Two coffee-loving baristas, who also happen to be roommates, set out on a four day road trip from Minneapolis to Los Angeles with one goal in mind -- to visit and critique a different coffee shop at each stop on the route.
The first destination, Sioux Falls, S.D., brought us to the home of Coffea Roasterie. But with its location in the middle of South Dakota, our first thought was: how extraordinary can a coffee shop in the middle of South Dakota be?
It turns out: it can be pretty impressive.
Coffea Roasterie, in particular, should be commended for its bean roasting process. Not only do customers experience a freshly brewed drink each time, but they also support a local business, instead of giving their money to coffee giants such as Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or Peet’s Coffee.
Combined with modern and cozy elements, comfortable leather chairs, and fireplaces throughout, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Along with customers who engaged in casual reading and work, the shop filled with friends who conversed while enjoying their lattes.
People who frequent independent coffee shops are notably different than those who visit Starbucks daily for the ever-so-cliche Caramel Frappuccino. They seek lattes full of character and specialized elements.
The smiling and friendly baristas suggested a Masala latte, made with Chai tea and espresso, and a Soyia Miel, consisting of lavender tea and honey.
The drinks were magical.
Sweet espresso, correctly steamed milk, and added personal touches created cups of enjoyment.
A latte from Starbucks pales in comparison to the lavender cup of warmth from the baristas at Coffea. The depth and precision of each beverage impressed us.
Comprised of classic latte art designs, the two beverages ranked as some of the best lattes we ever tasted. Needless to say, Coffea Roasterie began a great start to the coffee journey across the country.
We love daily cups of coffee, not unlike millions of other young adults in the U.S. Curiosity led us to discover how many other people our age are also addicted to the beverage.
According to the 2013 National Coffee Drinking Study, conducted by the National Coffee Association:
Most adult coffee drinkers said their lifelong habit began during their teenage years. In fact, 54 percent said they began drinking coffee between 13 and 19. Another 22 percent reported their coffee cravings started between the ages of 20 and 24. This means that 76 percent of adult coffee drinkers began drinking coffee by the time they were 24.
The study also stated how between 2010 and 2013, the number of 18-year-olds to 24-year-olds who drink coffee each day rose from 30 percent to 41 percent. Clearly, the love of coffee spreads like the plague among young adults.
The detail that sets our love of coffee apart from the majority: we plan to open an independent coffee shop. It will be called A&A Cafe and will source coffee from small farms in Guatemala, a place where we both visited and fell in love with.
The future is planned. The present, however, will consist of continuous coffee shop visits and the tasting of hundreds of different types of blends. We visited seven shops on the road trip, but continue the coffee tour while in California. Each post will detail another coffee shop visit, as well as current coffee news and facts.
-Allison
-Allison
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