Soooo … in the interest of full disclosure … I don’t exactly drink coffee. I love the smell of coffee. I love mocha chip ice cream, and I love the idea, anyway, of a steaming hot aromatic cup of coffee on a rainy Saturday morning.
Fortunately, however, I happen to be surrounded by friends and family who fancy themselves as coffee connoisseurs, devotees, caffeine fiends, and all around coffee snobs. In light of that, I’ve put together an international panel of coffee experts who I believe can aptly judge the quality of Caffe Rococo’s coffee drinks. This esteemed panel includes my son, daughter, husband, sister, brother-in-law, and a treasured friend and true coffee gourmand from Vancouver, British Columbia.
I do, on the other hand, feel I am qualified to judge their loose-leaf teas and wonderful food selections – their eggs espresso sandwich is the best!
Coffee evokes such visceral feelings. Coffee drinkers know exactly how they want their cup of coffee to taste, smell, and make them feel. For most, their first morning cup of coffee sets the tone for the day. If my daughter’s barista … I know, I know … gets her caramel soy latte right – it’s going to be a good day! That’s just how it goes for most people.
There is so much that is “great” and “right” about Caffe Rococo! First and foremost, let’s talk coffee! At least three to four times a week Adam, the master roaster, and Jake, his sous-roaster, roast beans in-house that they sell wholesale and retail. These beans have arrived from exotic places such as Eastern Africa, Indonesia, Central and South America.
Jake gave me an amazing tour of the roasting room, explaining everything from the molecular changes the tiny hard green coffee beans go through during the roasting process to the cooling and packaging of the beans, as well as his philosophy on life.
The moment you enter Caffe Rococo, the deep rich aroma of roasting and just roasted beans makes all of your senses come alive. From their mochas, lattes, and espresso drinks to their daily drip (free refills during your visit), you will find each beverage made with love, care and skill. Craig Kerrick and his fellow baristas are passionate about what they do and very knowledgeable about their product. Their latte art is just that – art!
You can also choose any one of 11 types of loose-leaf teas, eight of those are supplied by Rishi Tea Co. and three of those – Mind, Body, and Spirit, are carefully blended using therapeutics, energies, and flavors by Katya Difani of Herban Wellness in Kirkland. Tea art, anyone?
Friday night arrives and Caffe Rococo comes alive! It’s a great place to unwind after a hectic work week with live music performed by Canvas Continuum’s Rob Gregerson and Evan VanMersbergen. Every Friday night from 6:30-9 p.m.
Owners Adam Olsen and Kent Beidel, in a very rococo detailed-oriented state of mind, put together a sound business plan. It is clearly working and they are giving back to the community in so many ways. They even collaborated with Larry Johnson of LED Light Tec to install LED light bulbs, which reduce their electric consumption and carbon footprint.
Adam and Kent have fostered a true coffee house culture and network here. Caffe Rococo embodies the soul and spirit of our community. You can stop in for a cup of coffee to go, or grab a table and stay a while. Enjoy their free WiFi connection, read a book, talk with friends, meet new friends, and even run your business!
Kirkland is so lucky to have such a business located at 136 Park Lane in the heart of beautiful downtown. Their doors are open Monday-Friday 6 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Oh, by the way, the pictures on the walls are of loyal customers taken by a loyal customer who happens to be a very talented photographer. You do have a choice. Try Caffe Rococo. It’s all you want it to be and more!
Kirkland resident Victoria Martin welcomes reader feedback at martin.victoria917@gmail.com.
