I don't really know Dave. Just bits really. Mostly from what he writes on his blog or from the comments he leaves on mine. But what he writes he writes well.
I've been somewhat absent of late in reading blogs I enjoy, but took a moment this evening to catch up with Dave. What I read was a snapshot of the moment a man losses his job:
Pondering Dave: Forgetful Me
God bless you, Dave and the hundreds and thousands like you who still suffer consequences because someone somewhere thought they could control the economy.
By the way, if you get a chance, you'll also discover some great short poems on Dave's blog.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Friday, 13 August 2010
Climpson & Sons - London
On a rainy, but warm August afternoon in London I manged to find a moment to steal away from the family holiday to visit Climpson & Sons, one of the cafés listed on the London Coffee Map.
The café is to be found on Broadway Market in east London and, on entering, I instantly liked it. Ordering a flat white I take a perfect seat at the front window and observe life. With about 15 people also drinking coffee and enjoying toasted cibattas and pastries there's not much more space. Most are trendy, young Londoners. And me. Plus a couple of guys from 'Frisco who seem to be patronising a crazy homeless guy outside by seeking his advice for how best to turn a bin bag into a rain jacket.
So I sat at the window (I always will if a seat is available) and watched the world go by. And the world did go by: An orthodox Jew left the bakery across the street while two boys dressed in white robes returned home after Friday prayers. A couple of mothers laden with buggies and kids on scooters made their way to the nearby park and a vagrant stepped in to the bakery hoping for some charity. Across the road the bald and tattooed hairdresser took another drag on his cigarette and watched curiously, along with me, as a man walked down the street and stopped to put a red sticker on a door before moving off quickly. A sign perhaps for the angel of death to not passover.
Meanwhile the bin-bag-jacket homeless guy sheltered under the dripping canopy in front of me and, finishing his cup of milk which the café had earlier given him, signalled through the window that there was a little left for me should I want it. I declined and he made his way to another part of the world down the street.
The café is to be found on Broadway Market in east London and, on entering, I instantly liked it. Ordering a flat white I take a perfect seat at the front window and observe life. With about 15 people also drinking coffee and enjoying toasted cibattas and pastries there's not much more space. Most are trendy, young Londoners. And me. Plus a couple of guys from 'Frisco who seem to be patronising a crazy homeless guy outside by seeking his advice for how best to turn a bin bag into a rain jacket.
So I sat at the window (I always will if a seat is available) and watched the world go by. And the world did go by: An orthodox Jew left the bakery across the street while two boys dressed in white robes returned home after Friday prayers. A couple of mothers laden with buggies and kids on scooters made their way to the nearby park and a vagrant stepped in to the bakery hoping for some charity. Across the road the bald and tattooed hairdresser took another drag on his cigarette and watched curiously, along with me, as a man walked down the street and stopped to put a red sticker on a door before moving off quickly. A sign perhaps for the angel of death to not passover.
Meanwhile the bin-bag-jacket homeless guy sheltered under the dripping canopy in front of me and, finishing his cup of milk which the café had earlier given him, signalled through the window that there was a little left for me should I want it. I declined and he made his way to another part of the world down the street.
The coffee was long gone before I managed pull myself away to return to my own world.
Ah yes, the coffee. Fantastic.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Café Moda - Rathmines
It would be wrong to say I have a love-hate relationship with Moda. Hate is a very strong word and should be used far less than it typically is. Love is an even stronger word. You can decide for yourself whether you think it should be used more or less often. Instead, I think I’ll refer to my relationship with Moda as like-dislike. There are times when the service is appalling – I’ve been known to sit around for 15 or 20 mins waiting for someone to take my order – and the coffee has been awful – I’ve sent coffee back because it was clearly too cold, and I’ve also burnt my tongue on too may occasions. However, there are times when the staff is friendly and helpful and the coffee served has been pretty good. But my feelings for Moda actually go beyond coffee.
