Morning Coffee Rituals: Savoring the First Cup and Finding Connection

If you happen to be a coffee lover, the first cup of morning is probably sacred. It must have just the right finish- long, slightly smoky, and hopeful- a finish that pleasantly lingers like a fine wine. For me, the ideal setting for those first few tastings is outdoors, maybe for you as well.

My colleagues seem to be in sync with a brief morning coffee update. We have fallen into a 5-minute pattern of “caffeine review” before embarking on the day’s routine, casually noting the location of that morning’s “fuel” stop, along with whether the barista added just the right amount of milk, ideally two percent. I almost feel guilty when I give a smooth report.  But then again, that’s probably an over-read. After all, my co-workers undoubtedly have their own coffee sagas, not to mention probably needing to focus on getting busy with the day.

While temporarily commuting by train, I decided it would be trendy to “coffee” my way across town from the station to my office.  As for our morning coffee klatch, there might be new material to emerge.  And why not? I might learn something new about coffee, meet some interesting people, and help to support the local economy. A win, win for all.

Others before me have undoubtedly thought about walking with coffee, perhaps even scientifically sampling a hot beverage or two at the various coffee locales.  I can truthfully report not having been that methodical.

So, allow me to share a few impressions: You cannot get a bad cup of hot, drip coffee in the City of Hoboken. It’s all great, varying from Brazilian brew, full-bodied with a nutty flavor, to Guatemalan house blend. Perhaps I best enjoy Columbia Paralelo, a single blend coffee prepared using a pour over method. This amazing array of of orange, marmalade, and toasted almond notes is best sipped while gazing at the Manhattan skyline.

The coffee vendors are invariably friendly, and the venue interiors, as you might expect, are convivial. One vendor observed that “coffee is popular in this town because there are lots of moms and dads plus finance and tech people. They need to stay up.” I might also extend that to most professionals, most people actually.

At another frequented coffee bar, I barely have to utter “good morrow”, only to find my coffee, perfectly made, graciously handed over from across the counter. Now that is service.

In closing, fellow morning coffee connoisseurs, my wish for you is to “profiter de votre cafe.”   Merci and Salut!