Don Senneville and Jim White
We are back. It’s 2025 and we’re roaring into February already. Many thanks to Nicolette B. for filling in for us with an amazing array of coffee facts! Who knew there was caffeine in berries? Don wondered if the goats were the ones who found coffee beans (there is a goat next to the $10 honor code door at ROC2), or whether there were scientists in ancient times who got the connection with berries. All kidding aside, Nicolette’s lively prose was interesting, informative, and entertaining all at one time.
Back to our two towns and their coffee establishments. Here is a list, with brief descriptions. Many of our readers are snowbirds, and/or they frequent the same places all the time, so we thought a list would provide info about and pique interest in the range of coffee locations on our Coffee Row.
In the shadow of Black Mountain …Coffee Row Establishments:
- Black Mountain Coffee Shop: View of the Conquistador statue; hearty breakfasts.
- Carefree Coffee Roastery: German strudel and perfect coffee; their own beans. Originator of the expression “Carefree and Caffeinated”.
- English Rose Tea Room: No coffee, but you can get caffeinated, for sure, there in Carefree; wonderful English decor and tea selections.
- ROC2: $10 honor code door: Espresso beans and check out the goat’s deposit!! Roasted on site (not the goat).
- Village Coffee Shop & Creperíe: Maria is the Queen of Crepes! Professional Barista Ella and lemon bars to die for. Pistachio scones and killer muffins.
Brunch: Chicken and waffles. - Janey’s Coffee House: Monks’ booth, bar, food, patio, best live music around.
- Big Earl’s Greasy Eats: 50’s American eats; excellent parade seating.
- The Grotto: Cozy caves and cool, hip atmosphere; best patio.
- Local Jonny’s Tavern and Cafe: Creekers and good food; Firecreek coffee.
- It’s a Divine Bakery: European; macarons and strudel; great breads.
- Wagon Wheel Cafe: Cowperson coffee; good omelets; lotsa butter; rustic.
- Indian Village: Best Chimichanga award; outside seating; cool stuff to buy.
- Seed Cafe at Civana: Date balls and extra-healthy tourists.
- Fantastico’s: Mexican bacon breakfast burrito; this is where it earns its name.
2025 seems to require a fresh look at all things delicious! We have been carefree and caffeinated for 2 years now as The CUP has researched all coffee opportunities in our own Coffee Row.
Now it is time to figure out how to have ice cream with our grandchildren and coffee at the same time. Thanks to the Italians, we have an answer: Affogatos!
Affogato is an Italian dessert of vanilla ice cream or gelato drowned in hot espresso. Thank you! This may be a generational bridge.
Several new ice cream shops have popped up in our area and, motivated by our grandchildren, we are obliged to search for the perfect affogato.
We will need more funding for this adventure, as a trip to Cherry on Top can top $30! It’s worth it, but watch the toppings. Is frozen yogurt ice cream?
If you would like to offer advice, send funding, or if you’ve experienced an affogato, please contact Don and Jim at The CUP at [email protected].
