360 Coffeehouses Part III

Philadelphia is quickly becoming one of the premier coffee cities in the United States.  New roasters such as Rival Bros, Elixr and ReAnimator are rasing the bar and baristas are following suit.  Just a few weeks ago in the Northeast Brewers Cup six finalists competed in North Carolina, three of whom are from Philly.  Todd Carmichael,  co-founder and green buyer for La Colombe took first place and Ultimo's James Klapp came in second.  Philly local Erica Vonie came in second place in the NE Barista Championship.  This week three more 360 degree immersive coffee destinations are featured in my blog.

Jonathan Adams, Rival Bros Coffee

Click here for a 360 immersive view: https://www.thesphere.com/308054

Jonathan Adams and Damien Pileggi started serving their in-house roasted coffee out of a truck in West Philadelphia just about a year ago.  Their first brick and mortar location opens next month.

 Federal Donuts, Original Location

Click here for a 360 immersive view: https://www.thesphere.com/295573

Federal Donuts is recognized as one of the best donut shops in the US.  It is jointly owned by Tom Henneman and Bob Logue from Bodhi Coffee and Steve Cook and Michael Solomonov of Zahav Restaurant.  Currently there are two locations with two more opening in a few weeks.

Bodhi Coffee, Philadelphia

Click here for a 360 immersive view: https://www.thesphere.com/295157

I love the exterior of Bodhi Coffee!   It's part of Philadelphia's historic Headhouse Square built in 1775.

Bonus 360: St. Peter's

St. Peter's, Philadelphia

Click here for a 360 immersive view: https://www.thesphere.com/291781

Built in 1761, St. Peter's the land was donated in 1757 by Governor Thomas and Ricard Penn, sons of William Penn. The Penn family coat of arms can be seen above the wine-glass pulpit and sounding board. George and Martha Washington were frequent parishioners.

Links

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

Rival Bros. Coffee

Federal Donuts

Bodhi Coffee

ReAnimator Coffee Roasters

Elixr Coffee

360 Coffeehouses Part II

Ultimo Coffee, Philadelphia

Last week I posted 360 immersive "Sphere" views of various coffeehouses around Philadelphia (link to post).  This week I add two more, Ultimo Coffee and One Shot.  I'd love feedback, enjoy!

Click here for a 360 view: Ultimo Coffee

One Shot Coffee, Philadelphia

Click here for a 360 view: One Shot Coffee

Bonus: A Pour-Over, Ultimo Coffee

Pour-Over, Ultimo Coffee

Links

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

Ultimo Coffee

One Shot Coffee

CoffeeGuru's Sphere Collection

360 Degree Coffeehouses

 Shot Tower Coffee, Philadelphia

Click here for a 360 view: Shot Tower Coffee

Recently I downloaded an iPhone app called "Sphere".  After taking a maximum of 40 photographs from within the application, Sphere stitches them together for a fully immersive web view.  While I like the app on its own, it has its limitations.  I find that 40 images are not enough for a full 360 view and unless you use a tripod with a panoramic head, Sphere sometimes has a hard time lining up some of the frames.  This is especially evident when shooting a space with people.

Snowstorm, ReAnimator Coffee

Click here for a 360 view: Snowstorm, ReAnimator

After much trial and error, I find that working with a number of applications, both iPhone and Mac and shooting individual images before stitching enhances the end result.  I start by taking between 60-80 photographs with my iPhone camera.  Next I use AutoStitch to combine the images.  Then I enhance the image and make corrections in Snapseed, Lightroom and Photoshop.  Finally I finish the image in Sphere.

Inside ReAnimator, Philadelphia 

Click here for a 360 view: Inside ReAnimator

Check out the 360 views of these coffeehouses and give me some feedback.  Is there anyone else using Sphere?  Do you have any tips or suggestions?

Tela's Market, Philadelphia

Click here for a 360 view: Tela's Market, Philadelphia

Tela's Market, Philadelphia

Click here for a 360 view: Tela's Market, Philadelphia

Bonus View: Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, St Lucia

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, St Lucia

Click here for a 360 view: Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

A few weeks ago I was in Castries, St Lucia (yeah I know it's a rough life) and discovered the most amazing Catholic church, the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.  It's the largest church in the Caribbean, built in 1899.  The wood interior is a sight to behold, with a spectacular mural painted by Dustan St. Omer.

Links

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

Shot Tower Coffee

ReAnimator

Tela's Market

The Christmas Post

When I was a young boy, Christmas at my house wasn't that special.  I grew up in a Jewish household full of dysfunction and not welcoming to outsiders.



[caption id="attachment_829" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Blow-up Christmas Decorations, New Jersey[/caption]

Sure, I enjoyed the lights and the break from school, but I never fully understood the meaning of the holiday.  To me it was just about kitschy yard decorations and lots of gifts for other kids.   

[caption id="attachment_807" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Preparing For Nutcracker, The Academy Of Music[/caption]

I think that having a child gave me an opportunity to experience the true meaning of Christmas.  It really is about magic, wonder, great food, and time with loved ones.  I learned to embrace Santa and the joy that believing in him brings to my daughter.

