Category Archives: Coffee CommuniTea

Coffee CommuniTea: GypsyCup, Gilbert, AZ

Posted on by
Reply

It breaks my heart to inform you that GypsyCup permanently closed in Dec. 2022. This was a go-to oasis of peace for me and I will sorely miss it.
—Ann Videan

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
GypsyCup
offering coffee/tea, cocktails, and tapas

Perks (what I really like!)

GypsyCup is one of my new favorite stops for tea and social interaction.

• The barista/servers are well trained, friendly, and especially polite! This is one of the best reasons to visit, for sure.

• The Art Deco-inspired decor! You’ll find the environs pleasing to the eye, welcoming, and comfortable. The website describes it as “a little slice of Europe.”

• The unusual tapas choices are definitely worth tasting! And every tea and coffee drink I’ve tried is delicious. My hubby found his favorite chai latte here.

• A lovely outdoor patio with plenty of seating. Also, mostly shaded with nice trees and foliage, especially important in the Phoenix area!

Share a Cuppa (stories about the owner, building, history, name)

My daughter discovered GypsyCup when it resided inside a day spa in Scottsdale, AZ. She especially liked the cool specials the owner Linsay Smith dreamed up.

Soon after it closed, the GypsyCup Instagram account announced a relocation to downtown Gilbert. The wait for the coffee shops regeneration was absolutely worth it! Linsay created a charming atmosphere and complemented it with excellent food and service.

Those awesome specials have carried forward too. We just recently tried the seasonal Apple Cider Chai. YUM!

Plus, the food cases and shelves in the shop are loaded with interesting, unusual fare. (Keep reading to learn more about those…)

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

• Coffee and teas
• Croissants (ham and cheese is to die for!)
• Pastries
• Desserts
• Craft beers
• Wines
• Healthy and unique snack items
• Even little gift items, some geared for children

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

Mostly, I see patrons gathering to chat and socialize. Seats are often filled with patrons using their laptops, though the number of plugs is limited.

I honestly can’t add anything else here not already mentioned. Did I mention “charming,” “excellent service,” and “delicious unusual food?” And the shady patio?

The Grind (what I would change)

More seating inside, perhaps? Sometimes it’s hard to find a spot to sit (especially in the summer when the patio is not as popular).

The Grounds (location)

GypsyCup is easy to find, one block west of Gilbert Road, and one block north of the Gilbert Water Tower landmark.

50 W Vaughn, Suite 107
Gilbert, Arizona

Tea Times (hours)

M-Th: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
F & Sa: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Su: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.

Yelp rating: 4.5 stars from 56 reviews

……………………

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 and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in coffee/tea venues, so I found it natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

Coffee CommuniTea: The Buzzed Goat, Phoenix, AZ

Posted on by
Reply

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
The Buzzed Goat Coffee

img_7984.jpeg

The Buzzed Goat graces a little strip mall at Ray Road/E. Ranch Circle Drive in Awatukee.

Buzzed Goat int1Perks (what I really like!)

  • Super-friendly baristas.
  • The neighborhood feel to the place.
  • Their “food” truck which brings delicious drinks to the masses.

 

 

fullsizeoutput_ea27

The goatherd masterminds! Tony and Gabe

Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)

Owner Gabe started serving coffee in a food truck with his friend Tony. They didn’t give up on the mobile aspect of the Goat, but soon realized they wanted a place for people to hang around and be neighborly. What they developed is a comfortable, unique, welcoming place to chat, play, and enjoy a coffee or tea. I love the black and white checkered table tiles, and the green leafy wall, don’t you?

 

Buzzed Goat.Ann and Drew

Drew and I graduated the same year from Coeur d’Alene High in Idaho and, years later, recognized each other at a book store in Chandler. Since he teaches English and film studies, we obviously still have a lot in common.

Besides the place being recommended by a long-time friend of mine, who’s a regular, one of the main attractions to me was the name. Really, why…? Well, Gabe directed me to the Web site for this description:

“Why The Buzzed Goat? 

Coffee’s origination story, roughly translated, dating back as far as 900 AD. Goat herders noticed when their goats ate a certain shrub they would dance with energy and walk with a pep in their step; they were buzzed! The curious herders tried many attempts to make this magical plant palatable but were unsuccessful. They eventually went to the nearby monks who learned to steep the beans, and coffee was born.

