On a recent trip to Seattle, I made a surprising observation. In Seattle, people drink espresso throughout the day. It may be to overcome the grey sky, the rainy days or perhaps it has just become a way of life. Let’s be honest, it is the birthplace of Starbucks and Tully’s coffee. In fact, there is still a coffee shop on every block here, not to mention the kiosks in every parking lot serving drive thru espresso drinks.
To the contrary, in Maryland, I’ve noticed that the Filling Station coffee shop is busy in the morning and on sunny days. We don’t seem to have the same motivation to drink espresso all day long. You would think that on a grey, rainy day inMaryland, people would seek a little more caffeine. So what is the difference between east and west coast espresso drinkers? You tell me. Is my theory correct? Is it the grayness of Seattle that drives people to self medicate with espresso?
I think Marylanders are spending too much time in their cars and don’t want to get out of them on rainy days.
Going off on a slight tangent…it would be interesting to compare data of straight espresso vs. specialty drink sales in Seattle and an east coast city like Baltimore or D.C. I never see people order straight espresso around here (I’m the only one, I guess). There’s something about espresso culture where you want to stay and drink an espresso in a ceramic cup, but who sits and drinks a pumpkin spice latte out of a glass? People on the east coast get it to go. Maybe that’s not so much the case in Seattle…don’t know, never been there. But considering my addiction to espresso and aversion to rain, I’d better stay in Sparks.
keith,
well said…. there are very few straight espresso drinkers here. perhaps it is because espresso is not served properly anymore. Most coffee shops use pods to serve their espresso. There is no tradition of the fresh bean, ground and served within 1 minute. what a difference it makes.
This is a really good question to ponder. Whenver it is rainy outside I am always ready for a hot cup of Espresso. When it is cold outside, I am more looking for a hot creamy latte type coffee. And when it is hot outside I am looking for an iced coffee of sorts. It does make me wonder if we looked at different climates all over the world if they would match up the weather with the most ordered coffee drinks.
Totally cool. I’m into your vibe. Have the Seattle appreciation of coffee after a couple of trips there myself.
I also found San Diegos street kiosk carts to my liking for an early morning Espresso. Am down with the entire java bean lifestyle. Don’t forget Seattle’s Zeitgeist coffee cafes…a don’t miss.
Good read … headline catchy … good points, some of which I have learned along the way as well (humility, grace, layoff the controversial stuff). Will share with my colleagues at work as we begin blogging from a corporate perspective. Thanks!