Local Coffee shops part 4!

I have to say that this place fits in a somewhat of a category of its own. They offer coffee and the general house variety but there is so much more. I was enamored by the tuscan style that I didn't want to leave. I expected to stay about five minutes and run back home...well I was in for a treat. I ended up staying for about an hour, taking tons of pictures (i apologize for the low quality all i had was my iphone) and relaxing on the beautiful garden patio.

Candlelight Coffee House is definitely one of my new favorite places to visit. They have cornered a market that combines wine and beer with your favorite coffee or espresso drink.

 The first thing you see is this beautiful wine set up that has a large assortment to browse.

Then you are greeted by the bar and barista behind the counter. The one staff member I met was very nice and answered all my detailed questions. 

The patio is just beautiful and they have space heaters for those nippy texas nights...it's covered in ivy and enclosed by a beautiful white picket fence. It reminded me of the secret garden. 

They have free internet and quite a few tables to sit and relax, as well as oversized couches. 

 What a variety of coffee! beautiful site for my coffee lovin' eyes! 

The only downside of the sweet place is the parking. there is no lot directly connected that I could tell...there is street parking but only on specific parts of the street. 

For me the "Pro's" definitely outweigh the Parking "Con". 

another successful coffee outing...ill be taking Brent for a special brunch date on saturday ! 10-2pm saturdays and sundays! 

I love coffee,

shadia~

Local Coffee Shops Part 3

Hi guys, So this is way passed due. I just can't seem to keep up during the Holiday season...too many hobbies so little time. haha

Well this episode of Local Coffee Shops is to include a small shop called "The Brown Coffee Company". 

It's a small little corner shop over by fredericksburg rd in SA.

 the owner.

 My friend Libby and I decided to check it out and we were delighted. thebrowncoffeeco.com has a smaller menu than most coffee shops but its more of a secondary priority to their roasting.

the roaster.

 we got it 'dirty'. pure cane sugar (simple syrup) and non dairy milk w/ toddy (aka cold brewed espresso). 

 The owner was so nice to open his doors after he had just closed and it was a very cool experience. He just closed up while we enjoyed our coffee and took some cool shots of the shop.

I'm hoping to visit another shop by the end of the week so tune in!
--
Shadia

Our Personal Baker

H & H Bakes and Cakes

by David Hammer

Today I'm featuring a local baker, David Hammer. He creates all the wonderful goodies we sell at 'The Foundry'. He makes fresh cakes, flavored breads, ghiradelli brownies, lemon squares and the best apricot bars you ever tasted! 

We have very loyal customers that happen to buy coffee when they come by because they want his creations so intensely! 

Come by or give him a call @(210)-834-6177 and get something made just for you! 

Enjoy your treats!

Shadia 

Local Coffee Shops Part 2

Sorry this post is so late...this week has been overwhelmingly busy! Instead of every monday I will just make an attempt to make it once a week. 

Today I am featuring 'The Foundry'. A local gem of a coffee shop located on the corner of Huisache and McCullough, near downtown San Antonio. I have to warn you, I have somewhat of a subjective opinion, because I work there. I'll do my best to stay objective. 

The Foundry is a non profit organization founded by Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. They do missions throughout the surrounding area of The Foundry and try to help as many people as they can. 

They have good customer service (couldn't help myself) and quality coffee. They have four brewed coffees daily and regular espresso drinks as well. They also feature smoothies, tea & lemonade. 

Lunch is served from 11am - 2pm. 

At the foundry there are two separate seating areas. One for the lunch crowd and music and another for people who need to study or read while they drink coffee or eat a tasty panini. I sit here at the foundry typing and taking full advantage of their FREE Wi-Fi!! 

Seating area #1

Seating area #2

 

                                                          Fun coffee sleeves for sale $3.00

 Well that was a lot of info but check it out ! Operating hours are as follows: 7am - 5pm M & Fr, 7am - 9:30 om tues-thurs and 8- 3 on saturdays!! Lots of fun specials and regular entertainment in the middle of the week!


Hope you come visit us
Shadia :-)

Local Coffee Shops Part 1 - Aspen Brew

Today I am beginning a series "All About Coffee"!!

If you know me, you know that my blood practically runs espresso brown. I am in love with the atmosphere and general feeling that coffee shops provide for patrons in their area.  This series is going to focus on the different places around the San Antonio area where the locals seek refuge from the daily grind. (haha grind).

Anyway, as much as I do love coffee and the miracle of caffeine that it provides us zombie non morning people, I care almost equally about the atmosphere and purpose of a business.  

Today I am at Aspen Brew Coffee, Cafe and Catering. 

http://www.aspenbrewcoffee.com

They offer a lot of different types of drinks, but moreover they have a regular lunch menu and catering. Most coffee houses smell like the roasting beens and have the sounds of blenders. This sweet place has some of the coffee smell but also a hint of yummy food cooking and roasting. I enjoyed the atmosphere but the only draw back was the noise. It has concrete floors and a very echoing noise level. I'd prefer quiet over noisy, but thats just me. 

They have quite an extensive menu and friendly staff to help you with your questions. 

There is a patio too if you would rather enjoy the gentle noise of traffic on a side street and the view of the sky across the way. 

I'd rate their overall appeal at a 7.5 during lunch and an 8 in the evening. It gets quieter. :-)

So go visit Aspen Brew and try their food too! 

Check back every Monday for a Coffee House 'Check in'!