Uncommon Grounds in Saugatuck

I was in Saugatuck, Michigan, the other day and ventured into a local coffee shop -- Uncommon Grounds.

I'm a bit of a coffee snob, so I was delighted to find their coffee selection fulfilling my requirements.

But it is perhaps their perspective on coffee that I most appreciated.  They partner with coffee farmers around the world, buying direct to ensure fair treatment and compensation, and then roast their own beans.

The coffee enhancements are from ethical sources too.  This is the first coffee shop I have visited that intentionally uses dairy products from pastured cows.

If you've ever sought out nutritional information on dairy products, you know that pastured cows produce a nutritionally superior product.   As a bonus, the cows themselves get to live the life of a cow rather than merely a commodity producer.

Uncommon Grounds also serves a variety of teas, fresh juices and smoothies.  They offer delicious pastries from their bakery that include vegetarian and gluten-free options and a daily soup.

If you're near Saugatuck, a resort town on the shore of Lake Michigan, you deserve a trip to a great coffee spot located in the heart of the small town.

Bodum French Press Delivers

I love coffee and drink several cups daily.

The amount of coffee I enjoyed grew exponentially when I was in college and the number of coffee makers I used during those four years and a few years after was astounding.  I could never find quite the right machine and they all plugged after several months of use thanks to the hard water in the city where I then lived.

I discovered the simple beauty of french press coffee on a business trip to the Northwest when a couple invited me to their home for a cup of coffee.  I purchased my own shortly thereafter and gave up on the traditional coffee-maker.

I use my 34 oz. Bodum french press once or twice daily and enjoy it because:

• It wastes nothing.  (No filters or fancy single-serve plastic cups.)
• The grounds can be easily discarded or placed into a garden or flower bed for fertilizer.
• Coffee can be prepared quickly.  Throw in course grounds of your favorite coffee, hot water, wait a couple of minutes and press.
• The flavor profile can't be beat.  The french press is the preferred brewing method of professional taste-testers.
• It can last forever and doesn't rely on any electronics or water softeners.  My Bodum is about 10 years old.

I grind our favorite beans in our burr grinder and throw them in the bottom of the press.  We have an electric tea kettle that heats water to boiling within three minutes.  Pour the water in and press after a couple of minutes steeping time.

It couldn't be easier or much faster and the taste is amazing.  This $40 investment may last you a lifetime.  There are varying sizes of presses from one-cup to 12 and even presses that are insulated for family gatherings.

I know the various one-use cup machines are all the rage now, but the expense and waste is astounding when the simplicity of a press is more more efficient, environmentally sound and perhaps delivers better taste.

Give it a try.  Most good coffee shops (I know Starbucks does) will make your coffee using a french press if you ask.  Or make the leap and buy one -- or two.

Starbucks VIA Easily the Best Instant Coffee

Starbucks Via is on the Right

We occasionally reach for an instant coffee when time is tight and we just don't feel like going through the process of french press coffee-making. (our usual method)  I also use instant in baking and cooking to help bring out the earthier tastes.

Ultra-fine Starbucks Via

We recently purchased Starbucks VIA brand Christmas Blend, a break from our traditional leading national brand.  I'm impressed.  While not quite a true Starbucks coffee taste I would get from a local Barista, it comes close.

The Large Granules of the Leading National Brand

The flavor is great, but it's the way it so smoothly blends in the hot water that is the deal clincher for me.

Leading National Brand with No Stirring

On a white plate, you can quickly pick out the dark-roast Starbucks.  But look even closer and you will see the huge difference in granule size.  The ultra-fine granule of the Starbucks brand makes stirring close to unnecessary and blends well into baked goods while the course nature of the leading national brand always leaves floating pieces on a cup of coffee.

There are thirteen flavors and varieties of VIA from which to choose ranging from light to dark roasts and a few flavor options too.

I also like supporting Starbucks because they are outwardly committed to issues of sustainability, diversity, ethical sourcing and community.

VIA does cost more, but it may be worth an occasional splurge.

Starbucks Via with no Stirring