But, my definition of what makes a food (or drink) "good" is tied to more than just how it tastes. Good food has to feel good. Or connect you with some other positive emotion, memory, value or experience. That is why when I lived in Italy I sometimes ordered a cappuccino- because drinking a single shot of espresso didn't allow me long enough to stand at the bar, elbow to elbow with the other patrons, to fully appreciate the experience. And sometimes in a shop where the barista is known to be a particularly masterful foam artist, I will order a frothy drink just to see what he/she will put on the top of my mug. It is why I will drink a cup of instant coffee in the home of a friend with whom I wanted to share a meal but who isn't, themselves, a coffee drinker. And it is why diner coffee, made from mass market brand grounds served in a fat, unbreakable mug tastes delicious.
So, here I present, my "Five "Cs" of Coffee." Things that make me love coffee for more than the way it tastes.
Culture. When someone says that a place has a strong "coffee culture" I'm immediately intrigued. I think that coffee culture takes itself too seriously at times, but when the pretension is set aside for a moment, what remains are the values of community and comfort. In gathering my thoughts for this post I Googled the phrase "coffee culture" and found the related Wikipedia article rather enjoyable. But they got at least one thing wrong- Starbucks is not coffee culture. Not the type I'm talking about. My love affair with Seattle is no secret and I won't deny that I drink plenty of Starbucks coffee. But whether in my home city or when visiting new ones, I'm drawn to independent coffee houses. I love going "to" coffee. Ordering a cup and finding a place to sit. Where there is enough consistency to feel comfortable but enough individuality to keep it interesting. I like the way that coffee houses encourage individuals to come together with their own purpose or reason but to share space and sense of place.
Conversation. Asking someone to go for a cup of coffee is my favorite method for starting a conversation with someone I am interested in getting to know a little better. Kids can be a little less circumspect and ask a new acquaintance "do you want to play with me?" or even "do you want to be my friend?" But as adults, we've learned to be less bold. But isn't asking someone you barely know to go for coffee pretty much the adult equivalent? And sitting with a cup of coffee and an old friend is equally satisfying. In either case you're committing to take a moment and connect. To share common space and time to talk and drink. Conversation is what builds community and strengthens connections over time. And coffee is a perfect way to break barriers and to begin that process.
Comfort. The character Sheldon Cooper on the TV show The Big Bang Theory knows that it is the best way to comfort an upset friend is to offer them a hot beverage. But there is also ordinary comfort in ritual and routine. The act of ordering coffee precisely your way or brewing a cup at home. Of holding a mug in both hands and blowing across the steamy top. People who drink coffee have preferences and habits. We can comfort ourselves by savoring these things or attempt to comfort others by sharing them.
Currency. Being part of a community of supportive, caring, helpful friends is a wonderful feeling. I've surrounded myself with people for whom I gladly do favors...solicited or not... and feel confident that when I ask for help, these people will happily return the favor. But you know what else these people do? They bring me coffee. And I bring them coffee. I'm not talking about a quid pro quo arrangement or even an implied arrangement. But exchanging coffee for a helping hand is a barter system among friends that I embrace. I love to learn how my friends like their coffee. It is a small way I can say "thank you" and show that I care.
Care. Coffee is one way that I care for my friends and it is a way that I appreciate receiving care in return. When I know a friend is having a hectic moment or a rough time, I offer to bring food or coffee. I've found that saying "let me know if there's anything I can do for you" or even asking "what can I do?" while appreciated, often unintentionally ends the conversation. But my desire to give care is genuine and an offer of food or coffee are specific means of care that are easily accepted. Delivering a cup of coffee to a friend in need is giving them permission to take a moment to care for themselves.
Coffee speaks. It can say "thank you," "I'm listening," "welcome," "I care," "stay awhile" and "relax." It makes people feel or to take a moment to value each other. And it doesn't hurt that it is also freakishly delicious.