With fall rolling in and the semester chugging forward at full speed, I'm sorry to say that I have neglected my dear blog. I placed priority in late-night library sessions and early morning yoga, but I couldn't stay away for long.
For a while, I was reluctant to go to Know Where Coffee. It seemed to spring up out of nowhere (no pun intended) one day last semester, in a prime location on University, next to Bagels and Noodles. Another Gainesville coffee place? I scoffed. Even with the invention of my Tour de Gainesville, Know Where Coffee was not very high on my list of destinations. It was a sparkling recommendation that put this coffee shop on my radar, and I've only seen it grow in popularity since its conception.
I hadn't intended to buy coffee that day, but an old friend came to visit after a summer-long road trip, and where else would we meet up other than a coffee shop? It was this friend who taught me how to make the perfect cup of french press - a technique that I personally use every morning. Coarse grind, short bloom, perfect crema... I'm getting distracted. For two coffee lovers, the choice of beverage was natural, and since I had been wanting to visit Know Where Coffee, the opportunity seemed perfect.
I did a little research before I went, mostly to see if they served bagels/croissants in the way typical coffee places seem to do. Their online menu doesn't allude much to pastries, but what did spark my interest was their concept: choose your brew. They have four hot brewing options (sadly not french press), as well as cold brew, espresso, and an assortment of teas.
I wandered in on a Thursday morning after a long walk, and was greeted by enthusiastic baristas who were ready to answer any question I had. They were showcasing four different blends of coffee, two being the same bean (Kenya Thithi AA), roasted by two different Floridian roasters. I went with the Bold Bean option of the Kenya, made in a Chemex.
After a brief conversation with the barista about my blog, I sat down and waited for my coffee to be ready. For those who don't know, I'm pretty cranky in the morning without my coffee, so it was a bit difficult for me to promote myself while trying to inspire my brain to function at normal levels. I plopped myself into one of their metallic chairs (suprisingly comfortable, lots of room with armrests) and pulled out my reading for class.
The coffee was well-made, but a little on the floral/fruity side for my tastes. However, the chemex thankfully was not my only impression of Know Where Coffee. My friend did not show up that morning, and we had to reschedule for the following day. Same place, same time. Rather than walking, I politely coerced him into giving me a lift, and I arrived there in style. Friday morning? I went with the cold brew, my classic favorite. Now I'm no coffee snob, but their cold brew tasted earthy and delicious, just the way I like my coffee. I left that morning satisfied and wanting more.
Know Where Coffee, although it did spring out of nowhere, is certainly making its presence known in Gainesville. From their creative chalkboard signs to their daily instagram posts, you can tell that they are passionate about what they do and are always looking for ways to improve.
I haven't returned to Know Where Coffee yet, but I promise, I will be back before the semester ends.
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