This coffeehouse, located on the main Rathmines Road next to the long abandoned fire station and across from the majestic looking library (but don't judge a book by its cover), was one of the first places I visited when arriving in Rathmines almost seven years ago. Right from the start I was drawn to its atmosphere – subdued lighting, original artwork, some interesting tunes, the cosmopolitan mix of guests discussing interesting topics, a sense of the spiritual, and (back then) the distant waft of cigarettes coming from the smoking room. The clincher for me was the fact that the café opened early in the morning and continued to serve coffee until way past midnight. Unfortunately it now closes around 10pm, which is better than most cafes, but no longer provides the late night alternative to the pub. In fact, I have a feeling that it’s lucky to be open that late at all. Back when Ireland suddenly realised it no longer had money it looked like Moda may have had to cut right back to solely being a daytime café. What a shame that would have been.
This was highlighted for me this evening, as I sat in a fairly quite Moda, reading The Well-Connected Community by Alison Gilchrist, and was reminded of the phrase ‘third space’ – “an accessible and accommodating place that feels like a home away from home where there are neither guests nor hosts, simply regular users who share the space and engage with one another as and when they choose.”
You see, Moda gives more than good/bad coffee, cream cheese and bacon bagels, and the simple but delicious toasted scones. It provides a much needed space in Rathmines for the community to connect – something that is badly lacking in this area and a topic for which I have a particular passion.
So, God bless Moda and long may its doors stay open. May it be a space for friends to laugh, cry, whisper, shout, argue, play, share wisdom, break up, kiss, or be silent together until late in to the night.
(With just a little more attention to the way the coffee is served, please.)
This coffeehouse, located on the main Rathmines Road next to the long abandoned fire station and across from the majestic looking library (but don't judge a book by its cover), was one of the first places I visited when arriving in Rathmines almost seven years ago. Right from the start I was drawn to its atmosphere – subdued lighting, original artwork, some interesting tunes, the cosmopolitan mix of guests discussing interesting topics, a sense of the spiritual, and (back then) the distant waft of cigarettes coming from the smoking room. The clincher for me was the fact that the café opened early in the morning and continued to serve coffee until way past midnight. Unfortunately it now closes around 10pm, which is better than most cafes, but no longer provides the late night alternative to the pub. In fact, I have a feeling that it’s lucky to be open that late at all. Back when Ireland suddenly realised it no longer had money it looked like Moda may have had to cut right back to solely being a daytime café. What a shame that would have been.
This was highlighted for me this evening, as I sat in a fairly quite Moda, reading The Well-Connected Community by Alison Gilchrist, and was reminded of the phrase ‘third space’ – “an accessible and accommodating place that feels like a home away from home where there are neither guests nor hosts, simply regular users who share the space and engage with one another as and when they choose.”
You see, Moda gives more than good/bad coffee, cream cheese and bacon bagels, and the simple but delicious toasted scones. It provides a much needed space in Rathmines for the community to connect – something that is badly lacking in this area and a topic for which I have a particular passion.
So, God bless Moda and long may its doors stay open. May it be a space for friends to laugh, cry, whisper, shout, argue, play, share wisdom, break up, kiss, or be silent together until late in to the night.
(With just a little more attention to the way the coffee is served, please.)
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Flat White - Starbucks Ireland
I've mentioned previously how I'm fond of the style of coffee served in Australia/New Zealand called the flat white. So when I heard a rumour that Starbucks in Ireland now serve a flattie I made a mental note to give it a try. I don't think I've been back to a Starbucks since I finished my coffee odyssey. (I never did write that one up...) Today though I managed to stop by. After buying a magazine - a title I've never read before - I went for a coffee.
The sign describes the drink as something like a dark and creamy coffee that is hand crafted especially for me. I also noticed that it is more expensive than a regular latte at €3.30. And smaller. But not in a mug.
I was served by a lovely young lady who, after hand crafting my drink, gave a small exclamation of delight when she saw the pattern that she had poured. Apparently she hadn't got that result before. I was pleased for here.
Taking my coffee to a comfy chair I sat down to enjoy this moment and browse through the magazine.
What a waste of money. It was absolute rubbish and I couldn't face finishing it. I'm talking about the magazine - Philosophy Now; I was intrigued by its front cover article relating to New Atheism, but it was nothing new.
Unfortunately after a couple of sips of the coffee I had exactly the same reaction to the drink. What a shame.
The sign describes the drink as something like a dark and creamy coffee that is hand crafted especially for me. I also noticed that it is more expensive than a regular latte at €3.30. And smaller. But not in a mug.
