Stumptown Coffee

Definitely my #1 roaster is Stumptown Coffee. We first discovered these rich beans in Portland and later learned the company and roasting plant is based in our own Capitol Hill--surprise, surprise. My Aunt and Uncle were here for a visit last month and one of our "musts" was to show them true Seattle espresso.  

Outside the 12th store on Capitol Hill, also the roasting plant.

 Ya, didn't really get the logo.

I'm a sucker for brick walls.

 I believe the single prices are for an 8 oz cup. 
My uncle ordered the Mexican Coke, which came in a glass bottle 
and is made with cane sugar vs high fructose corn syrup. 
I guess it tasted about the same, but a little healthier.

 Also a sucker for hand stamped cups.

 Mid Century Mod Decor

 Latte Art...always a good sign.

 The tasting room for coffee snobs (like me). :(

 Burlap!

 I found this humorous.

We got a personal tour by Wolfgang, who told us all kinds of cool stuff 

about beans and roasting, which I knew I should have taken notes

or done this posting sooner, because now I forget. 
I do remember that all their beans are a specific variety, 
he compared them to being the Heirlooms of tomatoes. 

I guess you will just have to go and get your own personal tour. 

Volunteer Park Cafe & Marketplace - Capitol Hill

My Aunt and Uncle from Tampa were recently here for a visit--Yay! We had only a couple days to show off Seattle, so after spending a few hours at Pike's and sampling donuts, cashews, crumpets, cheese, the list goes on...we ventured to the neighborhoods. Our lunch destination: Volunteer Park Cafe. My Aunt (an amazing cook) and Uncle (who can identify arugula) had seen the Cafe featured in Unique Eats on the cooking channel.  Tucked away on the corner of a residential street, was this charming yellow house with red bistro chairs just waiting for you. It was love at first sight.

 Once a grocery and meat market, delivering their produce in a horse drawn 

wagon.  During the depression, selling gumballs and candies. 

Today, continuing the tradition of bringing community together.

Love. 

 Every detail welcomes you. 

Chalkboard window--hello.

This farmhouse table which runs the length of the restaurant 

is for any and all.  It reminded me of a boarding house. 

What a good excuse to eat with strangers.

 The perfect balance between rustic and elegant.

 Giant Savory Muffins

 Known for their Miss Piggy Chip Cookies, that's right, 

the secret ingredient is bacon, which of course is the candy of all meats.

Loved the galvanized buckets lined with parchment paper.

  

 A select menu of sandwiches and salads, with old favorites 

like the BLT and new favorites such as prosciutto and mozzarella.

I ordered the chicken salad on baguette with a hint of tarragon.

For their full menu, history, location and hours click here.

I hope you will get a chance to visit, you will not be disappointed!