|
Melfa's Musings
A.M Melfa |
Java Junky Crowns Best Coffee House
in Sedona
By A.M. Melfa
|
Sedona.biz
Is there a twelve step program for Java
Junkies? If so, sign me up Juan Valdez.
Having recently migrated from the dreary
Pacific Northwest, my caffeine intake has developed into a full
on crutch. I realize that, while my consumption level is not off
the charts, standing steady at a mere two eight ounce cups per
day, the strength that I require is rather disconcerting.
How do I know this? Well, when I
prepare my own regular morning cup for friends and family and
they first take an innocent sip, their faces contort as though
they are auditioning for the local theatre performance of
"Arsenic and Old Lace." This is usually followed by a mad dash
to the sink with the inevitable dramatic expulsion of the
mouthful, and the pointed accusation: "Are you trying to kill
me?"
Okay, so maybe I like my coffee just a wee
bit strong. Point taken. Accordingly, a disclaimer seems to be
in order. THE LEVEL OF MY CAFFEINE ADDITION DOES NOT
REPRESENT THE VIEWS AND OR CAFFEINE ADDICTION LEVELS OF THE
STAFF AT SEDONA.BIZ. I speak only for myself and my
best friend, the Red Eye.
Being the consummate addict that I am, my
first days in town were spent searching for a caffeine buzz. I
had to establish my bean pusher connection quickly lest I end up
on a dimly lit street corner, shaking wildly from
withdrawal, happily offering my first born in exchange for a bag
of those magical beans.
My search took me to Uptown, West Sedona as
well as the VOC. Leave no bean unturned nor coffee vendor
unmolested, I say. There is serious business to be transacted
here. Step aside, good man, Java Junky coming through.
The following comprises the results of my
intensive survey. Okay, maybe that is a tad of an overstatement
but I did my best in my dangerously under-caffeinated condition.
I will take a page from the Beauty Pageant
rule book here and give you the runners up first, leading up to
the exciting moment where I crown the Queen and/or King (no
favoritism here, friends) of Coffee in Sedona! The tension is as
palpable as my headache when I don't get my "cup on."
In third place we have a three way tie. And
isn't that apropos? Catering to the standards of the light user,
which means you can see through the coffee when it is being
poured, we have Wildflower Bread Company in Pinon Point,
Ravenheart Coffee House offering both Uptown and West Sedona
locales, and L'Espressino Gourmet Coffee in Uptown.
You guys are obviously trying to pander to
the general public, which makes good business sense but does
nothing to assuage my particular addictive issues. Try adding a
little more grounds and maybe I'll give y'all another shot. Nice
try though.
And in second place we have a two way tie
(hum, this is getting to be a pattern). The dual honors go to
New Frontiers Juice and Coffee Counter at their West Sedona
location, and the I-Scream Ice Cream and Cyber Cafe in VOC.
Both of these competitors offer a very
suitable cup. I expected as much from a natural foods
store such as New Frontiers. There are standards to be
maintained amongst the organically finicky, after all. However I
must confess to being quite surprised with I-Scream. Who would
have expected a place gearing itself towards sweaty children in
need of a frozen sugar fix and internet junkies to provide a
nice brew? Kudos, I say! Well done!
And now the moment we've all been waiting
for. The winner of my informal survey in which no one invests
any stock save myself. In first place, and in keeping with the
trend, we have a singular winner here. I would like to
convey Melfa's Musings vigorous stamp of approval to the fare
provided by...Sedona Coffee Roasters in West Sedona.
Congratulations to proprietors Lorie and Dean for
placating myself and all other Java Junkies lucky enough to stop
by.
Beans are roasted on premises and brewed
fresh daily for the gleeful consumption of one and all. Faithful
patrons such as Timothy Gregory insist it is the ONLY
place in town, and after a thorough taste test of all blends
offered, I must wholeheartedly agree. Great atmosphere, yummy
edibles, local art and wireless service add to the whole of the
caffeine addict's experience at Sedona Coffee Roasters. You guys
take home the gold plated "Champion Coffee Cup Chalice" which,
of course, exists only in my jacked up imagination.
Oh yes, not to forego the consolation prize.
Actually, this could also be placed in the "fall back" category
because, as we all know, if you can't find a good cup, you can
always hang your head and buy a cup from the high seas corporate
coffee pirates, Starbucks.
Starbucks makes a damn strong cup as we all
know. Yet the politically correct amongst us may harbor some
questions as to the outfit's corporate policies. But, when you
are strung out on the Joe like me such moral niceties fly right
out the window. Hey people, don't judge. I've got a monkey on my
back and he's screeching for his non fat mocha latte!
Therefore, if you are going for the
corporate angle, Starbucks Coffee is served Uptown at,
appropriately, Uptown Coffee, in West Sedona at the Safeway and
in the VOC at the Desert Flour Bakery. Points to these brave
folks for not being afraid to weather the wrath of the hippies!
So tweek along your merry ways, fellow Java
Junkies, fore armed with the valuable insights provided
herein. I raise my coffee stained mug in salute to you all, and
of course, to the jittery God of the Bean. Happy caffeinating.
A.M. Melfa recently moved to Sedona, AZ
from Northern California.
[Home Page]
[News Home Page]
[Back to Community Page] |