I was served by a lovely young lady who, after hand crafting my drink, gave a small exclamation of delight when she saw the pattern that she had poured. Apparently she hadn't got that result before. I was pleased for here.
Taking my coffee to a comfy chair I sat down to enjoy this moment and browse through the magazine.
What a waste of money. It was absolute rubbish and I couldn't face finishing it. I'm talking about the magazine - Philosophy Now; I was intrigued by its front cover article relating to New Atheism, but it was nothing new.
Unfortunately after a couple of sips of the coffee I had exactly the same reaction to the drink. What a shame.
Monday, 22 March 2010
Coffee keeps me up at night
I've never had a problem with coffee keeping me awake at night. I guess I'm not one of those people who, like my wife, blame the cup of coffee they had at 2pm on the fact that they are so restless going to bed. No doubt that over the years I've probably built up some level of caffeine tolerance.
However, I have found that over the last few months coffee has been causing me to go to bed far too late - virtual coffee that is. I've really enjoyed discovering some great websites that are highlights in the world of coffee. One such site is the English coffee roaster Has Bean.
I've been receiving a few bags of coffee from Has Bean recently which are always a pleasure to get and an education to drink. (They'll ship to anywhere in the world). But one of the best features of the site is owner Steve Leighton's vlog, In My Mug. In it he describes a different coffee each week which is available to buy. The enthusiasm that Steve puts into his coffee is immense and very entertaining. So here's a taster of one of his vlogs as he describes a speciality coffee from Kenya....which I have just ordered.
By sheer coincidence I'm sure, you may have noticed the competition at the end of this video...I'll let you know if I win!
If you've never ordered freshly roasted coffee before then why not give Has Bean a try. It will take your coffee experience to a new level and may even sway the competition result ;-)
By the way, if you are "one of those people" Has Bean also roasts decaf. I just don't like to talk about that sort of thing very much.
However, I have found that over the last few months coffee has been causing me to go to bed far too late - virtual coffee that is. I've really enjoyed discovering some great websites that are highlights in the world of coffee. One such site is the English coffee roaster Has Bean.
I've been receiving a few bags of coffee from Has Bean recently which are always a pleasure to get and an education to drink. (They'll ship to anywhere in the world). But one of the best features of the site is owner Steve Leighton's vlog, In My Mug. In it he describes a different coffee each week which is available to buy. The enthusiasm that Steve puts into his coffee is immense and very entertaining. So here's a taster of one of his vlogs as he describes a speciality coffee from Kenya....which I have just ordered.
By sheer coincidence I'm sure, you may have noticed the competition at the end of this video...I'll let you know if I win!
If you've never ordered freshly roasted coffee before then why not give Has Bean a try. It will take your coffee experience to a new level and may even sway the competition result ;-)
By the way, if you are "one of those people" Has Bean also roasts decaf. I just don't like to talk about that sort of thing very much.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Like Coffee for Ale
Ah, St Patrick's Day. That one day in the year when you can put aside any commemoration of how one man of God challenged and changed the history of an island and, instead, put on a green, sparkly cowboy hat and get drunk. (I'm such a cynic.)
I've lived an alcohol free life now for over 15 years. I consider it my personal holy vow that I made with God. And here I am now, living in the home of the "black stuff" - Guinness, but growing in my appreciation for the other black stuff - coffee. However, if I was to take a drink it would most probably be ale with it's variations in tastes and styles to take you on a never ending journey of discovery. So I smiled when I came across this ancient poem that combines one man's religion with his love of ale.
I should like to have a great ale-feast for the King of Kings; I should like the Heavenly Host to be drinking it for all eternity.
I should like to have the fruits of Faith, of pure devotion; I should like to have the seats of Repentance in my house.
I should like to have the men of Heaven in my own dwelling; I should like the tubs of Long-Suffering to be at their service.
I should like to have the vessels of Charity to dispense; I should like to have the pitchers of Mercy for their company.
I should like there to be Hospitality for their sake; I should like Jesus to be here always.
I should like to have the Three Marys of glorious renown; I should like to have the Heavenly Host from every side.
I should like to be rent-payer to the Lord; he to whom He gives a good blessing has done well in suffering distress.
Go mbeannaí Dia duit.
