This show is for coffee lovers. Where’s your favorite coffeehouse, and what makes a coffee shop great? Coffee expert Jordan Michelman joins the party to share what he knows about everyone’s favorite morning beverage. Jordan is the co-author of the book, The New Rules of Coffee: A Modern Guide for Everyone and co-founder of the website Sprudge.com. Faith talks with Jordan about coffee’s history, legendary coffee shops, and coffee trends. Did you know old-school percolators and instant coffee are making a come-back? Grab a cup of coffee—your favorite mug makes a difference—and unwind while listening to this steaming hot, buzzed-up edition of The Faith Middleton Food Schmooze®.
Aired: September 5, 2019 (originally aired April 11, 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Kizzie M/Wishful Printing, Etsy
CONTRIBUTORS AND GUESTS:
• Chris Prosperi — chef/owner, Métro Bis in Simsbury, Conn.
• Alex Province — wine expert
• Robyn Doyon-Aitken — senior producer
• Jordan Michelman — co-author of The New Rules of Coffee
MUSIC:
• “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” Wham!
• “Obsession,” Animation (Dance remix)
• “Addicted to Love,” Florence and the Machine
• “Burnt Sugar,” Felicity
• “Everybody Eats When They Come to My House,” Cab Calloway
I wanted to call in but was driving during this episode. I have to say that I have been looking to open a shop for a long time and am finally in a position to do so. I took an early retirement package two weeks ago from my company after 30 years of working and am now looking to find the right location, the right atmosphere. I listened to Jordan and agree that it has to be an experience for the patron which is why I want to make this place memorable those who come in. I want it to be that place you go to after a great dinner somewhere that offers live music and desserts. I want the location to be unique, maybe a gas station that has been converted like MBar in Mystic or perhaps an old church that has been converted. I want it to be full of music, comfortable and a place people go to hang out. My challenge right now is finding that right place and finding a partner to do this with me. I know what I want, but I also believe you cannot do it all alone, especially if it is open to 11pm Thursday through Saturday. I have had an opportunity to speak with many coffee shop owners, it is a very accommodating field and they all seem to know each other well and so willing to help. I love that about the coffee community.
How wonderful and exciting. Congratulations on taking the first steps toward opening your coffee shop. We wish you the best of luck. Let us know when you find a partner, settle on a spot, and open your shop!
Check out Muddy Waters in VT it’s very unique. I wish there was a place like the one you describe that would be awesome.
The BEST homemade coffee is made in an all-stainless electric percolator (Farberware) because it’s the only coffee-maker that can be completely cleaned. Most coffee-makers have plastic which retains coffee oils, which in time become rancid, tainting the flavor of subsequent batches of coffee. This is why drip coffee only tastes good for about the first month you have the machine. Chemex makers are another good choice.
What I like and miss here in America is drinking coffee out of a bespoke cup for each type – expresso,, cappucino, cafe au lait, a mocha, all made to your taste with whipped cream, frothed milk, chocolate etc. I know if I eat out I can usually get that although I have been in Italian places that don’t have an expresso machine – can you imagine!! I wish all these coffee joints would serve in a ceramic cup that to my mind improves the coffee 300% to that served in a paper cup. I also realize that it isn’t always practical but please coffee shops bear this in mind. I will resist naming examples of places that I know which serve delightful patisserie choices and then serve coffee in those big cups. It’s sacrilegious!
You’ll get no argument here! Coffee in really good mugs enhances the experience. 100% true. Thanks for listening and writing in!