Have A Coffee At The First Starbucks

Prior to becoming a nurse I hardly EVER drank coffee...even in college I would rarely drink a cup of coffee unless I needed an extra few hours of studying during finals week.  I remember one year I drank one of those Starbucks Doubleshot drinks in a can, during the test I started having heart palpitations and became extremely fidgety.  Till this day my friend who was sitting next to me during that exam still makes fun of me.  I seriously felt like my heart was going to pop out of my chest.  I swore off coffee for a few years, but then I started night shift!  7PM to 7:30AM.  Starbucks became my friend through the long nights, and then it became my friend during the day when I would try to readjust to being a "normal" person on my days off.  Thankfully I am now on day shift, and I normally only drink coffee on days I work (typically 3-4 days a week, but lately due to picking up extra shifts it has been 5-6 days a week!).

So of course when visiting Seattle I had to visit the place where Starbucks started!  It was conveniently located at Pike Place Market.  Besides the fact that "First Starbucks Store" was etched on the front window, it really looked like a plain old Starbucks (even smaller than others I have visited).  Thanks Starbucks for keeping me awake and alert when I have needed it the most! 

Date Accomplished:  June 5th, 2008

Make Coffee With A French Press

Once upon a time I hated coffee. 

Then, I began working night shift and my hate evolved into a love.

Then somewhere in between I became a bit of a coffee snob.

One day, I went to a restaurant for brunch and was served a cup of coffee right out of a french press.  I was in love. 

In order to make coffee with a French Press you will need a....

1. French Press
2.  Whole Bean coffee
3.  Coffee Grinder
4.  Tea Kettle (to make hot water)

Then coarsely grind some whole bean coffee and plop a few scoops into the French Press.  Pour hot water into the French press, and let the water and coffee brew for a few minutes.  Then slowly push the plunger down.

Lastly, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee! 

Date Accomplished:  November 15th, 2006

Have A Cup Of Espresso In Italy

There's no question that I love coffee, but I love Espresso even more.  I love the strong punch that only espresso or a shot of tequila can give me, however the shot of espresso is more palpable for my palate than the tequila.  If I have time in the morning to prepare espresso, I use this little piece of amazingness to do so.   I mix it with some almond milk, some sugar or syrup, and I have a cup of greatness that will keep me awake for my long, physically (and mentally) exhausting 12 hour shifts.

Espresso is a beverage made by forcing a small amount of boiling water under pressure through ground coffee or espresso beans.  The final product is a creamier, and more concentrated version of coffee.  Espresso was discovered in Italy, and it fills the tables of nearly all Italian street side cafes. 

After dinner in Tuscany, I was offered a shot of espresso.  Yes, Please!!  It was strong, delicious, and
exactly what I needed to jump start my evening for some dancing in Florence!

Date Accomplished: September 25th, 2007