Tag: COFFEE TIME

COFFEE TIME – The Wild Detectives

January 24, 2019 3:00 AM January 24, 2019

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As a resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex my husband and I have worked to explore new parts of town regularly. In February of 2015 we discovered a part of town…

As a resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex my husband and I have worked to explore new parts of town regularly. In February of 2015 we discovered a part of town known as The Bishops Arts District. This small area of South Dallas is in the midst of huge change. Between the high-rise apartments being built and the historic business districts, you will find rows of craftsman homes. Each and every home gorgeous in its own right. Smack dab in the middle of West Eighth Street, you will find this little orange facade.

This little orange house not only features (in my opinion) the BEST coffee in Dallas but also, a bookstore for all ages, and a bar for the night owls. The wide variety of entertainment it has to offer makes The Wild Detectives such a fun and entertaining spot!

Their No WiFi Weekends is one of my favorite aspects of the coffee house.

I love the idea of just being present with those at your table and truly enjoying the moment unplugged.

Did I mention that The Wild Detectives has the BEST coffee in town? It really does. The Wild Detectives proudly brew coffee roasted locally by Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters. As a creature of habit (and one who loves what they love) I always go for the Americano. ☕ The hubster on the other hand almost always chooses something different.

No matter what he chooses, we always leave with a smile. The energy in this place is contagious.

In addition to their coffee, The Wild Detectives offers a great selection of breakfast items and savory toasts. Their menu features several selections from restaurants in the area.

As for the nightlife, The Wild Detectives offer a full bar including craft beer, craft cocktails and a suitable wine list. In their backyard area, they host fun events like concerts, poetry jams, plays, book readings and panel discussions. Check their events calendar to join the fun!

In addition to good vibes and great brews The Wild Detectives inventories a solid collection of literary works. One of their four initiatives is “100% Vetted Books”. This initiative states that the list of literary works featured in the bookstore is a carefully curated list created by book lovers of the Dallas community.

During your next visit be sure to peruse the Book of the Month and other featured books. While at The Wild Detectives you are sure to find something well written and worth the time to slow down and read it.

So why did the owners mix together the environment of a local coffee house, with the conversation of a bookstore and the energy of trendy bar?

“We want our space to encourage people to have a drink and talk to one another, to open up and share ideas, to hang out smartly, to engage in a conversation that will open new realities for them. That’s what talking culture does. It opens spaces that weren’t there before. Because culture accumulates into more culture.”

-The Wild Detectives, About

As a repeat customer, I truly believe that they achieved their goal. The Wild Detectives is such a fun and free-spirited place. Whether you are studying for school, out on a date or just in search of some human connection and a hot cup of joe you have found the spot.

If you are in Dallas, please take the time to stop by The Wild Detectives, you’ll be glad you did!

xo,

Carolyn

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C R E A T I V I T Y

Salted Espresso Dark Chocolate Brownies

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September 13, 2018 3:00 AM September 13, 2018

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3,811 Comments

I stumbled upon this Salted Espresso Fudge Brownie recipe by the amazing www.butterandbrioche.com. Thalia’s blog and Instagram are filled with the most amazing pictures of the most delectable foods. (Seriously #igfeedgoals)! We have a house guest coming in tomorrow for the night, which is always the best excuse to try out a new dessert recipe. 🙌🏼

As I reviewed Thalia’s recipe I realized that it was a little over my skill level and would require more free time than I had 🙆🏻. With the photos of these brownies dancing in my head, I decided to use her recipe as inspiration for a quicker, less pastry chef level dessert 🙈. Although I am certain the original recipe would blow my socks off the option below is incredibly tasty.

First, collect your ingredients. To save time I used a boxed Dark Chocolate brownie mix.

Make the brownies as instructed on the box with the addition of espresso powder and dark chocolate chips.

Bake as instructed on the box and then let cool in the pan.

Now by using a mix for the brownies, we were able to save time and effort. For the frosting, however, we are making it from scratch and believe me – it is worth it. To begin, melt the finely chopped dark chocolate in a double boiler. Stirring constantly. Meanwhile, combine the room temperature butter and powdered sugar, mix together until light yellow. Then slowly add the melted chocolate. Mix together as you add the remaining whipping cream, espresso powder, vanilla extract and cocoa powder. Continue to mix until the frosting is light brown and fluffy. Once brownies are cool apply a generous layer of the frosting to the top. Store in the fridge until ready to serve. Directly before serving sprinkle some sea salt flakes on the top.

