Grounds for Thought

By Coffeeboy

Espresso: The Brew that Fuels Community

Welcome to the first installment of my new column. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Coffeeboy. I am Manager and Head Barista of The Grace Cafe, a local coffeehouse. My column will, not surprisingly, be about- well- coffee. But not only coffee, but about the entire culture that surrounds it. If you know me, have met me, or read the article in the Southeast Missourian that recently included me you will probably be expecting a monthly espresso nerd manifesto on the proper level of espresso roast or the glories of grind adjustment. Don't get me wrong; I am a fully-outed espresso nerd and am currently in a twelve-step program for it, but I do have a little more up my sleeve. As this article will illustrate, I consider the coffee to be a means to an end.

So what is a coffeehouse or cafe anyway? That's hard to define. The coffeehouse currently takes many forms, even within one city, not to mention from country to country or time to time. I'll bore you in some later article about the historical development of the coffeehouse, but for now let's lay out two commonalties. The first would of course be coffee, hence the name coffeehouse -not to say that you can always find coffee easily on the menu of some American coffeehouses. I've found it's usually hidden somewhere between "Bob's Super Caramel Berry Moshpit Slushy" and " The Ultimate Almighty Nachoccino Surprise". The second is that the coffeehouse is a place where people gather. They may read, play chess, study, converse, or simply do nothing. They may want to be alone, but need a crowd to do it in. Of course there are drive-through espresso bars, but these, properly speaking, are not coffeehouses. Classically the coffeehouse is a third place, home being first, work second. The third places are those places in a society where people gather, dwell and visit frequently.

The Coffeehouse fills many roles for many people. Half-dead commuter zombies stop by for quick transfusion of the beloved elixir of life. Students get their caffeine fix and do their homework or read. Moms meet after dropping the kids at school and talk about whatever it is that moms talk about. Retired folks come in for a cup of coffee and friendly conversation. Professors prepare lessons. Academics meet and talk about whatever it is that academics talk about. People escape their cubicle for a cup and a quiet few moments to de-stress. Ministers meet people to counsel over cappuccino. Dreamers dream, writers write, thinkers think, and lovers stare at each over the table while their coffee gets cold. The most important thing is that all these people and more can come to the coffeehouse and do/be who they are. Another important thing is that they all interact- they connect.

Two things emerge as vital to the coffeehouse: coffee and community. The coffeehouse is the great leveler. Everyone is welcome and in this environment people who would have nothing to do with each other enter a daily dialogue. Over the years I've seen this as a customer and barista on a daily basis. I've seen a conservative businessman with a laptop and briefcase discuss history, art, and philosophy with a kid sporting a two-foot green mohawk and chains attached to strange piercings in his face. This would not happen in the produce isle between the escarole and the turnips. Hippies talk with yuppies, indie-rock hipster poets laugh with little old ladies, and once I even saw a Republican have coffee with a Democrat. Yes, there are coffeehouses where only one type of person hangs out, but it is rare and boring. I used to haunt a 24-hour "Goth" coffeehouse in California. It was open at three A.M., but it was boring, monotonous, and of course a little creepy. A conversation between a Goth and a priest about fashion that lapses into a debate over how many shades of black there really are to choose from- now that's interesting. God bless Johnny Cash.

You may be asking yourself "Why should I go to a coffeehouse?" So I am going to give you copious reasons to do so: (1) Because there's not much else to do in Cape. (2) It's fun. (3) Because all your friends are just like you. (4) BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO SCREAM TO HAVE A CONVERSATION IN A BAR! (Caps denote yelling) (5) Coffee, especially Northern Italian coffee, is yummy. (6) Because you'll like to drink or eat something we serve. (7) Because you can't afford cable. (8) You're tired right now. (9) Because that fifth dentist that won't recommend sugarless gum is really stressed out and needs someone nice like you to talk to. (10) It's cool. (11) You can write in your journal and look artsy. (12) Because I'm there and I'm a great guy. (13) Because mean people don't usually go to coffeehouses. (14) Because you're mean and going to a coffeehouse might cheer you up. (15) You need to work on that paper. (16) You need to get away from that paper. (17-20) Because that stuff at the gas station is not cappuccino! (21) Because all those beautiful people on Friends do it. (22) Because I triple dog dare you. (23) Because everybody's doing it, what are ya' chicken? Bock, bock, bock! (24) Because they don't allow drinks in Kent Library. (25) Because you live in a college town and that's just what people do. (26) Because coffee = you thinking better and beer = you missing your eight a.m. class. And finally, (27) because I said so and my name is Coffeeboy. Come on could the entire country of Italy be wrong?

Finally I come to the closing paragraph which will be titled "The Shameless Plug for the Coffeehouse I Work In". I've given you several reasons to go to a coffeehouse. Now I am going to tell you why you should come to our coffeehouse. We are complete espresso nerds, which translates into really good coffee at a very reasonable price. Our coffee is in the Northern Italian espresso tradition which means it is made in a way that is naturally sweeter and less bitter than the stuff you've probably tried. We are the only place in town with the full line of Republic of Tea and we have several drinks you will dig if you don't like coffee. The lunch menu features an eclectic mix of fusion food with fresh, healthy ingredients. We have comfy outdoor seating if you're the see and be seen type. Your student I.D. gets you a 15% discount. We are an authentic, full-on college town coffeehouse and the atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming. On top of all that, I can honestly say that the folks at The Grace Cafe are some of the nicest people I've ever worked with and I'm a pretty decent guy too. So come see us. If you can't find us call 334.0537 and we'll guide you in. Tune in next month, same Coffeeboy time, same Coffeeboy channel, for more caffeinated ramblings and espresso-charged shenanigans.