I've lived an alcohol free life now for over 15 years. I consider it my personal holy vow that I made with God. And here I am now, living in the home of the "black stuff" - Guinness, but growing in my appreciation for the other black stuff - coffee. However, if I was to take a drink it would most probably be ale with it's variations in tastes and styles to take you on a never ending journey of discovery. So I smiled when I came across this ancient poem that combines one man's religion with his love of ale.
I Should Like to Have a Great Ale-Feast
I should like to have a great ale-feast for the King of Kings; I should like the Heavenly Host to be drinking it for all eternity.
I should like to have the fruits of Faith, of pure devotion; I should like to have the seats of Repentance in my house.
I should like to have the men of Heaven in my own dwelling; I should like the tubs of Long-Suffering to be at their service.
I should like to have the vessels of Charity to dispense; I should like to have the pitchers of Mercy for their company.
I should like there to be Hospitality for their sake; I should like Jesus to be here always.
I should like to have the Three Marys of glorious renown; I should like to have the Heavenly Host from every side.
I should like to be rent-payer to the Lord; he to whom He gives a good blessing has done well in suffering distress.
Irish; author unknown; tenth-eleventh century.
Go mbeannaí Dia duit.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Coffee with my Namesake
My wife was out the other evening so, instead of wasting the evening away in front of one of a number of screens that vie for my attention, I pulled out a book from the ‘Classics’ section of the bookshelf and spent some time reading. The book I chose was Meditations by Marcus Aurelius – the second century Roman emperor/philosopher. I lit a fire and made myself a coffee – an espresso con panna: the strength of an espresso with the decadence of the cream seemed somehow appropriate.
It made for a most agreeable evening. Here are a couple of quotes.
On family attributes:
From my grandfather Versus: decency and a mild temper.
From what they say and I remember of my natural father: integrity and manliness.
From my mother: piety, generosity, the avoidance of wrong-doing and even the thought of it; also simplicity of living, well clear of the habits of the rich. [Book 1:1-3]
On living in the moment:
Even if you were destined to live three thousand years, or ten times that long, nevertheless remember that no one loses any life other than the one he lives, or lives any life other than the one he loses. I follows that the longest and the shortest lives are brought to the same state. The present moment is equal for all; so what is passing is equal also; the loss therefore turns out to be the merest fragment of time. No one can lose either the past or the future – how could anyone be deprived of what he does not possess? [Book 2:14]
On beauty:
We should also attend to things like these, observing that even the incidental effects of the processes of Nature have their own charm and attraction. Take the baking of bread. The loaf splits open here and there, and those very cracks, in one way a failure of the baker’s profession, somehow catch the eye and give particular stimulus to our appetite. Figs likewise burst open at full maturity: and in olives ripened on the tree the very proximity of decay lends a special beauty to the fruit…Looked at in isolation these things are far from lovely, but their consequence on the processes of Nature enhances them and gives them attraction. So any man with a feeling and deeper insight for the workings of the Whole will find some pleasure in almost every aspect of their disposition, including the incidental consequences. Such a man will take no less delight in the living snarl of wild animals that in all the imitative representations of painters and sculptors; he will see a kind of bloom and fresh beauty in an old woman or old man. Not all can share this convictions – only one who has developed a genuine affinity for Nature and her works. For him there will be many such perceptions. [Book 3:2]
It made for a most agreeable evening. Here are a couple of quotes.
On family attributes:
From my grandfather Versus: decency and a mild temper.
From what they say and I remember of my natural father: integrity and manliness.
