“I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”
T.S. Eliot
Let”s face it — we all have some sort of addiction. Most of us would never put our hobbies or (dare I say) obsessions in that category. However, such things as Facebook, online games, soap operas, sports, religious fanaticism, and almost anything that eats up precious time might be classified as an addiction, even if not against the law.
Of course, we know that drugs fall into that classification, and alcohol, and anything that is mind-altering. Some, although legal, are still considered disgusting. Smoking, once a symbol of sophistication, has fallen into the realm of repulsive habits.
I come from a city that worships food. Restaurants can take on the ambiance of a temple, with chefs regarded as rock stars, perhaps even demigods. In New Orleans, coffee is the punctuation of a day or a meal. It is the capital letter that begins every morning, like those ornate, illuminated letters at the beginning of each chapter of a very good book. It is an exclamation point at the end of a fine repast, and may be splashed with cognac, or lit with a blue flame moving up an orange peel spiked with cloves. Coffee is more than sustenance. When done right, it is an art form, and perhaps theater.
I miss that about my first city. Chris and I still buy New Orleans blends, their higher price, notwithstanding. Every morning he serves my coffee in bed, always with “Half and Half,” and always in my favorite cup. It is the raison d”être to arise. Later in the day I might mix what is left in the pot with ice cream and cocoa to make a wonderful afternoon boost. Yes, the caffeine, too, is part of its allure.
Coffee is multi-sensual. Even those who claim not to drink it are seduced by the siren-smell. It can intoxicate from across a room. (I wish I had perfume with that much power.)
But, for those not fortunate enough to experience my morning “room service,” Columbus has choices for your caffeine fix, and those are expanding every day.
Three new coffeehouses are soon to open, adding to the ones we now have. I have always loved Beans and Cream, with its welcoming atmosphere and selection of tasty ice creams. Continental Market and Bistro (you may still know it as Le Gourmet), is like a mini-journey to Europe, no euros required. The coffee bar in the Front Door Restaurant has the epicurean touch of Chef Sarah Labensky. And I think Kudoz makes the best smoothies in town.
Before long we will have a new coffeehouse in the first block of Fifth Street North. Jill Williams of Bliss Yoga is working on opening Café Aromas, on Main Street. That is a nice sort of balance — calming yoga and a caffeine rush. Take your pick. Carlos Rosales has a little spot on 11th Street South, with plans to serve coffee with a French accent. I wonder if Columbus has enough baristas to staff these wonderful new places?
In spite of having my coffee served by a handsome man in my boudoir, I do love a real coffee shop. The fabulous fragrance, the clinking of cups and saucers, the warmth of that perfect first sip — not to mention the camaraderie of cordial conversation — all have allure. Yes, coffee may be an addiction, but it is still legal, and I hope it does not go the way of cigarette smoking in public opinion. It is a true pleasure.
Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina.
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