Coffee Society:
It's safe to say that #coffee is a "household name"! This iconic, must-have morning pick-me-up, is a billion dollar industry with an extensive history. According to statista.com, in 2017, dry coffee made 9 billion in sales. That is dry coffee alone, not including fluid coffee, cold brew, and other types of coffee that is available for consumption.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/755774/dry-coffee-sales/
From coffeehouses, social gatherings, business meetings, and everything else in between; coffee is the go-to and the main event! It has defined culture by infiltrating literature, fashion, music, and the obvious: the food industry.
The coffee we enjoy today is imported from any number of countries overseas such as Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia to name a few! I was curious to know how this aphrodisiac (of sorts) became popular in society and not just in America, but across the world. For the sake of time though, I will solely focus on the U.S.
This is what I discovered:
-Blogger, Tori Avey ( ToriAvey.com), shared in a blog post for PBS.org in April 2013, that "Coffee plants reached the New World during the early 18th century, though the drink wasn’t really popular in America until the Boston Tea Party of 1773, when making the switch from tea to coffee became something of a patriotic duty. "
http://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/history-coffee/
The National Coffee Association USA (NCA) also highlights "In the mid-1600's, coffee was brought to New Amsterdam, later called New York by the British. Though coffee houses rapidly began to appear, tea continued to be the favored drink in the New World until 1773, when the colonists revolted against a heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III. The revolt, known as the Boston Tea Party, would forever change the American drinking preference to coffee."
http://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/History-of-Coffee
-According to thespruceeats.com, "When America was colonized, the coffee house was quick to follow. The role of the American coffee house was the same as those in England: the hotspots for the business community. The Tontine Coffee House (1792) in New York was the original location for the New York Stock Exchange because so much business was conducted there."
A "coffee house" differs from a "coffee shop" of recent decades. Coffee shops are really restaurants that serve a typical menu of diner food, along with basic coffee. Coffee houses hone in on a variety of coffee-based drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/evolution-of-the-coffee-house-765825
“Even bad coffee is better than no coffee at all."
-David Lynch, Filmmaker
“We want to do a lot of stuff; we’re not in great shape. We didn’t get a good night’s sleep. We’re a little depressed. Coffee solves all these problems in one delightful little cup."
-Jerry Seinfeld, Comedian
“He was my cream, and I was his coffee. And when you poured us together, it was something.”
-Josephine Baker, Cabaret Dancer
“Coffee is a language in itself.”
-Jackie Chan, Film Actor
"Coffee" by Miguel featuring Wale and "Coffee" by Ledisi are of couple my favorite joints about my guilty-pleasure!
My Coffee Story:
I believe that I became a coffee-fanatic at the age of 18 when I began living in New York City. I would go to the street vendor in the morning to grab a coffee and a donut (or bagel) before class. That is one of my favorite #aesthetics about NYC culture; stopping by a bodega, street vendor, or cafe to get your coffee fix. Having a to-go cup of coffee stuck to your hand is a never ending trend that will always stay relevant. It symbolizes the busy go-getter that can't stop and won't stop! I realized upon graduating a year and a half later, that due to my coffee consumption, I had picked up some unwanted weight. My main diet was a large coffee and chocolate#yikes! I have a horrible sweet tooth. It's under control now that I'm older and more disciplined. When you're younger, you think that you can eat whatever (whenever) without consequence.
But I digress! Anyways, I took a hiatus from coffee that lasted 6 months. I can't remember why, but like I stated before, I have such a sweet tooth and that is my favorite part about coffee; the sweet taste of added creamer that gives that extra punch of flavor. Since then, I have been on and off with coffee. Some say it's not healthy while others say it's good for you. I've read articles where health professionals say pregnant women should forgo the sweet confection while other health professionals say that women can "have their coffee and drink it to" as long as they don't over do it (two 8oz cups per day). I've tried coffee black, as this is the healthiest way to digest it, but that doesn't move me. Straight black coffee is bitter to the taste. I'd rather forgo it all together!
https://draxe.com/health-benefits-cinnamon/
These are a few of my favorite spots to stop at whenever I need a quick coffee fix:
NYC
The Bean- It is rare to find a spot to chill when you visit a Starbucks, but The Bean, is the next best stop when you're in The Big Apple! It has a down-to-earth hipster vibe that isn't too "in your face" so people of all ages can enjoy the atmosphere. There are some cafes in NY that seem to cater to a particular type of person and when you enter its atmosphere, you can instantly pick up on it. Not so for The Bean as it is inviting to all just like their baristas. They also offer coffee flavored smoothies and pastries that make your mouth drool such as their French macaroons.
https://www.thebeannyc.com/
Pittsburgh, PA
Crazy Mocha- This cafe is The Bean's twin. When you enter, you get the same laid back feeling as you would at The Bean. They have a great drink selection to choose from and their sandwiches are satisfying. The only downer is that their pastries aren't all that. They seem a little stale to me, I don't know, but I avoid them whenever I go. I would recommend their biscottis that are most enjoyable when dipped in one of their signature coffee drinks. For more about this cafe (especially if you'll be in the area soon) check out this #aestheticpost:
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/steel-city-gems-your-2018-pittsburgh-itinerary
Chicco Baccello- Just 45 minutes outside of Pittsburgh in Washington, PA (where I went to Middle/High School), there is an ever-popular cafe called "Chicco Baccello" (Italian origin), and that has become the pride of the city. It is a welcoming and cozy spot that attracts people of all ages to come for one of their signature cafe drinks paired with their unique selection of deli sandwiches; making it the perfect lunch date! Since returning home, I have been hanging out at this cafe constantly to work on #aestheticposts. Business types stop here at rush hour (11-1PM) for lunch while the local college kids at W&J College chill here to study hard and get a caffeine fix. I recommend their Iced Coffee or Iced Americano with their signature "Chicco Baccello" flavoring that reminds me of a melt-in-your-mouth Smores (but in your coffee)!
http://www.chiccobaccello.com/
My guilty pleasure favorite is Dunkin Donuts hands down! Their iced coffees satisfy my sweet tooth/caffeine fix cravings. I usually stick to a small/medium drink with no sugar and cream to try to balance pleasure and health. Those large/XL sizes are #dangerous!
I also like their rewards program for members. Every so often (I believe when you reach 100 points by making purchases) you receive a free drink as well as discounts off of promotional items!
https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en
Store Brands:
These are my go-to's for at home coffee convenience! These name brands are available at your local grocery store and prices range from $1-$10.
*NesCafe Taster's Choice, sticks (mild)
https://www.coffeeforless.com/products/nescafe-tasters-choice-coffee-sticks-84ct
*Cafe Bustelo (strong)
https://www.cafebustelo.com/en
For More On All Things Coffee:
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/cup-of-love-coffeetrends
https://ineedcoffee.com/the-coffee-house-a-history/
https://firstwefeast.com/drink/2014/05/25-coffee-quotes-from-historys-most-caffeinated-thinkers
https://www.thebaristalife.com/blogs/blog/barista-lifes-top-117-coffee-quotes
Sante
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