Enjoy!

xo,

5 from 2 votes

Salted Espresso Dark Chocolate Brownies

Gooey dark chocolate brownies with a homemade salted espresso chocolate frosting make for a super indulgent treat!

Course Dessert

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

1 box dark chocolate brownie mix
1 tsp espresso powder
pinch salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips preferably not chunks or pieces

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips finely chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/8 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp espresso powder
1 tsp vanilla bean extract

Instructions

For the Brownies:

Grease the pan and prepare for baking.
Pre-heat the oven per the instructions on the box.
Whisk together the brownie mix, espresso powder, oil, water, eggs and salt.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly incorporated throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Bake per the box instructions, or until the brownie is firm around the edges and just set in the middle. A knife inserted into the middle should come out of the middle with a few moist crumbs attached, not clean. Remove from the oven and allow the brownie to cool completely in the pan.

For the Frosting: (From the kitchen of www.butterandbrioche.com)

First, melt down the chocolate in a double boiler. Heat, over medium-low and stirring often, until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment, beat together the butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Set the mixer speed to medium-low and slowly stream in the melted chocolate. Return the speed back to medium and beat until well combined, a further 2 minutes. Beat in the cream, cocoa, espresso, and vanilla until incorporated. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for a further minute, or until the frosting is lightened in color, smooth, and aerated.
When you’re ready to frost the cooled brownies, use an offset palette knife or the back of a metal spoon to thickly spread the frosting over the top of the brownie. At this point, I like to chill the brownie for about half an hour to slightly set the top so it’s easier to cut, but, you could serve the brownies straight away. Make sure to sprinkle over a little pinch of flaked salt or fleur de sel, right before serving.

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A D V E N T U R E

COFFEE TIME – Perk Beverage Co.

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August 23, 2018 3:00 AM August 23, 2018

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4,259 Comments

As you pull in to Vale, Oregon you can’t help but notice the newest building on Highway 20. At the corner of Highway 20 and 17th St N, you will…

As you pull in to Vale, Oregon you can’t help but notice the newest building on Highway 20. At the corner of Highway 20 and 17th St N, you will find a great new coffee spot in town! Whether you’re looking for a drive-thru or a quiet spot to read Perk Beverage Co. has you covered.

Hours

Perk Beverage Co. is open Monday – Saturday with hours during the week ranging from 6:00 am -7:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. No matter the time of day Perk has a comfy place for you to sit and a hot (or cold) beverage at the ready.

Perk Beverage Co. offers your traditional coffee beverages, teas, fresh fruit smoothies and Italian Sodas. During my visit, I stuck to my standard drip coffee with sugar and a splash of cream. The coffee was full-bodied and smooth – absolutely delightful! Coming in at $ 2.00 for a 20 oz cup I was pleasantly surprised! Adreena went for a fresh fruit smoothie while Aaron chose a Breve.

In addition to drinks, Perk Beverage Co. has you covered on the snack and food front! From freshly baked pastries to paninis and salads – regardless of time, they are sure to please.

A Place to Socialize

Perk Beverage Co. prides itself in being a gathering place for the community as well as a stopping point for passers-by. It’s convenient location and roomy interior are perfectly paired to meet that mission. Perk offers free wi-fi, a selection of board games, ample parking, clean bathrooms and great customer service! What more could you ask for?

Well, there is one more thing… and adult beverage would be nice now and again. 😉 Well actually Perk Beverage Co. does serve adult beverages, they offer a selection of canned beers and wines for consumption during your visit. 🍻

If you ever passing by be sure to stop in, you’ll be happy you did!

Until next week, cheers to Friday Jr. ✨

xo,

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A D V E N T U R E

COFFEE TIME – Ultra Life Cafe

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June 28, 2018 3:00 AM June 28, 2018

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4,120 Comments

One of my favorite things about Oregon is the plentiful array of drive-thru coffee shops. The options are endless and the quality is bar-none. On our recent trip, a stop at…

One of my favorite things about Oregon is the plentiful array of drive-thru coffee shops. The options are endless and the quality is bar-none. On our recent trip, a stop at Ultra Life Cafe was strongly recommended. It doesn’t take much to convenience us so we knew we had to make a stop. 🙃 Ultra Life is nothing short of perfect, from the list of options, overall esthetic and superb flavors – we are hooked!

