A Perfect Cup of Coffee

Friday 31 July 2009

This is the last day of July. I’m posting under the wire, again. Oops, looks like blogger thinks it's Saturday.

Okay, something has been on my mind all month and I’d like to share with you. My son and I were at Abu Dhabi Mall, http://www.abudhabi-mall.com/, early in June. We were not hopping, rather, we were not shopping, we were just wandering around, checking out the stores. Abu Dhabi mall has three levels of shopping, so it was no surprise that we were a little tired, and a little hungry, when we came across a Cinnabon store on the top level. We agreed we each needed a cinnamon roll break.

But what good is a cinnamon roll without something to drink?

Fortunately, next to the Cinnabon is a Seattle's Best Coffee shop. While I'm originally from Seattle, I have never been a big fan of their coffee. And I never imagined I'd find myself purchasing a cup of Seattle Joe in Abu Dhabi. I ordered a milk for my son and a coffee for myself. My son took no time devouring his cinnamon roll, while I waited for my coffee.

Coffee...I've enjoyed coffee for around 30 years. I take my coffee black and occasionally with a little cream. I believe if you are going to drink coffee, then drink it simple to appreciate the flavor of the bean. And yet, how memorable is 30 years of drinking coffee?

Some Memorable Coffee Moments

I recall the first time I had coffee from a French press - the company and the beverage were confusing and bitter that morning. I also recall my first cup of Greek coffee - made by a friend on the stove top, also strong, and sweet with a lot of grounds at the bottom (it was good).

But back to that perfect drink.

My coffee was served in a ceramic cup - sniff and sip - perfect.

What is a perfect cup of coffee? A perfect cup of Joe, is dark, and strong, yet is not bitter, it is hot, but not burnt, there are no grounds in it, it does not taste of a paper filter, it is smooth, with a rich flavor that is immediately recognizable, but its perfection is elusive and seldom captured - the experience is positive, soothing and stimulating, akin to achieving a meditative state.

Yes, I truly enjoyed that cup of coffee, for me, it was a perfect cup of coffee - sniff and sip. A perfect cup of coffee - delicious. I was surprised, delighted and impressed. So there you go, I'll not forget a perfect cup of coffee, a cup of Seattle's Best Coffee, in Abu Dhabi, at the Abu Dhabi Mall, in the month of June, 2009. It may be that I never experience a perfect cup of coffee again, but I did, once. I feel better now that I have shared with you.

Yes, I'll go back, without expectations, without misgivings and I'll withhold criticism - but with a dollop of hope.

Get your Seattle Best Coffee fix.