On to happier news…

So, before I got all distracted by today’s headlines and a raging cold, I had planned to write about last night’s Slow Food Coffee-Port-Chocolate Soiree at Old Soul.

I dragged the SO along to the event, even though he’s not much of a coffee drinker, chocolate nibbler, or port tippler. The evening opened up with Jason Griest waxing pretty darned poetic about the aroma of coffee. His talk was like a 30-min PhD program in how to buy, appreciate, and enjoy coffee. As someone who has been patronizing Jason’s cafes for a few years now, I have always appreciated the excellent quality of his coffee, but I never fully appreciated the sourcing. I particularly appreciated his discussion of how some coffee farmers are too small to attain fair trade or organic certifications. I usually try to buy organic and/or fair trade, but Jason’s talk centered around the importance of knowing the coffee purveyor and building that relationship of trust.

 Carrying on that same theme was Eric Aafedt of Bogle Winery, who shared the winery’s Petite Sirah Port while discussing how port is made and giving a brief history lesson. Until last night, I knew Bogle wines as drinkable, inexpensive, and “from somewhere in the Delta.” Now that I know it’s a small, family-owned winery that chooses to grow grapes that are appropriate for its location, I like them even more. The SO and I both enjoyed the port, too!

The last speaker of the evening was Ginger Elizabeth, who brought several truffles for us to taste. If you had asked me yesterday if Sacramento needed a couture chocolatier, I am not sure how I would have answered. But, after listening to her very enthusiastic talk and tasting the chocolates (personal favorite: the spicy Olmec truffle), I cannot wait to go check out her newly opened shop. More info at www.gingerelizabeth.com.

All in all, a great experience. I’m more convinced than ever that there are many exciting things going on food-wise right here in Sacramento, and I’m more determined to seek out people and businesses like these three.

Weatherstone’s new lease on life…

After several years of being part of the Java City conglo, the Weatherstone is going to be an independent cafe again. The guys who own Old Soul are taking over. It’s one of those cosmic-all-is-right-with-the-world moments.  But, seriously, the Weatherstone is one of those perfect examples of what a coffeehouse should be–nestled in a neighborhood, cozy, charming, welcoming. Ever since Java City took it over, it’s been a shadow of its former self. I noticed a Java City rep being quoted as saying it was a “one-off,” which I assume meant it didn’t fit in with their corporate branding strategy. Of course, that’s the whole point, isn’t it? A good coffeehouse is one you can walk into and not feel like you’re entering some marketer’s hamster wheel to purchase an elaborately choreographed “experience.”

Anyway, I’m stoked and looking forward to the new Weatherstone incarnation. Now, if they’ll just bring back the Kona Mocha…

Coffeehouse update: Old Soul Baking Co.

When I posted the “best coffeehouses” bit, I confess I hadn’t tried Old Soul. Yeah, well, that’s all changed. Some of the best coffee around, at prices that are actually freaking reasonable. When was the last time you paid $2 for an awesome capp? (Just to date myself, the last time I paid that, it was at the Sac State Student Union–before the remodel–and the coffee sucked.) Check it out. It’s in the alley (yes, the alley) off 17th Street between L and Capitol. 443-7685. www.oldsoulco.com

Sacramento’s best coffeehouses

Sacramento’s definitely got its fair share of coffee places, but not all are worthy of the label “coffeehouse.” (It’s the vibe of the thing, you know?) Here are some of the best:

 1. Temple (http://www.templecoffee.com/) at 1014 – 10th Street is located in what used to be a great bookstore, Levinson’s. They offer an amazing array of teas and coffees from around the world, in a hip atmosphere that manages to not be pretentious.

2. Naked Lounge at 15th & Q. This was my favorite spot for a long time. Their espresso drinks are pretty much the best in town, and the people watching can’t be beat, if you can find a table, that is.

 3. Tupelo Coffeehouse – Opened by the founders of Naked Lounge, this East Sacramento location is spittin’ distance from Sac State. You’ll find it filled with students when school’s in session. Great coffee, deafening acoustics.

4. True Love Coffeehouse - Upstairs at 23rd & K. Kevin Second’s second coffeehouse of that name in Sacramento, and I have to say I love the new one as much as I loved the old one. Patronized by the tatted and pierced set, it has a vibe that no other coffeehouse in Sac can duplicate. Excellent coffee, famous pancakes and a creative menu that includes drinks like the “jostled gandhi.”

5. The Weatherstone – The granddaddy of Sacramento cafe culture, the Weatherstone has the perfect coffeehouse feel to it…at least it did until Java City bought it and made it all corporate. Damn. Every once in a while I head in for a dose of nostalgia, but the Kona Mocha is never going to be the same.

6. Butch N Nellies – 18th and I Streets (http://midtowngrid.com/butchnellies/butchnelliescoffee.shtml) Locally owned, great coffee, most excellent people watching, wifi, and poetry nights. Definitely a welcome addition to the grid.