Drive-Thru or Walk Up

I love that Ultra Life gives you the option of running thru the drive-thru or walking up and enjoying your morning cup in their quaint enclosed patio. As a first-timer, I definitely need extra time to review the menu and make my selection.

The Ultra Life Cafe menu has everything you could possibly ask for. From a killer Nitro Cold Brew to a Matcha Green Tea Latta, they have you covered. In addition to the diverse menu, Ultra Life has SIX milk alternatives for you to choose from, count them – SIX. 🙌🏻 In making my decision it is obvious I fell claim to excellent marketing, as I chose the “Northwest Fog” – a tea latte infused with rose syrup. It was absolutely delightful! Adreena went with her favorite Matcha but opted to have it crafted with oatmeal milk. Aaron went with the classic flat white. All of us were very impressed with the overall presentation, speed of preparation and obvious quality of ingredients in each drink. ☕💕

If you have not had a chance to visit the Pacific Northwest, please move it toward the top of your list. There are so many amazing places to see, learn and eat! This copy of Travel Newport is full of fun things to do around Newport, Oregon – which is my personal favorite coast location.

Have you ever been to the Oregon Coast? Know someplace we should stop next trip? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,

4,120 Comments

A D V E N T U R E

COFFEE TIME – Jolts & Juice Coffee House

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April 12, 2018 3:00 AM April 12, 2018

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4,751 Comments

If you ever find yourself in Eastern Oregon or Western Idaho, please do yourself the favor of stopping by Jolts & Juice Coffee House. (Click here to find a location…

If you ever find yourself in Eastern Oregon or Western Idaho, please do yourself the favor of stopping by Jolts & Juice Coffee House. (Click here to find a location near you). This locally owned coffee house is full of wonderful things to distract your mind and please your palette!

Recently while visiting for my cousin’s wedding I came across the Downtown location of Jolts & Juice Coffee House. It is located on the North East corner of S Oregon St and SE 3rd Ave. It has the greatest curb appeal! As we drove through town I spotted it out of the corner of my eye and just knew I had to make a stop before my visit came to an end.

Ambiance

Sunday morning I popped in for a hot cup of coffee to get my day started. Bicycles, antique signage and vintage farm equipment hung from the ceiling while old doors and windows created private spaces within the dining area. There was so much to look at, I was caught off guard when it was my time to order! The place was filled with people; from large groups to cozy couples and the all too familiar – girl with her laptop 👩🏻‍💻. The room was warm and inviting; exactly what you look for in a place to socialize, read or work.

Although I generally opt for drip coffee, the Spring specials definitely drew my attention! I contimplated ordering a coffee and a Lavander Chai Latte – just to try it! 🙃 The menu offers a wide variety of coffee drinks from your traditional drip coffee to their menu favorites the “Copper Camel” or “Johnny Earthquake“. In addition, they offer blended coffee drinks and fresh fruit smoothies to appease every taste!

From start to finish the menu had me wishing I could stay all day just to try-out each and every item!

The front counter offered pastries, pre-made salads and sandwiches. All that were beautifully arranged in the most tantalizing way! How can one resist?!

With fresh coffee, roasted daily in-house, it really is such a gem in the heart of Ontario. I will be certain to stop by every time I’m in town — and bring friends so I can try more options on the menu. 😉

Any of you ever enjoyed a cup from Jolts & Juice?

Fun fact (if you’ve read this far 🙃) I was actually born in Ontario! (My first home was on SW 2nd Ave 🏡💕)

xo,

Carolyn

4,751 Comments

COFFEE TIME – The Wild Detectives

Salted Espresso Dark Chocolate Brownies

Salted Espresso Dark Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

For the Frosting:

Instructions

For the Brownies:

For the Frosting: (From the kitchen of www.butterandbrioche.com)

COFFEE TIME – Perk Beverage Co.

Hours

Menu

A Place to Socialize

COFFEE TIME – Ultra Life Cafe

Drive-Thru or Walk Up

Menu

COFFEE TIME – Jolts & Juice Coffee House

Ambiance

Menu