I don't really understand people who don't like coffee. For me, a steaming mug of really good java in the morning is like a cozy blanket on a frozen February eve -- comforting, warming, occasionally inspiring. It's not the caffeine per se that I crave -- otherwise any old cup of joe would do -- it's the captivating, seductive aroma and taste of freshly ground and brewed beans. A cup or two is not necessarily an essential part of my morning ritual, but it is much-desired and appreciated.
But I'm lucky. For years now, I've been getting my beans from a one-man outfit in Toronto called Dark City (www.darkcitycoffee.com, for all you Torontonians). All I need do is call in my order prior to one of the designated delivery days and Dark City will custom roast my beans and deliver them to my door the very next day! What's more, this incredible company features organic, fair trade coffee beans, which I buy exclusively, as much for their astounding flavour as for my sense of social responsibility.
So what has provoked me to finally feature Dark City as the TOTM after all this time? Simply, a new blend, or rather, an organic, fair trade version of an old blend. It's called Sensuous Morning and is a medley of Columbian, Mexican and Guatemalan beans, all roasted to a light consistency that's perfect for the start of the day. As much as to the quality of the beans, however, I think that Sensuous Morning is a testament to the importance of freshly roasted beans handled with a delicate touch, qualities worth searching for no matter where you live.
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