[caption id="attachment_806" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Watching The Nutcracker From The Wings[/caption]

Her passion is ballet and she's quite good at it.  For the past three years she's been a performer in Pennsylvania Ballet's annual Nutcracker production.  This year she has a lead role. It's become an essential part of our Christmas tradition, and I feel honored and proud that it has become part of our holiday celebration. By the end of this season I'll have seen it 35 times and yes, each performance is as exciting as the last.

[caption id="attachment_805" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Hoops Watching Mother Ginger[/caption]

Of course, Christmas dinners at my house give me an excuse to go crazy shopping for food and coffee at Dibruno Brothers, pastries at Isgro's, and the centerpiece of our dinner, Christmas ham.

[caption id="attachment_809" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Dibruno Bros., Italian Market[/caption]

My 180 degree transformation is the best Christmas gift of all.  Sure I love surprises under the tree just like the next guy, but the real meaning of the holiday is much deeper than that.  So when you wake up Christmas morning, make yourself a fabulous cup of coffee and take time to appreciate the special people in your life--no matter your religious beliefs.

A special thanks to Caffe Luxxe, who sent me a gift of single origin Direct Trade Guatemalan El Tambor.  I can't wait to try it Christmas morning!

12/27 Bonus Photograph, The Academy Of Music, the oldest opera house in the US after a Nutcracker Performance

[caption id="attachment_836" align="aligncenter" width="560"] The Academy Of Music, Philadelphia built in 1857[/caption]

Links

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

Caffe Luxxe

Related articles

• Artsy time at Caffe Luxxe (sierracoop.wordpress.com)

Good'n Plenty

For decades Passyunk Avenue has been the main artery in the heart of South Philadelphia.  The demographic has historically been White and old school Italian with Geno's and Pat's Steaks at the epicenter.  Not very welcoming to outsiders, it's a tight-knit, conservative populace and Passyunk is their shopping mecca ('Speak English' signs allowed at Philly shop)...but for the past ten years the times have been changing.

Cheap real estate and close proximity to Center City (and the creation of Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods) has attracted a new class of citizens around the neighborhood.  Young and mostly single, it's a much more diverse and liberal crowd who prefer working or hanging out in coffee shops and hip clothing stores to shopping for First Communion dresses. (Changing City: Passyunk Ave.)

Barista Edward prepares a shot of Rival Brothers Whistle & Cuss

In 2011, Plenty opened along the Avenue.  Initially it was a boutique deli and prepared food shop.  The concept didn't thrive and brothers Damon and Anthony Mascieri took over ownership about a year later.  After extensive remodeling, Plenty became a coffeehouse / cafe and a popular destination.  Locally roasted coffee and sourced food is the theme.  House brew is Rival Brothers and they also feature ReAnimator and La Colombe.  Anthony plans on offering other local roasters as guests on his brew bar.  I love the idea of a cafe that works exclusively with local roasters.  The food reflects Anthony's global travel experiences, featuring selections such as a beef-chorizo meatball sandwich, an homage to Spain and the "Seoul" short-rib, a Korean offering.

Plenty Cafe, Rittenhouse

In the beginning of December, the Mascieris opened their second cafe near Rittenhouse Square in what was a former jewlery store.  The building is listed on the Register of Historic Places and careful attention was paid to make sure the building's integrity was kept intact.  There's reclaimed wood throughout.  It's a warm space thats beautifully designed with limited bi-level seating.  The coffee and food selections are the same at both cafes.

View from above, Plenty Cafe, Rittenhouse

 

In addition to the classic coffee offerings, Anthony also put together a small specialty drink section that is international in scope.  I tried the San Telmo made with espresso, steamed milk, dulce de leche and a sprinkling of salt on top.  It was really lovely, a nice contrast of flavors, something more akin to a dessert drink.

My hope is that the coffee roaster selections rotate often.  I was told that they were going to offer some roasts from Square One in Lancaster, PA in a few weeks, a roaster I've heard about but haven't tried and a reason why Plenty will be my constant coffee destination.

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

Plenty Coffee

Rival Brothers Coffee Roasters

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

ReAnimator Coffee Roasters

Coffee At The Benjamin Franklin House

For years the area around The Benjamin Franklin House was a bit of a coffee wasteland.... not any more.  Now 834 Chestnut, built in 1925 is home to two quality coffee destinations: Town Hall Coffee and DiBruno Brothers.

Town Hall Coffee

 Tim Noble pulls a shot at Town Hall Coffee

When I walked into his shop, Tim Noble was well into his second 12 hour shift grinding beans.  Such is the life of the owner of two of the best coffeehouses in Philadelphia.  For the last two years if you were anywhere in Philadelphia's Main Line, Bala Cynwyd was the only place you could get a well crafted shot of a rotating selection of some of the best micro-roasters in the country.  When the owners of the Benjamin Franklin House on Chestnut Street asked Noble to consider opening his second location in their historic building, he leapt at the chance.

