Intelligentsia Coffee - Chicago, Illinios, USA

I was fresh off the airplane in Chicago O'Hare.  It was about noon, and after hours of travel, it was definitely coffee time.  I got off my train stop, and went on a quest to find a good cafe down the busy city streets of Chicago.  I'd call my plan a success when I ran across Intelligencia Cafe on W Jackson Blvd.

Upon entering the cafe, it was brighly lit, pretty small, with marble round tables, marble bars to sit at around the walls, a variety of old country and jazz music playing. It was farily busy - but despite the crowd and the noise, the baristas were all in good spirits, adorned in hipster outfits complete with bowties and suspenders.  I could tell that they loved making a good cup of coffee and giving great customer service.  I was greeted by the friendly barista behind the counter as he made coffee.  I ordered a soy latte in a for here mug, and it came within a couple of minutes with a gorgeous rosetta design.

I'd honestly say it was one of the best soy lattes I've had.  Maybe it has something to do with the brand of soy they use - but the barista is also extremely highly trained.  It was frothed to smooth perfection, and the shots were not bitter in the least.  It was just the kick start I need for my trip here in Chicago.  
 
For great customer service, great coffee, up-beat vibes, a place to come chill with friends or order speedy take-away, I recommend Intelligensia cafe. Check their website for more details, or to sign up for some coffee educational courses! http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/


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xx your songburd xx

CAFÉ DESCARTES - Chicago, Illinois, USA

 

Welcome, to CAFÉ DESCARTES, I drink, therefore I am.

I walked into this cafe in the morning, seeking my morning mental stimulus.  This cafe, named after French philosopher Rene Descartes, would surely give my brain theological stimuli, to top off the caffeign kick, right? Okay, all theoretical.

Upon entering at 8:00 on a Thursday morning, the cafe was very quiet, as in there were almost no customers, and only one barista worked behind the counter.  However, it was not quiet at all, as an air conditioner was on very loud, reverberating through the atmosphere over top the chill background music.  My barista expressed his concerns over this matter on multiple occassions to his boss, so he told me.  He was very kind, and reccomended to me the oatmeal esspresso - apparently a breakfast hit unique to this cafe. Unfortunately since I am a "glutard" as my friends call me, with celiacs, I ordered a almond milk mocha instead.  It was quite sweet, with bubbly foam, but still hit the spot for my chocolate craving.  If you visit here, please try the oatmeal espresso and let me know how it tastes in the comments below!

In one end of the cafe, there is a specific corner with a table and bench chairs surrounding it.  It seems to be a space for deep theological group discussion, as the name Café Descartes inspires.  The red paint, chandelier, and the philosophers and theologans photos hanging on the wall further inspire the feel.  It seems as though this cafe is in the midst expantion - because at the other end, there was another counter with a bar behind - but it was quite empty.  There were a few pastries to order as well, but a limited variety.  This is a cafe more focused on drinks, I must say.  However, I only visited this specific location, so their other spots around the city of Chicago may have more variety.  This specific cafe is situated on the street of the Loyola Campus, so for college students, its a great place to come study and chill - so long as the loud air conditioning doesn't bother your focus.

Check out their website here: http://www.cafedescartes.com/cafe-descartes-chicago

Be sure to follow this blog for more coffee adventures around the globe, as well as follow me on instagram! instagram.com/cafecultures
 
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The Bourgeois Pig Cafe - Chicago, Illinois, USA

When you're traveling to a new area, learning about the hottest cafes from locals is the way to go. My Chicago friend took me to one of her favorites - The Bourgois Pig cafe - and upon entering, I could tell why she loved it so much.

Walking into the 2 floor cafe, you'll feel right at home.  Warm, old fashioned, home-made, antique, welcoming and personal vibes reverberate in the atmosphere.  Paintings of historical figures hung on the walls, our drinks were in unique mugs - which also were made by hand - and cozy couches surrounded a fire place.  Upon reading a brief history, I could tell that this cafe was inspired by president and founder, Mason Green's backpacking trip across Europe many years ago.

The baristas were super chill and passionate about their job.  They love taking the time to get to know their customers.  I asked Adam, who was taking our order, what some of the best coffees in their store were. He told me about the Jamaican Latte, which is infused with honey and allspice - making it a delicious unique hit of their cafe.  I was going to order it, until he sold me on the home-made coconut chai latte - becuase he had just made a fresh batch that morning! Just then, a catchy song came on, and we all broke out in a little dance party as we ordered and paid for our drinks. Guaranteed a fun time here!


What impresses me about their menu, is that all of their bakery items are made fresh in The Pig.  They care about bringing quality and health into their ingredients throughout their menu.  They pride themselves in their large variety of home-made sandwhiches, soups, salads, desserts, pastries etc. To see their full menu of dine-in, take-out, and catering, check out their website! http://bpigcafe.com/menu/

This place left me impressed. I see why it's a big local hit in Chicago, and I wish them all the best in their business expansions.

Be sure to follow this blog for more coffee adventures around the globe, as well as follow me on instagram! instagram.com/cafecultures

For  my other adventures such as music, videos and travel advice, follow me at blend.io/yoursongburd
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xx Songburd xx

Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe - Richmond, VA, USA

While exploring the streets of Richmond, Virginia, my parents and I came across a cafe on East Cary Street that caught our attention - Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe.  Being mid-morning, it was high time for our good daily dosage of caffein.