Our story, much like their discovery, stems from curiosity and a quest for something special.  The Buzzed Goat is a high energy coffee bar dedicated to bringing quality drinks and conversation together.”

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

They offer a light, yet delicious, offering of classic and cold brew coffees, plus some blended drinks. How about a mint-chip white tea frappe, anyone?

I spied a few baked goods on the counter and in a cooler to tempt your tastebuds, as well.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)IMG_7988

The entire back room is a play room with oversized and active games like Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole. Its walls showcase local artwork. Gabe says they have plans to redo the room as a speakeasy, so we’ll wait to see what transpires…

The Grind (what I would change)

Not much at all. I love the feeling of the place, mostly because of the owners and baristas.

The Grounds (location)

4302 E. Ray Road, #106
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 706-7411

Tea Times (hours)

M–F: 6am  –  5pm
Sa–Su: 7am  –  5pm

Yelp rating:

4.5 stars from 53 reviews

……………………

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 and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in coffee/tea venues, so I found it natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

 

Coffee CommuniTea: Festive Cup Coffee, Highlands Ranch, CO

Posted on by
Reply

IMG_3760

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Festive Cup Coffee – Highlands Ranch, CO

Don’t let the small storefront fool you. This charming spot houses not only an excellent and diverse coffee and tea bar, but a sizable and compelling gift and clothing boutique!

Perks (what I really like!)

  • The gift shop brims with wonderful finds: jewelry, clothing, household items, funny/inspirational desk and wall decor.
  • It’s quiet.
  • The comfortable seating and furniture lends well to either work or a “catch-up” with a friend.

IMG_3768Share a Cuppa

I find the owner—Anthony Whitham—his family and staff always kind, thoughtful and helpful.

Lexi (left) helped me on my last visit. She was so accommodating, plus a sweetheart of a person.

 

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

In partnership with a local, Colorado-based coffee roaster, Festive Cup offers everything from classic coffee to Frappe Brezzas. Those wanting an alternative to coffee can indulge in “Refresher” smoothies, teas, and other non-coffee alternatives.

My favorite, though… Tea Forté as their tea brand of choice. Per the company’s Web site, they are “known for the variety and unparalleled quality of handcrafted teas, design-driven accessories, exquisite packaging and opulent approach, Tea Forté re-imagines and re-defines the contemporary tea experience by delivering a delighting and luxuriant encounter.” All true, in my estimation.

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

IMG_3765

Whether you want a place for your bridge club, expect to share a conversation with a loved one, or are looking for that perfect unusual gift that only independent gift stores offer, this is your spot.

It also serves as the perfect getaway for a short respite with a cool refreshing drink in the summer or a warm comforting cuppa in the winter.

The Grind (what I would change)

Nary a thing! I adore visiting this lovely get-away whenever I visit Colorado.

The Grounds (location)

Festive Cup nestles in the corner of an unobtrusive strip mall atop one of the rolling hills in Highlands Ranch—a community in Littleton, CO, of enough size to warrant its own zip code.

50 W. Springer Dr.
Highlands Ranch, CO 81029
(720) 627-5075

Tea Times (hours)

M–Sa. 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Su. 9 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Yelp rating: 4.5 stars from 35 reviews

 

……………………

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 and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in coffee/tea venues, so I found it 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!

Coffee CommuniTea form: Add your own favorite tea/coffee shop

Posted on by
Reply

Add your favorite tea or coffee shop to this community! I’m looking for hot spots all over the world, so please share any place you truly enjoy.

Ann at Carmel's Cafe in Phoenix, AZ

Ann at Carmel’s Cafe in Phoenix, AZ

I created the Coffee CommuniTea blog  because I deal with a lot of indie businesses and authors, and — since I love connecting people and ideas — what better place to do it than a coffee or tea shop? Besides, I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in such venues.

I already covered many of my favorite hot spots on this site, but want to include your favorites, as well. I would be delighted to add your perfect little meeting place for a “cuppa.”

