It's Time For A SERIOUS Debate: Who's Brewing the Best Coffee in Detroit?

[Gannon]

Hi, Pam!

I think we need to differentiate between those who roast their beans from green, those who get the best roasted beans they possibly can, and the rest.


The most passionate and out-of-this-world coffee experience for me came during a slow afternoon at Anthology. I didn't know it, but we'd dropped in just after their closing time...but that didn't stop the fellows from teaching me more about flavors and knowing the source...and they are the only place I'd ever heard about some common parasite that makes the cup into an odd foul-potato smelling brew.

One of the partners there has some qualification for taste training and sensitivity...not unlike a somalier with wines, only with all tastes [[and scents) in food and coffees and the like. I wish I'd paid attentiont to the term. He is building his ANTHOLOGY of taste experiences, and created the coffee joint as part of that trajectory.


Next up? Chazzano in Ferndale. He won't like being second, but frankly if Gazhekwe's little brother had a local shop...instead of just the one in the UP...he'd be third. But this cat knows his coffees, and is the only one I've heard who collects the retail bags after they've gone past his [[extraordinarily short) life expectancy. More than anyone, he stresses the immediacy of capturing the taste not long after roasting the beans.

Third, but only for the aforementioned distance, is The Dancing Crane in the UP. He also knows the sources of his beans, and is every bit the roaster as the other two.

Fourth is Great Lakes, but only by a smidge. James runs a great joint there, but I wish his counter talent were more focused on the clientele. He gets honorable mention as the only place with an alcohol license, at least for beer and wine. He has the best food of any of them, and since he has THE coolest and most central space...you'll find me here most often.

Fifth, but also very respectable, is Germack...the shop Honky Tonk says was in the old Rafal Spice company location. They are quite excellent. Even during a weekend crush, their counter staff is genuine and engaged. I buy some of my green beans here, the only one which retails unroasted and roasted. Since they have many of the same spices [[in basically the same location, including the coffee bins), it is overall the most comfortable. Plus, my honey is addicted to their wasabe peas...she'd buy 'em by the barrel if they'd let her.


Then we get to Astro. First one that doesn't roast their own beans, but they use the Intelligencia brand out of Chicago, which most coffee afficianados say are the best roasters in the country. I absolutely love these folks. Totally and completely. Probably the most consistently best cup of coffee, and more convenient hours other than Great Lakes for those of us who want coffee after two in the afternoon. Need. Unfortunately, I have to pass most of these other places to get to them now, if I'm in more than once a month it is a special deal. Must remember to get there more...

I haven't really gotten into Trisophenes on Gratiot yet...but, I've been in there once and am very excited to see the scene Joel and his wife are creating. Because of all the folks I know who hang out there, it will likely become the go-to place for music.


There are many I don't know...1515 Broadway jumps out...geez...and the auto-tube joint. I've heard Starbucks has gotten much better after their original owner reclaimed the helm...but I see no real reason to try 'em again. I'd much rather keep these locals in business.


Cheers!