I received a posting today in one of my coffee roasters users groups asking how to duplicate the great taste of a cup of coffee coming from a coffee house.  This all depends.  For myself, a great cup of coffee is an an experience to be relished.  When I walk into a coffee house and see Styrofoam cups, air pot dispensers, and flavored coffee, I immediately think cheap and second rate.  I want to see ceramic mugs and freshly brewed coffee that is dumped at least every hour.  Both Starbucks and Peet’s coffee do this.

I like the music to be quiet and relaxing.  I don’t want over head fluorescent lights burning out my eyeballs.  I like comfy chairs to lounge in.  I even enjoy the old fashioned wooden chairs and tables.  They create a retro ambiance.

Even though I may think that I came in for a cup of coffee, I came for the atmosphere.  A good cup of coffee can be made at home.

I have a favorite coffee shop nearby.  The place has a real roaster in the rear.  Large wooden tables are spread about.  There is an old sofa that is so comfortable to sit in.  The music is usually classical.  There is an old veranda over looking the street with plenty of chairs to sit in.

Free WI-FI!  How could I forget.  When you want to get away for a few hours, free Internet can’t be beat!

The last thing on my list is a cup of coffee.  It better not be bad or I will do a u-turn.  I like the coffee strong, fresh, and not over roasted.  I am brutal when it comes to quality.  I drink my coffee black and like to sip it for 30 minutes or so while I read, talk with a friend, or surf the ‘net.