A TURKISH TEA TRADITION
Just like a slow cooked stew, the coffee is constantly stirred and fussed upon while every one participates in the social activity of taking a coffee break. It is no more a simple sipping of the brew but a immersive and collaborative experience of the entire process. Finally, the brew is always served with a side of clear water and Turkish Delight; a balance of sweet and rich, bitter washed down with water as a cleanse.
Performed as such a ritual, the experience of coffee represents many things from friendship to welcome to gratitude to warmth.
A Turkish Coffee Ritual
On a visit to Turkey in 2014, I had the pleasure of enjoying the traditional way in which coffee is brewed, even today. No matter the medium of heat, the the process is neither solitary nor hastened, yet is very simplistic with most basic of cooking tools. Coal or heated sand is used to cook the coffee with water and the only tool used is the distinctly shaped vessel with the long handle.
But, beyond the technicalities, it is the ritualization of the process that struck a chord in me. The making of a traditional coffee is a communal process. It is neither an individual brewing experience nor one done in bulk. But, rather it is a many to many process. Coffee is cooked in individual vessels but as many vessels as people gathered are placed on the medium of heat.
Budget Cold Brew
It's the mid-month of Summer and I think it is time I shared my oft tested and perfected recipe for making cold brew at home and with no more special equipment that a French press that I think most people have at home.
It began as shock registered at the price of cold brew in coffee shops. On average, it costs about $4.50 with tip for about a cup measure of coffee concentrate mixed with water and milk. $4.50!!! I balked. But, it was hot and I was really in need of a caffeine fix and grudging bought one. Even as I sat there sipping the drink and feeling it's thirst quenching effects, my mind raced and wondered. Is there a way to get access to this cheaper?
First, I decided to invest a bit and scout a few more coffee shops to taste the different offerings. So, I tried the major ones around; from Blue Bottle to Counter Culture to Konditori to Venticinque and my own local roastery and favorite Kos Kaffe. They all tasted different, in part due to the beans, but, as I found, largely from the process.
Dublin, Eat and Drink - A Photo Post
Dublin this time completely amazed me. The quality of Irish food has always been gastronomic but the city now has several restaurant that have adopted the gastronomique from global cuisines and incorporated them into an Irish way of eating.
Even more I loved the craft coffee culture that is springing up all around the city. I had several cups of beautifully roasted and well poured pulls! Below are some captures from my five days in the city just before last Christmas from places that blew my NYC mind! I highly recommend the Roasted Brown Coffee Co. for a relaxed cuppa with simple and delicious eats.
In Ballsbridge is a coffee kiosk that is also a micro-roastery. Yes, he roasted and pulls in a tiny shower stall sized kiosk. And, it is fantastic!!! Now, that is a revolution!