From my mother: piety, generosity, the avoidance of wrong-doing and even the thought of it; also simplicity of living, well clear of the habits of the rich. [Book 1:1-3]
On living in the moment:
Even if you were destined to live three thousand years, or ten times that long, nevertheless remember that no one loses any life other than the one he lives, or lives any life other than the one he loses. I follows that the longest and the shortest lives are brought to the same state. The present moment is equal for all; so what is passing is equal also; the loss therefore turns out to be the merest fragment of time. No one can lose either the past or the future – how could anyone be deprived of what he does not possess? [Book 2:14]
On beauty:
We should also attend to things like these, observing that even the incidental effects of the processes of Nature have their own charm and attraction. Take the baking of bread. The loaf splits open here and there, and those very cracks, in one way a failure of the baker’s profession, somehow catch the eye and give particular stimulus to our appetite. Figs likewise burst open at full maturity: and in olives ripened on the tree the very proximity of decay lends a special beauty to the fruit…Looked at in isolation these things are far from lovely, but their consequence on the processes of Nature enhances them and gives them attraction. So any man with a feeling and deeper insight for the workings of the Whole will find some pleasure in almost every aspect of their disposition, including the incidental consequences. Such a man will take no less delight in the living snarl of wild animals that in all the imitative representations of painters and sculptors; he will see a kind of bloom and fresh beauty in an old woman or old man. Not all can share this convictions – only one who has developed a genuine affinity for Nature and her works. For him there will be many such perceptions. [Book 3:2]
Monday, 1 February 2010
Intelligentsia Coffee - Espresso Video
Intelligentsia Coffee holds a special place in my heart, so I was excited to learn that they are producing some short videos about various aspects of coffee. I had to post this one. It's a very, very nice piece of work. Enjoy!
Espresso, Intelligentsia from Department of the 4th Dimension on Vimeo.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
476 coffees in 353 days
I'm not sure why I find this so fascinating, but I do...
Take a couple of seconds to check out this website of one man's photographic spreadsheet of coffee consumption in 2009.
(Hint: Click on the small 'i' button at the top for more info.)
Take a couple of seconds to check out this website of one man's photographic spreadsheet of coffee consumption in 2009.
(Hint: Click on the small 'i' button at the top for more info.)
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Good quote
I've just come back from a great coffee in one cafe and a mediocre coffee in another. But that's by-the-by. Here's a quote from something I was reading while I was out. It's to do with community development, networking, etc, etc:
"How do you hold a hundred tons of water in the air with no visible means of support? You build a cloud."
(K.C. Cole)
Nice metaphor.
"How do you hold a hundred tons of water in the air with no visible means of support? You build a cloud."
(K.C. Cole)
Nice metaphor.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Birthday Treat
I finished off work early today - well, it is my birthday - and my wife told me I had to go out for the afternoon while as she and the kids were going to make a "surprise" cake. I happily obliged and headed off to the Bald Barista.
I was hoping to catch up with Buzz and have a coffee with him. We were planning on brewing up some espresso beans he had just received which he described, in what I presume are professional terms, as *%&*!* amazing! Unfortunately he wasn't around so, following a quick double espresso, I headed off to my other favourite coffee location to see Colin at 3fe.
What I've been really liking about 3fe is that if a customer simply wants a cappuccino to go, that's fine. If another wants to stick around longer and talk coffee there's time for that too. Also, despite the name of the cafe (third floor espresso) they serve filter coffee as well. Only, this isn't filter coffee that is already sitting in a flask waiting for you to order it, this is filter coffee that is ground and brewed by the single cup. There are always a couple of coffees to choose from and they are never run-of-the-mill standard beans. Today I had the time (and excuse) to stay a while and have a few cups.
I had a Brazil coffee that had hints of hazelnut and chocolate and an incredible Ethiopian coffee with clearly palatable fruity notes of orange, red grape, and a very floral scent. I know this all sounds a bit poncey to anyone who thinks that coffee just tastes like coffee, but it really is amazing that you can discover these flavours in the cup. I've been enjoying it anyway.
But what was most fascinating was a coffee-type drink called Kilimanjaro Cascara. This is basically an infusion of dried coffee cherries, brewed much like you would a fruit tea. The coffee cherry is the usually discarded fruit that is wrapped around the seed which we have come to know and love as the coffee bean. Anyway, once brewed it makes for a deliciously syrupy-sweet, fruity drink...that also tastes like a mild coffee! It could also be served cold like an iced tea, but I'm not so sure about that. I don't like iced tea, though I'm told I haven't really had it served to me the proper way.
My coffee excursion ended with a double shot of Colin's seasonal espresso and I was off home (slightly shaking) to see what the family had been up to. I arrived to discover a cake from a single estate origin run by a young family in Dublin. On the nose there was a warm, pleasing aroma and I was looking forward to tasting this unique blend of flour, sugar and eggs. It had a soft mouthfeel with a sweet, decadent chocolate taste which was dominant on the plate. I definitely detected high notes of syrup and icing with a hint of sugar strands. I also discovered custardy tones running throughout. Superlative!