Window seating, Town Hall Coffee

On the day I visited, a customer in front of me asked when Novo's beans would be back as their guest roaster.  The question brought a smile to my face.  Just a few years ago, I never would have dreamed that a Philadelphian would have asked such a question.  If you wanted "specialty coffee" La Colombe was pretty much the only game in town.  Tim's constantly rotating selection of both local and the best microroasters from around the US has helped to educate Philly's java geeks to the rarefied world of single origin small production coffee.  Tim pulled for me a "God shot" of ReAnimator, a local roaster that's killing it with consistent brilliantly roasted selections.  About 80% of Tim's business is take-away but it's all prepared to order on Tim's pour-over bar.  There are also a few comfortable seats for those who want to relax and experience one of Philly's finest coffee destinations.

DiBruno Brothers

 Mayor Frank Rizzo Watches Over The Italian Market

A few posts ago I reviewed Mario Batali's Eataly food market  in New York City's Flatiron District. I came away from the experience quite underwhelmed (Great and Mediocre Coffee In NYC).  Terrible coffee, high prices and too much sponsored product placement made me wish I was shopping in Philly's Italian Market, the oldest outdoor market in The United States.  Up and down 9th Street some of the best Italian shops anywhere offer their wares.  Some of my favorites include Talluto's for Pasta, Grassia’s Italian Market Spice Company, Fante’s Kitchen Wares Shop, Isgro Pastries, and Fiorella Brothers Sausage.

DiBruno Bros. 9th Street

One of the Italian Market's oldest institutions and a must visit for any foodie is the orignal DiBruno Brothers.  Crammed within their tiny shop are some of the finest cheese selections in the city, aged balsamic vinegar, vats filled with marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, olives and along with other artisan products.

 DiBruno Bros. at The Benjamin Franklin House

At about 4,500 square feet, DiBruno Bros. Benjamin Franklin House is spacious and well stocked, catering to a more upscale clientele.  There's much more of a takeout / quick and easy meal feel to the offerings, a nod to the 400 residences within the building.

Pastries with your coffee?

There's also a cafe area for coffee to go.  Initally DiBruno's brewed Illy as their house.  Back in August, Coffee Director Ian Peacock launched a new coffee program.  Counter Culture has replaced Illy and each DiBruno Bros. barista spends time training at Counter Culture's Philly training lab.  The result is a house coffee made with finesse.  Walk into any of their four locations and take home beans from local and national micro-roasters.

Links

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

DiBruno Brothers

Town Hall Coffee

Philadelphia Italian Market

Counter Culture

ReAnimator Coffee Roasters

Related articles

• Market Tour: Di Bruno Bros., Philadelphia (seriouseats.com)

Autumn Coffee

All Summer I love sitting outdoors watching passerby while sipping a morning or afternoon latte.  With Winter fast approaching, I'm forced inside to keep warm.  The temperature drops and the season changes.  I think what redeems this time of year are the colors…. burnt oranges, reds,  and yellows dominate the landscape.  There's beauty even as plants die, leaves fall, and the days grow shorter.  This week Fall colors and warm cups of coffee are my inspiration.

Indian Summer Morning With One Villate Coffee At Agiato

Autumn Lunch at Lacroix

Last Of The Sunflowers and a Four Barrel latte, at Tela's

A Cup Of Passion House Coffee at Nook

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

The Halloween Post: Something Wicked This Way Comes, Anastacia's Antiques

Anastacia's is a unique and creepy antique store in Philadelphia.  Around every corner sit silent incongruous tableaus.  I couldn't help thinking that throughout the store something was amiss.... and that feeling gave me a sense of dread.  It was like something out of a Ray Bradbury short story.  Sounds a bit too melodramatic?  Take a look at the photographs and tell me what you think.

"The pictures were moving, each in its turn, each for a brief minute or two. There in the moonlight, with the tiny tinkling thoughts and the distant sea voices, it seemed, each little drama was enacted. Whether it took an hour or three hours for the dramas to finish, it would be hard to say. I only know that I lay fascinated and did not move while the stars wheeled in the sky.

Eighteen Illustrations, tighten tales. I counted them one by one."

Ray Bradbury, The Illustrated Man

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

iPhone Photography

Since it's inception, all of the photographs on this blog have been taken by me on an iPhone. This week instead of writing about coffee, let's have a cup and enjoy some recent photographs.  I often use different panorama apps to add perspective and various post photography apps such as Snapseed for enhancements.  Later I'll fine tune images in Lightroom after downloading them to my computer.

 Aquarium Diver

 A warm Summer night

 Gravitron

Ceiling, The Bellevue-Stratford, Philadelphia (opened 1904)

 The Academy Of Music, Philadelphia, 1857 Renaissance architecture

Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

A weeded lot

 Sunflower

 Waiting for a table, Chinatown, Philadelphia

Maneki-neko (Japanese lucky cat), Chinatown, Philadelphia

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8