Thursday 31 July 2008

The Joy of Coffee

This evening, as soon as the kids were in bed, I dashed out to get to a toy store in the city centre before it closed. I needed to pick up a present for our daughter's birthday. It's not until next week, but I have this awful habit of seeing something great and waiting to get it/book it/see it and then wind up missing it all together. So many times! Anyway, I got there just before they closed and managed to buy the item I wanted - last on the shelf.

While I was in the area I thought I'd head around corner to go and see The Dark Knight. Unfortunately all the viewings for the rest of the evening were sold out. (Nicoley has a review).

Fortunately I had a back-up plan prepared: a book under my arm and the knowledge that it was just a couple of minutes walk, over the River Liffey, and into Temple Bar. I love the Temple Bar area and don't get down there nearly enough. It has a great buzz about the place especially in the evening. I knew I would find somewhere good for coffee and I wasn't disappointed.

I stoped in to The Joy of Coffee. Immediately I liked it. It is a small coffeehouse with a distinct continental feel to it - solid wooden tables, a simple vase of flowers and chairs that creak. Ireland has had a smoking ban in public places for a few years now which I am very pleased about, but I must admit that the occasional whiff of smoke blowing in through the open door from passers by did add a little something extra. I wish we all could have got together and sat around one of the big tables.

I headed for the rear of the cafe, a darkened area with a bar and stools across the back wall and only a small lamp to give any light. It gave me a view of behind the counter where I could watch the staff pull the shots and serve slices of cheesecake drizzled with caramel. I sat next to the lamp in order to read my book, Surprised by Hope (which Tea4Two says she is going to review ;-)

In choosing my drink I opted for something different that usual: a cortado. I'd not heard of it before so I thought I'd give it a try. It's a shot of espresso with a dash of steamed milk and a touch of foam - basically a mini latte. I really liked it and could picture myself having one each morning. It's espresso with a bit of the edge taken off. Nice.

I left the cafe thinking it would ages before I would come back again then it dawned on me that it would take less than 10 minutes to cycle there and I wouldn't have to worry about finding somewhere to park in the city. Plus they are open late!

This is just as well because I think the seats by the large window at the front looking out on to the cobbled streets of Temple Bar seem very appealing.

7 comments:

Miz Melly said...

Ahhh Cosmo!!! You've discovered my most favourite cafe in the entire universe! And I am fairly picky when in comes to cafes. I used to hang out there when I was a student ten years ago and before the smoking ban was introduced and before I copped on to the fact that smoking was not big or clever. I have very fond memories of sampling cappucinos for the first time there and inelegantly smoking silk cut blues. You have not lived however if you haven't tried their Parisien hot chocolate - divine!!! THey have a Joy of Chai sister store down the road for those who prefer leaves to beans!
And you're reading a book that I LOVED. Really, we will have to meet sometime over coffee to discuss it. And I'd love to hear how your new addition to the family is getting on. All the best, Miz Melly

Cosmo said...

Miz Melly, Yes it's a great place for coffee (or tea or hot chocolate). It is one of the few places that seem to embody what Temple Bar could have been.

I'd enjoy the chance to meet up and chat about the book. That includes anyone else in Dublin who has read the book too. Or just anyone who wants to get together for coffee! (OK, I'm sounding desperate now). I think there is obviously only one place to meet. Feel free to get in touch sometime. (email on profile).

Thanks for asking about my family. We're all doing very well.

By the way, I watched your short film about Marion, but as I don't speak Irish I couldn't tell what your role was in the production! Nice one, though.

Miz Melly said...

Re: Marion - I wrote and directed it. :)

Cosmo said...

Cool. Then we must meet up. Before I focused my life on ministry I went to college for film & TV!

jsi said...

I have Surprised By Hope in my hands right now. Exceptional words from N.T. Wright. Right on target for the orthodox Christian beliefs. Right on target about the Biblical Judeo-Christian fundemental beliefs about death and the resurrection of the body.

I'm re-reading it again because I found it so good.

Enjoy August walking hand in hand with God.

RHK said...

Hello Cosmo

A blogger with a deep preoccupation with coffee houses and cafes?

Hurrah!

Mr Gnome approves

He will be checking out your site with great interest.

Cosmo said...

I can honestly say that I've never had a cup of coffee with a gnome. You are very welcome!