Love Shack: The Cup & Muffin 15 August 2009

I’d been waiting for the day when we missed the ferry so I could hang out and photograph The Cup & Muffin, and yesterday was our day. We watched the ferry sail off as we pulled up to the terminal. So, turned around and headed back a few feet to this cutie…

One side is for cars, the other for pedestrians. Although it looks pretty big, there’s no inside seating. Just this sweet garden. JumbleSon delighted in muddying himself as I enjoyed a piping hot cuppa from one of my favorite roasting companies – Caffe Vita

I think we’ll miss the ferry more often.

Love Shack: The Lighthouse 23 July 2009

It was a cool, misty morning when we packed up and headed to Seattle for the day. Fog horns were bellowing out in the Strait and our morning beach walk was shrouded in grey. A stop at The Lighthouse felt like the right thing to do.

Many drive through coffee shops have pleasant outside seating areas like this one. And, walk up windows are also common (as seen here).

The coffee was pretty good. In fact, we’re becoming used to this – little shacks serving up coffees of “acceptable” to “really good” ratings. It’s always a bit of a surprise. But when there’s as much competition as there is here, I suppose it’s to be expected. Of course, we’d love to discover THE place – the one that serves up coffee as memorable as Cafe Hernandez in Sydney, The Coffee Garden in Salt Lake City, or any place in Italy. But so far it eludes us.

And we’re OK with that. The fun is in the hunt (or drive thru as the case may be)!

Love Shack: The Coffee Cottage 16 July 2009

Conveniently located in the parking lot of PDQ Auto Services just off of Highway 101, we find today’s love shack: The Coffee Cottage. Just giving a little contrast in scenery from last weeks Espresso Garden.

Like most drive through coffee houses on the Peninsula, it is made for drivers of SUVs and other such high-rise vehicles.

My arm is fully outstretched in this photo and still my hand is nearly a foot from the window!

We found it necessary to stop in today not because I needed a coffee warming, but because JumbleSon as out of water after our morning in Nature (why?? didn’t I think to refill it in the falls???). Of course, I did oblige them by ordering a 12oz. iced Americano (double shot) with splash of soy. It was pretty good, scenery notwithstanding.

Here’s a shot from our morning hike at Madison Creek Falls just inside Olympic National Park (just in case you don’t find drive thru coffee as fascinating as I )…

Love Shack 7 July 2009

Today was a typical Pacific Northwest day.  Mostly overcast, with occasional sun breaks (link here for definition ), high of 60F/15C, sprinkles off and on.  I in my turtleneck & sweater, Son in his shorts & t-shirt (ensemble put together by himself), we decided it was the perfect day to explore a neighboring town.

After playing with seals by the sea for quite some time, we headed home.   JumbleSon seemed unphased by the cool air, but I was in serious need of a coffee to warm me salty bones.

And what luck!  I just happen to be in the land of drive-through coffee stands.  Every nook and cranny and stretch of uninhabited road has one or two.  And I believe it is my duty – as a good citizen – to visit as many as I possibly can in case one of them harbors a coffee of orgasmic proportions like that of The Coffee Garden in Salt Lake City, Utah.

But more than that, I love the idea of documenting these adorable little roadside huts that cater to the needs of sleepy, chilled locals and unsuspecting newcomers alike.

So without further ado, I bring you today’s caffeinated love shack, The Espresso Garden

This gem is situated right along Discovery Bay off of Highway 101 on the Olympic Peninsula.  Next to it you will find a Wild Birds Unlimited store and an antique shop.  Random.  Random.  There’s nothing else for miles along this strip.  But, I must say, it’s a lovely spot all the same.  And I, for one, am glad they’re here – even if their coffee** is mediocre.

So what about you?  Do you love coffee or tea?  Have a favorite drink or spot for your bean/leaf fix?  Aspire to become a barista/tea ceremony hostess (anyone know the name for that role?)?  Or otherwise, appreciate funky little coffee/tea shops?

**When critiquing coffee, I order an 8oz. Americano (that’s a short black for you Aussies out there, or single shot of espresso with hot water ) with a splash of soy milk.