For the Love of Espresso

In Winthrop, at dusk.

A week ago, we visited the Blue Star Roastery in Twisp. It was so great to see the place where our beans are handled with such care. Dan, the Roaster, showed us the roasting space and, much to our delight, they happened to be roasting while we were there! He told us about the different beans and how each varietal had to be handled a different way, bringing out the best flavor profile unique to each bean. There is a grace in allowing the bean show its full range of flavor, respecting what it is meant to taste like in the end.

Freshly roasted Sumatra beans.

Last night, we had friends from Seattle over for a little BBQ and my friend Erika asked me, “What do you love about having Argonaut in the space that it is in? Compared to if it was in a larger space, like a normal coffee shop.” I think this is a great question! 

A few years ago, I spent a month in Rome on a study abroad trip. I did a lot of coffee drinking and even more people watching. In Rome, there are many espresso bars where being a Barista is a profession. Fancy Italian Businessmen walk in, order their espressos, sip them (never sitting down) and go back to their jobs. It is not that they are not enjoying their coffee or the experience but, it is meant to be a speedy transaction. One that the Baristas take very seriously. The thing is, this experience is purely about the coffee and nothing else. It isn’t about the conversation it isn’t about the space, it is about espresso. 

I love Argonaut’s intrinsic connection to this history in that the space is small. Just like Dan, we hope to use Argonaut’s space for what it is and bring out the beauty and purpose of its location. We may not have as long a history in the tradition of espresso, compared to the Italians, but I can assure you I am a Barista for life and the most important thing to me is bringing you delicious espresso. 

Coney Island, last April.

The Pinnacles, a few years ago.

Happy Wednesday, people!


-Lindsey