I have to start this post off with a full disclosure: I don’t drink coffee! But this year two different friends of mine in two different cities launched new roasting-related businesses so I thought I would share their info with my readers who may be looking for some caf-tastic items to give to friends, family, and business associates this holiday season (or simply to help themselves get THROUGH this holiday season! :))
And although I can’t personally attest to the high quality of their products, no worries: I feel quite comfortable recommending them. After all, for the last several years Zeke’s Coffee of D.C. has been chosen to supply National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony with their locally roasted beans and Augusta-based coffee and espresso bar Buona Caffe has been named Best Coffee in Augusta by that city’s magazine 5 years in a row… Testimonials don’t get much better than that!
Zeke’s Coffee of D.C.
The most recent addition to the Zeke’s family of coffee-related businesses (they’re also in Baltimore and Pittsburgh), D.C. owner John Kepner started his small-batch roastery and coffee lab this year to better caffeinate the residents of the nation’s capital.
Located in the Woodridge neighborhood in the NE area of the city, the business is part roaster/part coffee shop, where customers can enjoy cups of any of the single-origin or custom blends they roast on site.
You can purchase Zeke’s beans and coffee-related gifts online at www.zekescoffee.net.
For the spooky story lover on your list: Pair Zeke’s specialty Tell-Tale Dark blend with Edgar Allan Poe: Complete Tales and Poems with Selected Essays.
Stay Informed
You can sign up to get notices about upcoming tastings and events on the Zeke’s Coffee of DC website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact Zeke’s
2300 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20018, 202-302-4371, zekescoffeedc@gmail.com
Shop Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun, 8am-5pm
Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee
Roasting coffee since 2010, Buona Caffe’s owners Pat and John Curry expanded their business in 2013 by opening a coffee and espresso bar.
In addition to enjoying a leisurely cup of one of their specialty coffees, Buona Caffe offers espresso, hand-made syrups, loose-leaf teas, local pastries, catering services, and a variety of coffee-themed swag, including these Happily Caffeinated mugs. Also, for every 12-ounce bag they sell, they make a donation to the Children’s Safe Drinking Water organization.
You can purchase Buona Caffe products from their online store.
For the global gourmet on your list: Pair Buona Caffe’s Bali Blue Moon with The Food of Indonesia: Delicious Recipes from Bali, Java and the Spice Islands.
Stay Informed
You can follow Buona Caffe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact Buona Caffe
1858 Central Ave, Augusta, Ga, 30904, 706-869-4074, info@buonacaffe.com
Shop Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm, Sat, 8am-5pm, Sun, closed