. Because with food like what Nobu serves, you will honestly keep going back for more…and even cancel other plans for another taste of something so good!

Itadakimasu!

Nobu's Hand Roll Sushi: Vegetable and Oshinko

July 10, 2011

Ice-blended, chocolate, delicious…The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf does coffee right!

Normally, all chain-type restaurants are immediately negated from my blogosphere. However, as I had never sampled anything from this more Western-based coffee chain, I decided that this is one chain worth blogging about.

After my epic coffee fail with the French patisserie in the Paris Las Vegas, I was in search of something to cleanse my palate and give me renewed hope for a good coffee experience in Las Vegas. What I found while wandering around The Venetian was The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. This chain is a Los Angeles-based coffee chain that began in 1963 and has built up its realm in 750 locations in 22 different countries. That kind of longevity should speak volumes of the product they offer as it is, but I needed to see for myself.

I had my reservations, I admit. The prices are a bit high, but we are out West in a tourist-driven city. It is to be expected. But after the Latte of Disgust the previous day, I was a bit reluctant to plunk down the cash on a whim. But I needed a caffeine rush, so I decided to take a chance.

This was a much better experience. Sometimes being a part of a chain isn’t such a bad thing. I stepped up to the counter and placed an order for a small hot mocha latte with dark chocolate and a shot of peppermint for my friend. She loathes all things coffee and has to have something with a flavor, preferably mint, to stomach it. For myself, I went for a dark chocolate ice-blended mocha latte with non-lactose milk (finally, somewhere that doesn’t just give the option of soy milk for those who are lactose intolerant).

The moment of truth arrived when I was handed my drinks. I delivered one to my friend, who savored hers with a chocolate croissant from Bouchon Bakery. She let hers cool down to the temperature she likes, then took her first sip. And I think she actually died and went to caffeinated heaven. She loved the texture, flavor, and taste of the mocha I created for her. WIN!

As for me…I’ve had dark chocolate ice-blended drinks before at another coffee chain I adore that is based out of Minneapolis (Caribou Coffee, anyone?). What The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf gave me was a different style, a different texture, a different flavor. And I was so happy that I couldn’t compare the two of them, because both are distinct and wonderful in their own way. The non-lactose milk was a much-needed break from soy milk (as someone who has a gluten allergy, not all soy milks are safe!), and added a completely different spin on what I normally would have had soy milk with. I loved it. And I drank it down with such zeal. I couldn’t stop raving about the deep chocolate flavor, the hint of espresso that kicked in after each sip. It was iced coffee done right, done well, and up-to-par. My faith in Las Vegas coffee had been restored.

And who would have thought a coffee chain would be the one to do it? If you happen to be out West and spot one of these coffee shops…go in and buy one of their many drinks. Make one of your own. Do with it what you will. Because you are guaranteed to have a delicious drink at the other end.

Well done coffee. I applaud The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf chain for their commitment to excellence when it comes to their product. I will most certainly be back next time I venture out West.

Coffee WIN! — Dark Chocolate Ice-Blended Mocha Latte from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf