Greetings!

Hello,

    and welcome to the start of an eccentric endeavor into the shrewd world of coffee. We are two striving connoisseurs, and this blog is not only an accolade to the beverage so many of us cherish daily, but is also a way of further expanding our own knowledge, as well an effort of augmenting the apprehension of others. Jose and I figured we'd start it off right with a tour of San Francisco to hit up some of the most premium cafe's around. 

The only real endorsement that Blue Bottle was even there.

First stop: Blue Bottle 

Cappuccino from Blue Bottle

After enduring the ambitious 20 minute line wait - we finally arrived to the front register. Despite the time, the Barista was kind enough to have our drinks already prepared for us at the front checkout. We ordered a macchiato and a cappuccino to keep things simple. We both achieved a prompt characteristic of both earthy, and mellow tones that was considerably feeble. Without doubt the drinks were pleasant and delicious, but did not quite stand out like our expectations prospected. It was ideally sweet, sitting at around 120 degrees(we inferred anyway), and it also majestically vanished rather quickly. The energy of the room was loud with casual conversing, which contrived a difficulty to relax and enjoy. The customer service was certainly worthy, although it lacked the intimacy that many of us enjoy about going to a coffee shop.   

Second stop: Sight Glass

Outside the massive window to Sight Glass

The initial arrival to Sight Glass was profusely inviting in respect to the congested experience at Blue Bottle. The majority of the seats were filled with student Mac zombie's enjoying a solid cup of Joe. At discrete attention to a tiny sign by the door, led intriguing adventure up the stairs to a separate, smaller station where they specifically served AeroPress beverages. This was both convenient and just really cool. They served three single origin roasts: 

Songea Peaberry, Tanzania (Blackberries, Plum, Lime Zest)

Finca Alcatraz, Wilfredo Ule, Columia (Cherry-limeade, Cola, Cara Cara Orange, Grape)

Finca California, Juan Palomo, El Salvador (Caramel Apple, Gingersnap Cookie, Butterscotch)

And of course we had to try them all, even at 4 bucks a pop. I personally found their descriptions fairly accurate, although a little excessive. The Barista was very kind and creditable as we asked her questions, and was a plus that we had a chance to chat. The coffee was well extracted, and was quite different than what we had been concocting at home. Sight Glass is definitely a well rounded café with a notably comfortable vibe. If you're in the area, make this a definite stop and perhaps even wander upstairs if you're in the mood for some AreoPress.

Next: Four Barrel



Outside Four Barrel (apologies for the unclear picture)

As we proceeded through the threshold to yet another outstanding café, we found ourselves in a warm and cozy environment with the sweet, rich aroma's of roasting coffee. They as well had set up a separate brewing section which seemed to dismiss the line, and we were starting to really enjoy this. At first strike the lady up front did not promote any compelling love for the drink, but our contiguous conversing finally got her to talk a little more about coffee - she also managed to serve up a tasty cup. The Columbian I received was quite sweet with some honey and caramel accents, although as it cooled a slight bitterness approached later. I personally don't mind a little bitter zest, sometimes it can be very assisting to the flavor. We as well purchased some baked goods which were a reason enough to go check out Four Barrel.  

Last but certainly not least: Ritual Coffee

Shot from the back towards the front entrance. 

Hot chocolate art!

By this time into the trip, we were all exceptionally feeling divergent from the plethora of coffee's consumed. Although still completely devoted we ventured off to Rituals Coffee. Rituals first impression was entirely relaxed and easygoing. The Barista welcomed us grandly, and turned out to even have competed at the US Barista Championships. Intrigued, I ordered a cappuccino, Jose thought he ordered espresso but received a pour over, and our pal Nathaniel got a hot chocolate (The picture to the right). My cappuccino was very sweet, a lovely tulip, solid foam, and nudged into some higher notes which was very delightful. This one certainly did just over Blue Bottles cappuccino. Later on as we sat on a squishy couch the Barista asked if we wanted to try a new Costa Rica that they don't sell upfront. Entirely excited, we accepted to give it a go. He AreoPressed 16.5grams coffee to 200ml water for one vivacious brew. I may have even enjoyed this more than the AreoPress we possessed from Sight Glass. Rituals seemed like a fantastic place to get some work done, as well as make some killer drinks.