Simply copy my “Coffee CommuniTea” form (below) into the comments, and fill it out. Or, you can print it out, complete the form, and email it to avidean@videanunlimited.com. 

I will follow up with the owner/manager to fill out any missing details, secure photos, and post everything to this site. Cheers!

…………………………………………………………………………….

Coffee CommuniTea Blog
Contributor Form

Contributor: (your name, city, state, and other contact info you wish to make available, even a mug shot – pun intended)

Today’s Cup o’ Tea (name of shop, its city/state location, its Web site and/or best online site, with its owners’ names and contact emails)

Perks (what I really like!)

Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

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

The Grind (what I would change)

The Grounds (location)

Tea Times (hours)

Yelp rating: ____ stars from ___ reviews

………..

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan, Book Shepherd
Write • Edit • Publish

P.S. Learn more about my novels on my Amazon Author Central page.

Find me elsewhere online.

Coffee CommuniTea: Celestial Seasonings – Boulder, CO

Posted on by
Reply

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Celestial Seasonings
Boulder, CO

P1270015

Perks (what I really like!)
An all-natural tea manufacturer, with a tea tasting room, art gallery, café, and gift shop in one of my favorite eclectic U.S. cities. What’s not to love?

Share a cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
Celestial Seasonings, headquartered in Boulder, is one of the largest specialty tea manufacturers in North America.

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)
My family and I dropped by the Celestial Seasonings facility, expecting to pop in to buy a few of our favorite teas at a discount. We ended up staying a couple of hours enjoying the flavors of many teas, buying presents, and learning about teas.

Tea-tasting room and art gallery.

Tea-tasting room and art gallery. @2013 ANVidean

I especially loved the tea tasting room. When you walk into the light, inviting room, a host hands you a small porcelain teacup. You carry it over to the tea station featuring a handful of featured pre-brewed teas. If the flavor you want is not available, you walk up to the counter, ask to try a particular tea, and they fill your cup with hot water and give you a fresh teabag to brew  your own.

P1270021

They offer so many delicious teas! @2013 ANVidean

My new favorite: Jammin’ Lemon Ginger. Yum!

The Grind (what I would change)
Not a thing. My family thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Tea tasters. @2013 ANVidean

Tea tasters: Codi, Bob and Cutter. @2013 ANVidean

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

  • Informative hosts are handy to provide answers to any tea-related question.
  • Free tours of the world’s most advanced tea production plant every day (except major holidays) show you how the finest all-natural ingredients from around the world become your favorite Celestial Seasonings teas. Tours leave on the hour and last 45 minutes.
  • A tea shop with discounted teas, all the tea-related supplies and gifts you can imagine.
  • The Celestial Café, serving fresh, delicious, home-cooked meals in a cozy atmosphere featuring beautiful Celestial Seasonings artwork. See Web site for special café hours.
  • My favorite surprise came in the form of tea art. The tasting-room and café walls, and lobby display cases, brim with beautiful packaging artwork and unique tea sets. The work is truly eye-popping.

    This is a teapot! @2013 ANVidean

    This is a teapot! @2013 ANVidean

The Grounds (location)
4600 Sleepytime Dr.
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 581-1202

Tea Times (hours)
M–Sa.  9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Su.  11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Yelp rating: 4.5 stars from 165 reviews

……………………

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 and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress 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!

Coffee CommuniTea: Vinyl Rush Cafe – Downtown Mesa, AZ

Posted on by
Reply

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Organic Bean Café
[formerly Vinyl Rush Café]
Downtown Mesa, AZ

Park right on the street in front and enter here... ©2013 ANVidean

Park right on the street in front and enter here…
©2013 ANVidean

Perks (what I really like!)

...walk down the courtyard alley...©2013 ANVidean

…walk down the courtyard alley, where you may want to sit later…        ©2013 ANVidean

  • Courtyard seating. A cute, narrow courtyard between the rows of small businesses in the building.
  • Intimate setting. “Side A:” the coffee bar where you order your goodies, and “Side B:” a room across the courtyard where you can sit, chat and listen to music away from the sounds of blenders and counter chatter.
  • Album clocks. The owners decorated with lots of charming music paraphernalia, including a large collection of vinyl record album covers—33s and 45s—which they’ve turned into clocks.

