Exotic
July 14th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Shogun
John from Twisted Stem dropped in and brought along another of his exotic (he says “edgy”) arrangements. This is Heliconia Xanthovillosa “Shogun,” a native to Hawaii.
Stormy
July 13th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Jason opened the cafe Monday. Roseanna and I were in the family room at home when the storm rushed upon us all gusty and drenching. Mike was caught commuting back from the city.
Despite all the power outages around the region, the cafe remained an island of relative calm. Then folks realized that we were the only game in town. Our electricity was on and, until mid-afternoon, even our WIFI service was humming happily. The AC worked, too.
Monday and Tuesday were busy days as folks sought a place to take a breather from their stuttering commutes, get a little business done, or just connect online. We even had a queue waiting for plugs to charge cell phones until Mike fetched a power stick. First Roseanna and then I came in to help.
We met a lot of new friends and hope they each received a fine introduction to artisan roast coffee. We’d love to see you back. And, to everyone, thanks for your patience as we quick stepped our best to serve you.
To friends, we’re darn glad the tree fell behind your car and missed. To family, what were you thinking driving in that? (See, friends, we do talk different to family.)
Addendum: If only we had showers …
Five (or more) Ways to Share Conscious Cup with Friends
July 6th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Share The Cup with Friends
- Write a Review
- Like us on Facebook and tell your friends.
- Use the Social Media links on our website to Stumble! or Digg Conscious Cup.
- Make a video of your favorite drink and post it to YouTube.
- Invite someone you’ve not talked to recently for coffee at Conscious Cup.
Jenapeas
June 30th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Waldorf with Apple Celery spread!
We’ve been serving sandwiches made by Trey and Jena, owners of Jenapeas on the Woodstock Square.
I could be partial to the Waldorf.
The Best Of the Fox
June 18th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Thank You
Fox Valley Voters
We’re proud that you selected Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters as The Best Coffee Shop.
For those of you exploring for new experiences, we acquire among the best coffees in the world and roast right in our cafe. Come in and see and take in the giddy aroma of coffee right from our big, red artisan roaster. Taste the difference that freshly roasted coffee makes in your favorite latte, cappuccino or coffee drink.
Thank you for voting with your taste buds and heart! And, thanks for voting local as we met a lot of local business friends at the presentation by the Herald. We’re simply humbled to be included with such fine company.
A record 325,000 votes were cast in all categories and we’re really enthused that such strong voting tilted in favor of locally owned businesses across the 170-plus categories.
Now, learn how to make the very best coffee ever right at home.
Tarts & Truffles
June 11th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Late Friday was a bit like Christmas morning.
Pina Colada Cupcake
Standing in the door to the kitchen was a flour dusted Deb Mindham from Tarts & Truffles in Woodstock. She was bearing our first order of delectable cupcakes and more. There were dark ones, light ones, Kingly ones and ones with little umbrellas. Oh, and more, even little iced cake pops! Carrot cake, pumpkin cake, lemon bars, big boy-sized cookies dipped in chocolate. I can hardly go on.
Guess you’ll just have to drop in and say “Hi!” and take a peek in the pastry case for yourself.
Where Else to Get Conscious
May 31st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
When in Barrington, head into the downtown and visit our friends at Cook Street Coffee. They’re giving the local you know who a run for their money.
Dining out. Go fancy at Crystal Lake’s 1776 restaurant, or at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, both serving delicious, fresh Conscious Cup Coffee. Try the decaf in the evening: You’ll be surprised at the rich flavor.
Where to go when you’re not nearby Conscious Cup:
Cook Street Coffee
100 East Station Street
Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 387-3768
Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen
110 North Main Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014-4433
(815) 356-9980
1776
397 West Virginia Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 356-1776
Like an intense kiss…
April 14th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Like honey...
Delivering espresso requires a delicate hand. Grind just fine enough; tamp just firm enough; and, water at just the right temperature and under just the right pressure. Then, done right like this, espresso pours like rich honey into a demitasse. The first taste is like an intense kiss. Espresso is a brilliant way to start the morning.
Morning
November 6th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
Alone Saturday on the road to the cafe. Mike is in already in getting 16 liters of coffee ready for a foot race at Veteran’s Acres.
Jen is in the kitchen baking muffins. Fresh apple donut muffins are such a simple thing. Pumpkin muffins with fresh cranberry glaze make the season. Fresh magic bars and brownies finish the display out front.
Coffee hot, espresso drawn and tasted, fresh cream at hand, we pull a string and “open” lights up. Dale, always one of our first, rolls in and settles into a corner seat, waiting on friends.
Tomorrow, we start again, only it will be darker longer. Remember to set your clocks back an hour tonight. Use the free hour wisely.
The Simple Elegance of French Press Coffee
October 28th, 2010 § 3 Comments
French Press
Our mornings typically start with Roseanna preparing her early morning coffee in a French Press. The French Press produces a more deeply flavored cup of coffee than all but the most expensive home brewing systems.
We’ve recently added French Press coffee to the in cafe menu, served from a thermal, stainless steel press pot at your table. Stop in and discover yourself one of our favorite ways to prepare coffee. « Read the rest of this entry »
