Starbucks had its start in Seattle with its original store located in Pikes Market. And, it’s true, they have stores everywhere. Yet, just below my hostel was a little coffee shop called Seattle Coffee Cafe. I tried it out the morning I left and enjoyed my mocha latte but was intrigued by all that I saw around me. Two young men worked the shop, one on the register, connecting with customers and taking orders. The second man was behind the bar, hand grinding the beans, damping the coffee by hand and pouring the shots through his manual machine. The whole process was a work of art. The little heart added to my mocha does not improve the taste but adds a special touch. Makes you feel like your not just someone to quickly get out the door.
The ambiance was welcoming. There were plenty of chairs and tables. A couple of comfy chairs and soft warm lights. It was inviting and had that feeling of comfort. As you can see in the above image, felt like they were at home. The young girl must of had a long night, either too much party time or too much study time. She’s down and out. The man in the military fatigues hardly moved except for his hands. He intently read his book, seldom looking at his hands. And, those fingers were almost a blur. The only time he changed position was the trip to the bathroom and make room for another coffee. That’s when the girl moved, so I knew she was alive. I enjoy experiencing coffee shops. And, of course being Seattle, it rained.
10 Comments
Ken Bello
The interior shot tells a story that is familiar with coffee shops coast-to-coast. The cup in the foreground gives this a unique perspective.
Monte Stevens
So, it sounds like you’ve been in a couple of them. When I was younger I remember my grandpa going to the cafe for coffee. Back then we had no idea what a espresso shot or a latte was. It was coffee with cream and sugar.
Earl
I like Starbucks but the greatest thing they’ve done for us coffee lovers is to raise everyone’s game. Some small coffee shops are better then Starbucks, IMO, but they often owe it to the fact that a Starbucks exist somewhere close by. 🙂
A very warming shot of the mocha!
Monte Stevens
You are so right, Earl. I have always searched out the small mom-and-pop shops. Meeting the owners and knowing something about the history of the place all add to the allure of them. I also feel at times that Strbucks can be very impersonal, always in a hurry to move customers through the door.
Paul
I don’t drink coffee, but have been to Starbucks. I get tea. Earl is right, they do provide some pretty stellar service and, from my observation, if you come in a lot, they get to know you, so then it becomes like a local coffee shop.
Interesting to see a guy in army get-up wearing a knit hat and knitting! Very interesting. That just screams tension. LOL
Monte Stevens
Not sure if I’ve shared this before but I worked as a barista at Starbucks for about 2 1/2 years, prior to working as a flight attendant. It was a kick and I really got to know the philosophy behind their service. They set some high standards and work diligently to meet them. It is not that easy of a job, either. I would sometimes come home after a 4-6 hour shift totally exhausted.
Tom Dills
Starbucks is one a very few exceptions to my rule of avoiding chains, but only if I can’t find a local spot. Sounds like this is one such place.
I can’t imagine knitting and doing anything else, much less reading! But then I have no idea how to knit.
Monte Stevens
Multi-tasking seems to be a norm these days. Yet, it is something I do not do very well. It feels Iike I do not do a good job when trying that. I do not knit either but who knows I may like it.
Anita Jesse
It sounds as if the staff at this coffee shop takes pride in their work. I am a great admirer of people who take pride in what they do, regardless of how exotic or romantic the work might be. The photo of the mocha latte makes we what some coffee. Just not Starbucks. Yikes! Their coffee is like battery acid to my system.
Monte Stevens
Yes, Starbucks makes a potent brew and that is what some people want. I could tell these two young men were enjoying their work.