    ...purchase delectables on Side "A" and enjoy them here in the comfort of "Side B." ©2013 ANVidean

    …purchase delectables on Side “A” and enjoy them here in the comfort of “Side B.”
    ©2013 ANVidean

Share a cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
Missy, one of the owners, is both a coffee and music lover. She and her coffee partner bring you 38 years in the restaurant, hotel, and retail industry. At Vinyl Rush, they roast their own coffee beans, favoring full-bodied, medium-dark to dark roast styles. Just be ready for it!

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

  • Fresh roasted coffee
  • Espresso drinks
  • Smoothies
  • Hot teas (a nice selection)
  • Pastries and bagels

The Grind (what I would change)
Not a thing. Just be prepared to enjoy your goodies in a close, intimate setting.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
If you want your own album clock, they’ll make one for you. Each is custom designed with the time movement and hands placed creatively to compliment the cover image. http://vinylrushcafe.com/clocks/

The Grounds (location)
Downtown Mesa, AZ
40 N. Macdonald Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
480.615.4333

Tea Times (hours)
Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Yelp rating:
4 stars (62 reviews)

Who recognizes the symbol under their “Vinyl Rush Cafe” signs?

……………………

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 and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress 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!

CBTL answers tea questions

Posted on by
Reply

A graphic I created to enter a CBTL gift card contest. Yep, those are my family's hands. @2010 ANVidean

A graphic I created to enter a CBTL gift card contest a couple of years ago.   Yep, those are my family’s hands. @2010 ANVidean

My favorite tea organization, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, held a live tea chat with their international tea expert David DeCandia today (Jan. 30, 2013). The convo took place in honor of National Hot Tea Month. [Who knew that was going on?]

Even though you didn’t catch it live, the questions and answers are still worth checking out.

Coffee CommuniTea: Pegasus Coffee House, Bainbridge Island, WA

Posted on by
Reply

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Pegasus Coffee House

A favorite of Jackie Nagel, owner of
business coaching/consulting firm Synnovatia, San Pedro, CA,
who recommended this choice spot.

……………………

Perks (what I really like!)
“The beautiful, nurturing environment and the incredibly good-tasting coffee.”

Photo complements of the Pegasus Coffee House Web site.

Share a cuppa (the stories)
“My first experience with Pegasus Coffee House was when I was still living in Washington State. I arrived early for the ferry to take me to downtown Seattle. With the little bit of extra time I had, I discovered this incredible coffee house shrouded in [Virginia Creeper, which looks a whole lot like] English Ivy.”

History: The Pegasus opened its doors on May 1, 1980. It’s Web site description says it’s “friendly, lively, casual and a bit funky and bohemian.

“The building was formerly home to Anderson Hardware store and its trademark bricks were salvaged from the Port Blakely Mill incinerator.

“Some use it as an office, some as a living room, but it’s always been a hub for information and the arts. The walls play host to local artists works and there’s live coffee house music every week.”

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)
“Love, Love, Love their coffee! Although we moved from the area in 2001, we still order their coffee online. There’s no bitter aftertaste like some of the better-known coffee brews/beans.”

They also offer tasty treats like:

  • Greens and soup
  • Sandwiches
  • Dinner, with available beer, wine and cocktails
  • Desserts

The Grind (what I would change)
“Wish they were local!”

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
“The people always remember my name when I call in to place my order. It’s nice to be remembered.”

Per the Web site, Pegasus also offers:

  • Free wi-fi
  • Music on Friday and Saturday nights, with a distinct preference for folk and country flavors
  • A 20-person private event room available for parties, or business meetings
  • An outdoor terrace
  • A “Fresh Connections” blog

The Grounds (location)
131 Parfitt Way S.W.
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
206-842-6725

Tea Times (hours)
M–Th.,  Su.: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
F.–Sa.: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Yelp rating: 3.5 stars (49 reviews)

……………………

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 and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress 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!

Burger phenom: Hudson’s Hamburgers

Posted on by
Reply

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.

…………………………………………….

Rhythms & Muse novel and music CD:

Coffee CommuniTea: Echo Coffee, Scottsdale, AZ

Posted on by
1

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

……………………

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!