Food & Spirits Magazine #16 | Page 29

takes slightly longer than other methods (about six to seven minutes for ten cups). Chemex devotees claim that this device produces a superior cup of coffee due to its unique filters, which remove excess oil and produce an incredibly smooth coffee that is not bitter. Single Cup Cone/Pour-Over The single cup cone brewing method is somewhat similar to Chemex, but uses different filters and delivers a custom, single-cup serving. This method is ideal for the coffee drinker who is brewing just for him or herself. A cone-shaped filter is inserted into the single cup cone device and placed over the brew device (in most cases, this is a coffee cup). Place coffee grinds in the filter (two tablespoons of coffee per eight ounces of water) and slowly pour hot water (just under boiling temperature) over the grinds very slowly, stirring as you pour. Brew time should be about two to four minutes. The brewing time is essential to the quality of the finished product and is entirely at the hands of the brewer (i.e. don’t pour too fast!). Use a medium-fine coarse grind. In the end, regardless of which brewing method you choose, a truly superior cup of coffee depends on the quality of the beans you are using, so choose carefully and store properly. For those times when you aren’t brewing your own coffee, you’re in luck because Omaha is rich with great local coffee shops and bean roasters. Below are five local coffee houses you may want to check out. Culprit Café & Bakery Unit 101, 1603 Farnam St., Omaha  |  culpritcafe.com Culprit Café & Bakery, located in downtown Omaha on 16th and Farnam, is a relatively new spot (opened in 2013) gaining a reputation for brewing a superior cup of coffee. They offer French press, Chemex, espresso and specialty drinks, in addition to mouthwatering pastries and café fare. Beansmith 12012 Roberts Rd., La Vista  |  beansmith.com Beansmith is a truly unique experience in that it is more of a coffee tasting room than a traditional coffee house. Visitors have the opportunity to tour their roasting facility, explore different brewing Aromas Coffeehouse 1033 Jones St. and 6051 Maple St., Omaha  |  blissbakery.com Part coffee shop, part bakery, part art gallery – Aromas does a lot of things, but they know their coffee. Stop in and try everything