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need coffee . If this is your first conscious thought before you even roll out of bed , you are not alone . Fifty-four percent of Americans drink coffee every day .
The $ 40 billion-a-year coffee industry has practically become a national pastime in the U . S ., and this winter coffee drinkers will warm their frozen bodies with an average of three cups per day .
Its roots in American culture go back as far as the birth of our country . The British government ’ s high tax on tea and the subsequent Boston Tea Party pretty much guaranteed coffee ’ s place at the table in the Colonies . In 1824 , Thomas Jefferson called coffee “ the favorite drink of the civilized world .” In the new millennium , according to the National Association of
Coffee , after crude oil , coffee is the most sought commodity in the world . We can thank Starbucks for introducing the masses to the world of coffee vernacular like grande , frappe and macchiato , and for addicting the next generation of hot beverage drinkers to the roasted bean ’ s alluring aroma .
We can also thank the caffeine conglomerate for a surge in cozy coffeehouses where we can quench our cravings at locally owned establishments like Brew Ha Ha , Brick House Coffee and Coffee Culture .
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine ( LECOM ) originally started Coffee Culture as a study center for their medical students but decided to open to the public six years ago .
Pretty much any coffee you can think of — from espresso and lattes to a plain cup of joe — is on the menu . Plus it has a nice selection of freshly baked muffins , cookies and danishes .
“ People come for the atmosphere and the great-priced coffee . It ’ s cheaper than the chains in the area and we have a very friendly staff ,” says Coffee Culture manager Tom Enssley .
The free Wi-Fi attracts many college students as well as professionals who use Coffee Culture as a place to work or have meetings .
The Brew Ha Ha Espresso Bar and Eatery opened in Colony Plaza in 2013 and has been keeping the west side happily caffeinated since .
The coffee shop boasts fresh-brewed coffee that is roasted in-house . The hot beverage menu is an exhaustive and creative list of coffee and tea creations . One of the most popular is the Mayan Mocha , which is a blend of coffee , cayenne and other spices . On the tea side , the Purple Haze — green tea with lavender — is one of the reigning favorites .
Brew Ha Ha manager Jesse Cammarata takes pride in the product and makes sure each barista is fully trained to speak on each coffee and to make consistently good drinks . They especially excel at the latte .
“ The perfect latte starts with the espresso shots . They have to have the right grind and pressure , which creates a crema foamy layer on the espresso . Then the steaming of the milk has to be right . You have to not only heat it , but also give it texture with the air . That thickness allows for the latte art on top , which makes a great presentation ,” says Cammarata .
Brick House Coffee on West 26th has that indie / hipster coffeehouse vibe . With free Wi-Fi , you can a enjoy a few caffeine-filled hours lounging in a club chair or read a book from the stocked bookshelves .
The hot beverage menu is one you might expect , with the usual suspects like espresso , lattes , chai , etc ., but there are a few surprises . You can order beer , wine or a signature cocktail at Brick House , making it the perfect place to catch up with a friend .
For the commuter or mom with a car full of kids , Brick House Coffee also has a drive-through window so you can get your java fix without leaving your car .
The Daily Grind room is also available for rental , with pocket doors that can close to separate it from the rest of the café for privacy . n
“ People come for the atmosphere and the great-priced coffee . It ’ s cheaper than the chains in the area and we have a very friendly staff .”
Photo by Angela Magee . Photo by Angela Magee .
Millcreek | Winter 2016 | icmags . com 63