I have a friend with a fondness for good coffee. When I feel like being nice, if I’m repaying a kindness, or just plain buttering her up, instead of flowers or a box of chocolates (run Forrest run!) I will buy her some coffee beans.
While I have nothing against the ‘coffee behemoth’, I like to support the local guy. Especially when it’s high quality, and they go to great lengths to be supportive of the environment and the little-guy growers. Plus, it’s her favorite, so it’s win-win.
I’d heard bad things about the baristas at Stumptown. They’re aloof, arrogant, etc… Braced for that event, I entered the downtown shop, the one just up the road from Voodoo Donuts.
I had to weave through bike messengers and various other young’uns, and there was a line. I was served promptly, courteously, and even given a small coffee with my bean purchase.
The previous time? It wasn’t as busy, and the barista was leaning against the counter, looking bored. He was being addressed by an older, highly caffeinated man who was dissecting the Republican Party out loud, and asking the young barista for validation every few sentences. *I* got bored, and I’d only heard a few sentences. When the barista saw I needed help, he jumped at the chance, and was helpful and informative. (Anything to escape Rush Limbaugh Jr., I’m guessing.) I left with a pound of Hair Bender, which sounds like a malt liquor.
Yesterday’s choice was Holler Mountain, a blend of Latin beans, bold, yet not as bold as Hair Bender. (They use Hair Bender for their espresso.) They put the package in a small shopping bag with handles, perfect for stealth-depositing on someone’s doorknob.
Don’t fear the baristas! Drop by Stumptown for a cup, or a pound of beans. If there’s not a persistent pontificator/prevaricator holding court, odds are that the help will be most helpful, and with a smile, no less.
Stumptown Roasters, downtown and around the city. Their coffee is also featured at local restaurants. Let’s get wired!
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Wow, you named names. I guess we should give praise where is warranted. There are a couple of joints that I would like to challenge to “step up their game”. Stumptown is NOT one of them. I love their coffee AND their consistency of straightforward service. I had hairbender in my “home pot” this morning. Good Stuff.
I am an unfortunate Stumptown addict –unfortunate due to my love of their product and their business. I simply feel good when I buy a direct-trade organic bean, knowing the amount of personal touch that went into the entire process. Too bad we can’t grow coffee locally. As for the Stumptown cafes, I get the most consistent non-surly, swift and professional service on Belmont. In fact, the Belmont cafe was one of the top five reasons that we moved back to Portland after a year of working in San Francisco.
Hmmm…I had someone leave a small shopping bag containing whole bean coffee from Stumptown on my door handle yesterday.
Coincidence? I think not. Hugely appreciated? But of course…!
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