Coffee Addiction!

Starbucks, Second Cup, Tim Horton's, Timothy's, Folgers, Seattle's Best, Melitta...

What's your favourite coffee?

To some, coffee is coffee. To me, it's become somewhat of an addiction. Yes, there's the obvious caffeine addiction, but aside from that, I've been enjoying tasting different coffees and realizing that there is a certain coffee for certain moods I'm in, different times of day, etc...

As an example, I love a Starbucks Vanilla Latte pretty much anytime. But because they're so pricey I make them at home mostly (I have an 'entry level' espresso machine and I use the Starbucks syrup). But there's also nothing like the 3am Denny's coffee. And the 6am Tim's coffee with a breakfast sandwich. I try not to drink coffee after 2pm (although lately it's been more like 4pm or so)... I only have 2-3 cups per day, sometimes only one, but I really like savouring it and seeking out new coffees I may enjoy.

I've had every Seattle's Best flavour and they used to do the trick, but lately I've been disappointed with Seattle's Best from the food court places that it's available. Kicking Horse coffee is pretty darn good, but for some reason I only drink it in Fairmont... I should pick up some today...

Then there's your Italian, French, or darker European coffees.... I'm pretty much in the mood for those anytime too...

I like strong coffee, but I've realized lately that I don't like it TOO strong.

I've noticed though that some people just don't know good coffee, and they've been drinking it their whole lives. They'll drink anything and won't even notice if it's great or horrible. Coffee's coffee. That's not "wrong" or anything, but I guess I find it odd. I really notice bad coffee and am very appreciative when I can get good coffee at someone's house.

Most home coffee is good but I appreciate the effort some of my friends and family make to have good coffee for their guests. For a while when I first got married, we didn't even have a coffee maker at all, so it just wasn't on our menu... what a rude thing that is!

Anyway, I have to give a shout out to these people who have consistently made me good coffee since I started drinking it a few years ago...

My in-laws...

They are on the constant lookout for a better coffee. They experiment with the flavours and stuff, but they always get quality stuff. 99 times out of 100, I'm having some good coffee at their place. The other 1 time is if there is no sugar around...

My friend Kevin...

Kev makes great after dinner coffees. After great dinners too... but I've had some really good coffee at Kev's. He puts effort into them and it's obvious he's spent time perfecting them.

Eugie-Pie

Eug's Latte's are creamy, mild, and hot. Perfect for breakfast and/or with biscotti. He's proud of his coffee and he should be - more people should take more pride in their coffee.

Sheena

I've never once had a bad cup of coffee at Sheena's. The girl knows her coffee. Could more than 10 years of post-secondary cram sessions have contributed to her expertise? I think I'm going to call her Dr. Coffee from now on.

Much like there are dog and cat people, I've found there are Starbucks and Second Cup people. There are Tim Horton's or nothing at all people.

Which kind are you?

Where's your favourite café, anywhere in the world, and why?

In my quest for bigger and better coffee experiences, I want to know any "must haves" you can recommend.