Monthly Archives: October 2011

Burger phenom: Hudson’s Hamburgers

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Bob, Codi and Cutter help occupy the 23 counter stools available at Hudson’s. ©2011 ANVidean

One special Coeur d’Alene memory I somehow neglected to work into my Rhythms & Muse novel (half of the story takes place in the Idaho town) is Hudson’s Hamburgers. The joint is known worldwide for serving up – for the past 100 years! – a limited menu of simple, fresh, delectable burgers in a storefront on Sherman Ave., the town’s short main street!

I happened to grow up right next door to the Hudson family in the Fairway Hills neighborhood. Patriarch Roger was the fry cook in my day, but his sons Steve and Todd were in training on weekends. Now, they run the place.

I have very fond memories of conversations with the Hudson boys while sitting at their counter. How many times I watched them form my burger, grill it up on that savory grill, slap on the cheese, rapidly slice up thin slices of onion and pickle to place on the grill-toasted bun. The best part about a Huddy burger is the hot mustard and/or special sauce you squirt on yourself once the server plops your small plate in front of you. My mouth is watering right now, just thinking about the juicy goodness of that first bite.

It’s not a true trip to Coeur d’Alene without standing in line at least one, or two, or three times, at Hudson’s to enjoy a perfect “cheese, both” (i.e. cheeseburger with both onion and pickle). If you’re ever there in Cd’A, do not miss it. Any wait is totally worth it!

Check out this a great little historical PBS video about the local institution,  providing a number of fun facts, plus interviews with Roger and Todd.

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Rhythms & Muse novel and music CD:

Coffee CommuniTea: Echo Coffee, Scottsdale, AZ

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Inviting entrance and patio at Echo Coffee. ©2011 ANVidean

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Echo Coffee
Fresh. Local. Organic.

Perks (what I really like!)

  • Knowledgeable owner:  Steve Belt
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Calm, light, peaceful environment
  • Modern décor
  • Local art
  • Organic tea selection

Share a cuppa (the stories)
Owner: Steve Belt
The tipping point for Steve to open a coffee shop, per his blog, was a Twitter tweet. He said, “I researched nearly every significant coffee shop in the Phoenix area, tasted a ton of coffee, and watched how each shop’s customer service was handled… Batch after batch, I roasted and tasted, roasted and tasted, until I developed a very strong idea of what I wanted my coffees to taste like.”

Steve will give you a mini lesson on roasting coffee, if you ask. ©2011 ANVidean

His research led to the decision that the shop would “not only need to be good, but great.” I think he’s hit the mark.

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

  • Coffee roasted on-site
  • A tea selection
  • Organic pastries
  • Cold and hot sandwiches
  • Salads

The Grind (what I would change)
Nada.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)

Owner Steve Belt showcases local artists' work. ©2011 ANVidean

  • The servers and baristas were friendly and helpful.
  • It’s a busy place with customers enjoying their coffee, working and chatting comfortably.
  • Steve holds a periodic Barista Jam. The Feb. 2011 event featured a latte art competition, a tasting opportunity with one original coffee roasted four different ways, and included a visit from Walter the Bus, a 13-foot-tall VW bus accommodating 50 people on its upper deck.

The Grounds (location)
2902 N. 68th St., Suite 135
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-422-4081

Tea Times (hours)
Open:
6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily

Yelp rating: 4 stars

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I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel in coffee/tea venues, so it seemed natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!