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by. L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML
Culinary Interventions: Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room | Zomato Seattle
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As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?” -Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes.
Urbanspoon Loses the Spoon…and adds a Fork!
Greetings, dear readers! Did you know that India’s powerhouse Zomato recently acquired Urbanspoon?
As a food blogger for Urbanspoon, binNotes attended the exclusive Zomato Seattle Meetup at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room on Capitol Hill to celebrate this union.
Good News:
Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room stole the show, and for good reason:
1. Vision: What were you thinking, Howard Schulz?! Turning a former urban auto garage into a world-class Roastery & Tasting Room?? Guess what? It works.
Not only does it work, it brings full-circle a thirty-year friendship between Schultz and Serious Pie owner Tom Douglas. Both began their careers down the block from one another in Pike Place Market, Schultz at the first Starbucks, Douglas at Cafe Sport. Each have gone on to immense success in their respective fields – yet maintain the friendship, and their dedication to providing superior food and beverage experiences. Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room showcases two maestros collaborating at the height of their innovative powers. Good stuff.
2. Artistry: Howard Schultz creates this sacred space from the heart, and it shows. The site riffs like a great jazz piece. Part Bauhaus, part Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, and a whole lotta urban chic, it’s a great place to get lost in sensory bliss amidst discrete luxury.
The Roastery boasts over 90% repurposed materials throughout, including a stunning carved staircase, leather-bound railings, and stylish burlap curtains. The jaw-dropper? A colossal Alaskan copper roaster, hand-crafted with devotion by a long-time Starbucks partner.
Settle in at the top Tasting Bar for a front row seat to the swoosh overhead of five (5) different blends of coffee destined from roaster to back bar via an elaborate pneumatic copper tubing system. Get lost in gadgetry at the lower Tasting Bar, home to five (5) different coffee brewers sure to amaze those hankering for more than the usual pour-over.
All Roastery baristas undergo rigorous training in the alchemy and operation of various brewing methods, from Starbucks Clover® to elaborate glass vessels heated over gas flames. The showmanship and technique on display rivals that of the Serious Pie mixologists strutting their stuff topside.
3. Flavor: Belly up for a rare opportunity to taste quality-driven, sustainably-produced brews bound for China and Europe exclusively. You can’t get these pours at any other Starbucks in the United States. Period.
Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room uses only single-source, immaculately-maintained sites throughout the world. Just like fine wine, terroir influences fine coffee. And like fine wine, it takes time to age roasted coffee – typically seven (7) days from initial roasting. Risk less aromatics and more astringency should you opt to drink early. Luckily, knowledgable staff will assist with proper pour times at purchase.
Don’t forget the food! Serious Pie pastries and savories tap dance across coffee-infused palates with impunity. Again, it’s the only Starbucks anywhere to offer Tom Douglas fare. Period.
Enjoy a variety of flatbreads, charcuterie, roasted vegies, tasty salads, and superb wine, beer, and cocktails. Dessert? Double down on cream pie bites, paired with a delicate, I-can’t-believe-this-is-decaf Decaf Costa Rica Bella Vista F.W. Tres Rios. Unlike the coffees, no aging time required on the food pairings.
Bad News:
Only one Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room. In the universe. But so worth a visit.
Santé!
Care to share? Leave your comments below…thanks for stopping by.
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Thank you:
Team Zomato Seattle: Siri, Laura, Leeanne.
Team Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room | Serious Pie
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