Second Cup- Highland Bakery

The Highland Bakery's third location has recently set itself up on Georgia Tech's campus, so using our Friday lunch break Anand and I decided to check it out and see how it compares to the the Old Fourth Ward cafe. When we were walking over I remarked on how quiet campus was given it was the Friday before finals week. Then, as we ascended down the hill from Tech Tower to the Highland's spot we soon found where everyone was! The place was brimming with students. The patio, inside dining area, and line at the registers were completely crowded. Despite the lunchtime madness the staff were calm, collected, and friendly as always. I especially like them because they compliment me every time I go in (haha). Anyways, keeping to tradition we both ordered coffee-mine iced, his hot-and opted to take them to go. So we strolled around campus drinking our Batdorf & Bronson creations and brought each other up to speed on one another's life. Now that's the best way to take your coffee, with some friendship and bonding on the side. 

Observations: The cafe itself is smaller than the OFW spot. If Friday's visit was true to Highland's usual occupancy then I would suggest avoiding lunchtime here. And skip this location for your Sunday brunch because it is only open M-F. There is no table service, rather you order and pay at the front, then staff will bring out your order once it's prepared. On the upside, there's a nice little espresso bar off to the side where you can watch as the barista makes your drink of choice. And they still sell fresh loaves of bread and have that pastry case filled with perfect, little, tempting sweets.  I'm delighted to have Highland so close to my office so I can stop in for my morning coffee on the reg. I highly recommend you try it out too!

::by Jaclyn Overall

Is the World Shaking or Is It Just Me?

What Coffee Means to Me
First off, I want to apologize for my insane absence from this blog. Life has led me on an interesting journey over the last 6 months. I want to get back into this blog (and reward Jaclyn's patience with me) by writing a quick post about just how big a role coffee plays in my life. 

To most people, coffee is a morning starter or an afternoon extender. It's a drink we indulge in not for its taste but for the energy it contains. We need the caffeine to rev us up in the mornings so we can get out the door. And most of us need that caffeine again in the afternoons to get us over that "2 o'clock hump." Just like our daily commute or our fall-back drink at a bar, we think nothing more of it, and nothing less of it.

But to me, coffee is something very different. It has and will forever be an integral part of my life. I had my first sip of coffee when I was in Kindergarten and I stole my dad's cup from morning breakfast. Before my mom noticed and chided me, I had already indulged in the nectar of the gods, and from that moment I was hooked. It wasn't until I was about 12 before I started having a daily morning cup, and until I was 15 before I added an evening cup to my repertoire. 

Fast forward to now and you'll find that coffee no longer has any affect on me. I can start my mornings with or without and be perfectly fine (although, I must admit, coffee mixed with Zyrtec around spring time makes for some interesting work meetings). Some of my friends believe this has ruined coffee for me. Personally, I believe it's simply replaced water in my diet. But just like water, there's the everyday (tap to Brita), the slightly refined (Aquafina to SmartWater), and the rare indulgences (Fiji to Voss). There's even the only slightly related (Perrier). Because of my long term addiction to coffee and my subsequent non-reliance, I find myself able to enjoy the finer points of a good cup. The hinted notes of chocolate or berries, the care taken during the roast and brew, and the presentation.

But equally important to taste is context. My main reason for drinking coffee now is the interaction it leads to in my daily life. The friendly barista at my local Starbucks, the regulars I see everyday, the colleagues I take breaks with. An excuse to hang out with an old friend, or meet up with a new one. Coffee has been a highway which I've been on for a while, and which has led me to some of the best places in my life. There are only a few things I can't imagine my life without, and you can bet coffee is right up there.

::by Anand Nallathambi

Condesa Coffee

Map
Atmosphere-  This corner coffee shop lends most to the urban, industrial, warehouse vibe, with its concrete, high ceilings, steel & aluminum,  and windows that entirely encompass the two outside walls. The amount of sunlight (or lack-there-of) casts a strong influence on the ambiance inside the shop. I love being able to be indoors but not be closed off to what's happening outside. At Condesa you can easily find  a seat facing the windows which will give you an amazing look of the South East view of Atlanta. 

Now, dress is a detail I don't believe we have ever felt the need to mention, but here at Condesa Coffee you will find each barista clothed and accessorized to fit the mood. We're talking suspenders, black framed glasses, fadoras, etc. I think it's a nice touch! It encourages this geeky fascination and appreciation for coffee in a similar way to what the people at Steady Hand Pour House over in Emory Village are doing. 

One more note on the atmosphere- this Latin American detail that is worked into the name (Condesa meaning Countess) and the drinks (Mexican Colas and coffees originating in Central and South America). That's about as far as this layer of the atmosphere extends. Maybe we missed something else or perhaps they chose to keep it as a subtle accent.  

Coffee- Serves Counter Culture Coffee and Intelligentsia teas. I was offered a taste of the coffee that was brewed at that point in my little tasting cup (located to the left). I loved the option to see how the coffee suited my palate- wow Jaclyn I can't believe you just wrote that. The coffee was rich and smooth and served piping hot. Excellence in a paper cup!

Service- Condesa is equipped with a helpful, interested and interesting, staff of beverage connoisseurs.  Along with the coffee selection they also offer cocktails, beer, and wine. You will not find the baristas running around in a hurried manner. They individually craft each beverage creation so expect your order to take some time, even if it's simple pour over coffee. I don't know what would happen if a line of 10 people or so formed but I have a feeling that it would take a while. Keep this in mind and don't expect to run in, grab your drink, and fly because that's just not the way things operate here. And why would you want to? After all you read in the "Atmosphere" section I'm ashamed that you would even consider missing out on it.

Location-Condesa sits boldly at the corner of Freedom Parkway and John Wesley Dobbs Ave in the Old Fourth Ward. It's a convenient location that won't leave you driving around in circles in search of the cafe. A Path Foundation trail operates right next to it which also provides access to bikers, runners, and walkers. I can envision right now biking down the path trail on a hot summer day and stopping into Condesa for a refreshing iced tea. Parking is available on the side street and in the Tribute lofts parking deck.

Legitimacy- I don't doubt Condesa's legitimacy for a second. Just take a look at the brands it sells: Counter Culture, Intelligentsia, and Holeman and Finch pastries. The knowledge of the staff and the time that is spent on the offerings adds a significant value to whatever you choose to purchase and hopefully enjoy here. 

Take a look at their blog to see what's going on.

Overall Rating -  4 Stars
::by Jaclyn Overall