Olive Garden and Coffee

So good! I almost forgot to take a picture of it before drinking! 

 Back in May, I had the opportunity to stop in to Olive Garden twice at Valley View. I have been to Olive Garden before but it had been awhile since I had taken a really good look at their menu. I had completely forgotten that they served specialty coffee! Right down near the drink listing is a small listing of their offerings. I know, they would like to sell more of the liquors and wines from their full bar, but why not highlight these delicacies as well?
  On the two separate occasions I had a hot mocha. It was perfect every time. No liquor flavorings that Sheetz likes to use or some of the other coffee shops that I have been to that no longer exist. This was the real deal. Pure. Simple. Mocha. With whip cream. And a mini biscotti.
  So the next time you happen to be at Olive Garden, surprise your waiter and order an espresso or a mocha!

CUPS A Go Go!

  My favorite coffee hangout has expanded! Now this is month old news to the locals, but I finally had time to stop by there recently. Previous to Michelle Bennett obtaining the space, several coffee shops had opened and closed in the same location. Michelle knew that in order for the expansion to be successful she would have to do something different. She added a drive-thru! Now coffee lovers can get their favorite CUPS to go! Another issue, location. Having the extension mere minutes down the road is a boon to both storefronts. Then she added a third leg to this success wheel, she hired the person who runs Kneadful Things as a manager to make delicious goodies for everyone! And they cater!

  The general structure of the building has not changed much since the last time I was in there before CUPS expanded. One thing that they learned from their Grandin location, add lots of outlets for computer users! They also added their own "Leave Your Cup" shelving unit and some of the bobbleheads found a new home. Now I wish I could talk her into a Salem location! 

Strawberry Shortcake Flavored Coffee!

    I went to Kroger the other morning because I was out of coffee. It was painful to be without coffee. ;-)
Gazing the shelves of coffee section, my nose picks up a scent. I could smell strawberries. In the coffee aisle? That is when I saw this...

Wow! Strawberry Shortcake flavored coffee! Are you kidding me! I had to try it! And, I am not disappointed! The aroma that fills the house is scintillating. It is like coffee candy for the tongue. Why can't Kroger Private Selections do this in Banana Nut flavor? 

Star City Coffeehouse

 
   I don't know why it never occurred to me to write a mini-blog about this great anytime restaurant! I have been meeting a friend of mine there for breakfast once a month. They have excellent service, good clean food, and delectable treats that are made onsite! Their coffee blends are on the same line of taste as Starbucks and it is Fair Trade, organic, and locally roasted. You will spend a little more here than at Starbucks, but it is a full breakfast and free coffee refills during your time there. I would not label this place as a place to do your homework or make it your second office. However, it is one of the best places to bring out-of-town friends and family. However, I would not try to visit on Mondays. Everyone needs a day off! So the next time you are driving down Brambleton Avenue in the morning, stop by and bring your appetite!

Listening to Music and Drinking Coffee

  I like to try to recreate a coffee house aura in my own kitchen. Right now, it's French Provincial with a white and blue as the main colors with warm woods and punches of reds. Part of that aura is music you can groove or listen to. This video is one of my favorite short instrumentals and very jazzy. It's Phil Collins with his tune "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning." Depending on the mood that strikes me, I may begin with jazz or classical and end with some rock and roll before I get my day started. The song above is a great representation of how coffee makes me feel as the caffeine begins course through my veins. Since caffeine and coffeehouses are being linked to creativity, here's a few more pieces I can't seem to live without lately during my coffee sessions.

Coffee Cozies!

   I have noticed something recently, there are a lot of coffee cozies out there! Why not? Your favorite joe from your local coffeehouse may still be hot to the touch when you carry it! The patterns are pretty simple to put together, even for novice sewers. And if you can knit or crochet, why not make a statement with your very own design? Here is a pattern and a few inspiring photos!

Green Tea: Perfect Cup for Fighting a Head Cold

     I love green tea. I don't need sugar or cream in this tea when I drink it. Green tea is no longer stuck in the cabinets of Asian Food stores and restaurants, but available on your grocer's shelf. Green tea is known to be high in antioxidants. What is an antioxidant? It is a compound that binds with free radicals (usually oxygen) in our bodies and removes them, allowing the cells in the body to heal damage faster. I drink green tea regularly, but drink a lot more of it when I have a head cold. Why? The steam from a hot tea soothes my throat and helps break up the crud lodged in the nasal cavity so you can breathe easier. The added benefit is the antioxidant from the damage the virus causes. Here is a short video about green tea!