I was hoping to catch up with Buzz and have a coffee with him. We were planning on brewing up some espresso beans he had just received which he described, in what I presume are professional terms, as *%&*!* amazing! Unfortunately he wasn't around so, following a quick double espresso, I headed off to my other favourite coffee location to see Colin at 3fe.
What I've been really liking about 3fe is that if a customer simply wants a cappuccino to go, that's fine. If another wants to stick around longer and talk coffee there's time for that too. Also, despite the name of the cafe (third floor espresso) they serve filter coffee as well. Only, this isn't filter coffee that is already sitting in a flask waiting for you to order it, this is filter coffee that is ground and brewed by the single cup. There are always a couple of coffees to choose from and they are never run-of-the-mill standard beans. Today I had the time (and excuse) to stay a while and have a few cups.
I had a Brazil coffee that had hints of hazelnut and chocolate and an incredible Ethiopian coffee with clearly palatable fruity notes of orange, red grape, and a very floral scent. I know this all sounds a bit poncey to anyone who thinks that coffee just tastes like coffee, but it really is amazing that you can discover these flavours in the cup. I've been enjoying it anyway.
But what was most fascinating was a coffee-type drink called Kilimanjaro Cascara. This is basically an infusion of dried coffee cherries, brewed much like you would a fruit tea. The coffee cherry is the usually discarded fruit that is wrapped around the seed which we have come to know and love as the coffee bean. Anyway, once brewed it makes for a deliciously syrupy-sweet, fruity drink...that also tastes like a mild coffee! It could also be served cold like an iced tea, but I'm not so sure about that. I don't like iced tea, though I'm told I haven't really had it served to me the proper way.
My coffee excursion ended with a double shot of Colin's seasonal espresso and I was off home (slightly shaking) to see what the family had been up to. I arrived to discover a cake from a single estate origin run by a young family in Dublin. On the nose there was a warm, pleasing aroma and I was looking forward to tasting this unique blend of flour, sugar and eggs. It had a soft mouthfeel with a sweet, decadent chocolate taste which was dominant on the plate. I definitely detected high notes of syrup and icing with a hint of sugar strands. I also discovered custardy tones running throughout. Superlative!
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Coffee Morning
Ireland is currently in the grip of Old Man Winter - an unprecedented cold snap and blanketing of snow (all relative of course). By Friday afternoon the government decided to close all schools until next Wednesday. All Schools! The whole country!!! Most kids haven't even returned to school following the Christmas break. This is one that will be talked about for years.
Anyway, when it's cold outside the idea of getting out of bed is tough going, made worse by three young children who never seem to know how to play nicely together at 7:30am. However, salvation came in two forms: Saturday morning TV for the kids and a cafetiere of delicious Bolivian coffee and a couple of brioche to take back upstairs for myself and the wife.
What a treat. Sitting in bed watching the big fluffy flakes fall outside while enjoying a fantastic coffee and reading a book. A book I got for Christmas (and when I say I got I mean I got it - and gave it to my wife to wrap up) about coffee. 250 pages of nothing but coffee. Brilliant.
I had just worked my way through the growing regions of Central and South America and was moving on to India when the limits of Saturday morning TV kicked in. I'd like to say it was the responsible parent in me that got me out of bed....but it was the thought of another cup.
Anyway, when it's cold outside the idea of getting out of bed is tough going, made worse by three young children who never seem to know how to play nicely together at 7:30am. However, salvation came in two forms: Saturday morning TV for the kids and a cafetiere of delicious Bolivian coffee and a couple of brioche to take back upstairs for myself and the wife.
What a treat. Sitting in bed watching the big fluffy flakes fall outside while enjoying a fantastic coffee and reading a book. A book I got for Christmas (and when I say I got I mean I got it - and gave it to my wife to wrap up) about coffee. 250 pages of nothing but coffee. Brilliant.
I had just worked my way through the growing regions of Central and South America and was moving on to India when the limits of Saturday morning TV kicked in. I'd like to say it was the responsible parent in me that got me out of bed....but it was the thought of another cup.
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