Upon first entering the cafe, I felt a warm atmosphere, as the large windows that line the front entrance brought a lot of natural light in.  The wood paneling gave a lovely rustic, cozy feeling.  Pictures hung in patterns on the wall.  In the back was a wall of wine.  All along the counter, an array of sweets, treats and unique chocolates (including a dark chocolate raspberry bar which highly tempted my wallet and my taste buds!) filled the empty spaces.  It appeared that there were 3 people working behind the counter.  No one in the store seemed to be in a rush, it is the kind of place you come and relax, and can expect high quality coffee and food.  Not to mention good moods in the customers, and the service. 

I ordered a blond almond milk Café au lait, my mom got an almond milk mocha, and my dad got the classic Americano. 

We sat ourselves on some comfy couches, and awaited out drinks. The kind lady who took our order also made our drinks and called them out to us, served in white for-here mugs. My café au lait was perfect - the almond milk was steamed beautifully - not to the point of being burnt, which has been my experience at many cafes serving almond milk.  It was smooth, mellow, and beautiful. I could tell that the baristas really take care to be sure that every drink is made properly.

Their coffee is roasted by Williamsburg Coffee and Tea company.  They offer organic soy and almond milk, and their dairy is delivered from the Shenandoah family farms.  Their food menu offers locally sourced natural and organic ingredients promoting healthy living. They serve a variety of eggs, soups and salads, fruits and yogurts, meats and even some yummy home made desserts.  Catering is also provided, with free delivery within walking distance.

This is definitely a cafe to sit and enjoy.  The service was not like that of large chain coffee shops - where faster is considered better. Here, it's about quality - even if that means sitting and waiting for a bit.  So come, sit back, relax with some friends or family, read a book, do homework, or write a blog.  This is the perfect location to do just that.

If you're into organic, local, sustainable, quality coffees and food, then I definitely reccomend you check out Urban Farmhouse and Market in Richmond Virginia. For more details check out their website: http://theurbanfarmhouse.net/

Be sure to follow this blog for more coffee adventures around the globe, as well as follow me on instagram!
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xx Songburd xx

The Meeting Place Cafe - Brisbane, Australia

In the little suburb of Mitchelton right outside the beautiful city of Brisbane, Australia, you'll come across a small corner cafe called "The Meeting Place Cafe".  Stepping inside, you'll find a unique, home-made, cozy, welcoming atmosphere with soothing music playing, art hanging on the wall, couches to chill on and hand-made tables.  You'll be greeted and served by friendly group of international volunteers who are passionate about not only bringing you a quality cup of Australian coffee, but also building into the lives of their local community. 

The Meeting Place Cafe is run by an international missions organization called "Youth With A Mission" (GOYWAM.com), and is located at the bottom corner of the "YWAM" base. Because of this, much of the traffic that comes through The Meeting Place Cafe consists of young, energetic, positive missionaries from all over the globe.  Every cup you drink or dessert you devour, you can pay for with little as a gold coin donation.  Every dollar (or more) that you drop into their jar goes to support not only the cafe, but also local and over-seas missions.  Not only will the caffein make you feel good, but you can also feel good knowing that you are supporting a worthy cause!

Every time I visited The Meeting Place, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and generous.  People would often put an extra dollar or two in the jar to pay for a friend or a first-timer walking through the door. The fact that the workers are volunteer means that they are extremely passionate about what they do, and bring the best customer service around town.  Rarely have I been to a cafe with service as friendly!  Come with a mind and heart open to meeting new people - because you certainly will.  You can expect incredible conversations and new friendships to form here.  


Every Sunday night, people are busting out of the doors with an open mic night from 7-11pm!  This is a time where people come and perform a couple songs, tell a few jokes, or do a skit.  If you've got talent, the mic is open to you!  This night continues to grow in popularity as the word gets spread around the community.  Come ready to be entertained (or to be the entertainer,) to mingle and make new friends.


Their beans are generously donated by Elixir coffee, a local coffee roaster run by two brothers (visit http://www.elixircoffee.com.au/)  They use the "Velluto" blend, which is a smooth, rich, medium to full bodied coffee with a sweet, creamy and nutty flavour to it. 


The Meeting Place Cafe baristas are professionally trained and have fun drawing gorgeous latte art in each special cup. You can order your traditional long black, flat white, cappuccino, latte or mocha, or have something a little sweeter with their variety of flavoured syrups.  Drinks are served hot or iced, served for here or take-away (I highly recommend you don't do take-away, come and sit for a while!)  If coffee isn't your flavour, enjoy a nice chai or hot chocolate instead.  Soy milk is offered for the dairy intolerant people (myself included.)  They have a variety of hot teas that you can get in a full pot, or just a mug.  They also serve many flavours of thick shakes, which are a big hit especially among the local high school students, and on hot summer days.  Their desserts are always changing, ranging from yummy cakes, chocolates, to delectable tarts and cookies, made for you with love.  They also have a side room which you can book out for events such as meetings or birthday parties.


I give this cafe 10/10 stars and highly recommend that you pay them a visit when in Brisbane!
Their address is 671 Samford Road, Mitchelton, QLD 4053.
Like them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YWAMMeetingPlace
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meetingplace671

Be sure to follow this blog for more coffee adventures around the globe, as well as follow me on instagram!
instagram.com/cafecultures

For  my other adventures such as music, videos and travel advice, follow me at
blend.io/yoursongburd
youtube.com/user/lillyofozland
facebook.com/yoursongburd
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xx Songburd xx