The first coffee aficionados, it’s said, were goats. According to legend, shepherds in Ethiopia noticed, about 10 centuries ago, that their charge seemed to have more energy after eating wild coffee berries.
Since then, the caffeine-rich stimulant has managed to get people moving in the morning all over the world. Historically on the continent of Africa and in Yemen, it was used in religious ceremonies. The United States acquired a serious taste for the steamy drink after the War of 1812, during which time Britain cut off access to tea imports.
So steep it, boil it or pressurize it, but whichever way you choose to enjoy your cup of Joe, don’t forget to take advantage of some of the Northwest’s independently owned coffee spots.
ELIXER COFFEE SOLUTIONS
10661 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 245-6498
Open Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-noon
CUTTERS POINT COFFEE
6435 N. Thornydale Road
Phone: 229-8823
Open Monday-Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
DESERT RAIN COFFEE
1551 E. Tangerine Road
Phone: 901-3500, ext. 4558
Open Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
ROADRUNNER COFFEE COMPANY
8245 N. Silverbell Road
Phone: 572-9011
Open Monday-Thursday 5 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
9665 N. Thornydale Road
Phone: 579-7011
Open Monday-Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
