Spent this past weekend in New York City.  Love that town.  So much to do, so little time.  Most of the weekend was wrapped up in networking with several other entrepreneurs, but when we got the chance we slipped out to take in the urban energy and scope out some favorite coffee joints.  The newish Stumptown Coffee in the first floor of The Ace Hotel, brings Portland coffee goodness to Manhattan.  They feature great espresso and smooth style (latte pic above).  Gimme Coffee also had amazing drinks.  The triple basket ristretto shot they're pulling is bold without harshness and the lattes were silky full flavor sweetness.  I loved these two great coffee spots, but I had hoped to hit a few more.  There are about ten more shops on my original list that we couldn't squeeze in, and few more suggested by folks while we were there.  Oh well, twist my arm, I suppose another trip will need to be scheduled.  

"If you can make it there..."

A few weeks ago I was hanging out at local microbrewery, Cumberland Brews (great beer) with my friend Drew.  Drew and his compatriot, Derek, own and operate On Your Left Cycles in Louisville, Kentucky.  OYLC is a great little bike shop where friendly customer service and legit wrench skills trump minimal Internet discounts every time.  It's hip and relaxed, kind of like hanging out in your cool uncle’s garage listening to The Pixies while he fixes his buddy’s vintage motorcycle.  So, if you like bikes and cool dudes stop by and see them.

Anyway, Drew has been Quills Coffee official Champion Cheerleader Customer Numero Uno from day one.  He's an easy guy to like.  Our friendship has evolved over discussions concerning the finer points of gourmet cooking, proper bicycle maintenance, small business management, boutique coffee from around the states, and constant constructive criticism regarding the creation of the perfect cafe mocha.

A couple sips into Pale Ale number two, Drew says to me, “So, what’s up with the blog?”  I could tell by its tone that this statement was more of kick in the ass rather than a polite question.  

“I know, I know, it needs work,” I say.

“Ya think?”

“What should I blog about?”

“Anything…your coffees, the new espresso machine, things you guys are in to.”

Drew takes another drink and says, “You could blog about mochas.  

‘Mochas: Kind of Like Drinking a Chocolate Pillow.’”

Umm, okay?

Maybe it was the second pint, maybe it’s his love of premium chocolate infused with fine espresso, regardless I’m taking Drew’s advice and giving the blog the attention it deserves.  I hope the Quills blog can offer up some healthy sarcasm and wit.  I hope it can provide a few nuggets of education concerning coffee and espresso.  I hope it can be comforting, sort of like resting a virtual pillow.

My apologies to those of you who have been frequently checking the site in hope of finding something new.  It has taken far too long.  Several challenges have come up behind the scenes that have delayed the full launch of our site - but finally we've arrived.

Take some time to poke around the website.  Let us know what you think.  We'll continuously be tinkering around with the site to make it interesting and engaging.  Hopefully it will clearly identify our driving passions: premium coffee and espresso, friendly customer service and education, thoughtful aesthetic and design, and hands-on community development. 

Over time, we hope our blog will become a source of quality coffee education and interesting reflections on culture and how coffee relates.

For those of you reading this, thank you.  For those of you who have stopped by our new location, thank you. Your support, encouragement and growing enthusiasm for quality coffee make this more of an adventure than a job. 

Cheers,

Nathan Quillo, Owner