On December 16, 1773 midnight at the Boston Harbor, a group of patriots called the Sons of Liberty, led by Samuel Adams disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians forced their way aboard three ships anchored in the Boston Harbor then dumped the tea shipments into the ocean to protest Mother England’s policies towards the American Colonies particularly siting the high tea tax. In support of the famous Boston Tea Party, Americans everywhere turned to coffee as their new patriotic beverage of choice symbolizing America’s freedom and independence of British rule.
Today, more than fifty percent of American adults drink coffee. The average consumption per person is 3.1 nine ounce cups per day. 65% of all coffee is consumed during breakfast and 30 percent during coffee breaks throughout the day. Women drink coffee to relax and men drink coffee for the pick me up value. There are over 25,000 coffee houses in the country. From national franchises like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts to Mom and Pop coffee shops to Seven Elevens to espresso bars and specialty coffee houses everyone has their own favorite brand, their favorite flavor and favorite barista. From 50 cents a cup to $7.00 a cup, it’s not about price for the new breed of American coffee drinkers, it’s about flavor!
When I’m in the Rittenhouse square area of center city Philadelphia my choice to catch a quick cup of java is La Colombe, 130 S. 19th st. I dig the funky urban décor and the clientele is a cool mix of struggling artists, business men and woman and nutty professor types. I highly recommend the Nizza expresso.
The Rim Café at 1172 S 9th st is another of my favorite coffee stops. I take visiting out-of-towners here to impress them with the specialty drinks like the salted caramel latte or the crème brulee’ cappuccino. Did I mention the Peanut butter hot chocolate?
When I’m in Northern Liberties and feel the urge for a cup of Joe it’s off to One Shot Coffee located at 217 West George Street where there is a great choice of lattes. The regular coffee is great and the breakfast menu is delicious too.
Philadelphia is the home of so many fine coffee establishments what is your favorite?
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