Portland is a coffee lover's paradise. With relatively cool summer temperatures and a wet winter climate, a cup of hot joe just about fits the bill anytime. I wanted to experience a few spots I had read about online or heard about as recommendations from others, so I found out what was available in the southeast area where we've been based this past week and headed out to taste a few samplers for myself.
The first place I visited is Stumptown Coffee Roasters and the place I found is the original location at SE 45th and Division. Wikipedia says the founder is credited with being a part of the "third wave" coffee movement which basically tries to treat coffee more like wine (artisin food) instead of like wheat (a basic commodity). They now have 3 other locations in Portland as well as cafes in Seattle and New York City and I'm hearing that their downtown stores might be a bit more hip than the one I visited which was just okay but nothing special. I did enjoy my macchiato which came with a complimentary glass of soda water which I mistook to be regular water. I did wonder, as I began sipping my strange bubbly beverage, just whose soda water I swiped due to the proximity of that glass to my coffee.
I first tried Stumptown coffee from my back porch in Mozambique. A relative brought me a bag of freshly roasted coffee when she came for a visit and it was very good. So it's kinda cool to see where the original Stumptown was and feel that I at least have a tiny bit of knowledge now in relation to an up-and-coming coffee roaster.
The next day as I was riding back on bike from Portland I came across another coffee shop I had wanted to try after reading about it online: Heart Coffee Roasters on 2211 E Burnside. They are only 3 years old but seem to be doing a great job and offer a nice atmosphere in a residential, slightly commercial area only a few blocks from downtown Portland. These guys have been involved in the recent World Aeropress Championship which was held in Portland this past April. When I chose my aeropress a few months ago, I had no idea how well respected I would learn it to be. For a great brewing guide on the aeropress, see Stumptown's suggestions. I guess you could say this brewing guide complicates something that is actually very simple, but to each his own.
Now, if only I had a book to write. Portland could easily become home.
The first place I visited is Stumptown Coffee Roasters and the place I found is the original location at SE 45th and Division. Wikipedia says the founder is credited with being a part of the "third wave" coffee movement which basically tries to treat coffee more like wine (artisin food) instead of like wheat (a basic commodity). They now have 3 other locations in Portland as well as cafes in Seattle and New York City and I'm hearing that their downtown stores might be a bit more hip than the one I visited which was just okay but nothing special. I did enjoy my macchiato which came with a complimentary glass of soda water which I mistook to be regular water. I did wonder, as I began sipping my strange bubbly beverage, just whose soda water I swiped due to the proximity of that glass to my coffee.
I first tried Stumptown coffee from my back porch in Mozambique. A relative brought me a bag of freshly roasted coffee when she came for a visit and it was very good. So it's kinda cool to see where the original Stumptown was and feel that I at least have a tiny bit of knowledge now in relation to an up-and-coming coffee roaster.
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| Stumptown Coffee Roasters at 45th and Division |
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| I hear that on nice days they open up the garage door to give an outdoorsy feel to this side room |
Now, if only I had a book to write. Portland could easily become home.
U SHOULD write a book! Great pics and thanks a lot now u want some coffee!!
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