Top Ten Tuesday ~ Sips Across Three Cities

~ A sip here and there in Iowa City, Chicago and Ft. Collins. ~ 
(not in order)

I only had one dinner in Iowa City, and Basta Pizzeria made for a combo of drink plus eat that I'd go back for. Vodka-based cocktails aren't my go-to, but the housemade limoncello, blackberry purée, lemon juice  and Tito's signature drink is one I might try to duplicate this summer for friends.

All us coffee shop regulars know that a good coffee experience is more than just the taste of the drink. Jason, the roaster for Asado Coffee Roasters brewed a really nice Burundi for me while Thelonious Monk was playing on vinyl and a light mist was falling outside. A magical combo. - Jason

There's probably only a handful of shops in the country you can get a killer cup of coffee and play Nintendo in the shop. The Wormhole is one of those shops and last week it was an Aeropress of HalfWit Coffee and Double Dragon battle with my son. - Jason

I finally made it to Berrista Coffee and Eastman Egg Co. Both of these places crush it with their food and coffee programs, and both happen to be on the upcoming Caffeine Crawl Chicago. Eastman brewed a cup from Sparrow Coffee with these amazing egg sandwiches to complement the coffee. I had a shot of espresso at Berrista, which carries several local roasters, a pastry, and these innovative, carbonated clementine pieces in a container. All a must from each shop! - Jason

Another upcoming Caffeine Crawl participant is Bad Wolf, and we're very thankful they are on the Crawl even with their upcoming move to Charleston. This place has a following for their pastries, which I'll take part in on my next visit. I was very satisfied and hyper from the Four Barrel espresso pulled for me by owner Jonathan Ory. - Jason

A surprise visit from my sister meant a breakfast date at Snooze, complete with mimosas, of course. 
- Sadie

Usually when I visit Chicago I focus on beer more, but this trip was a little different. I checked out a new place in Des Moines en route, the Zombie Burger, and had a local Exile Brewing Beatnik Sour. In Chicago had a few Two Brothers beers including a pairing with a Glazed & Infused doughnut. It has been a while since I've had a michelada, and I took the opportunity, but had to go with an area brewery with a Latin heritage connection opposed to a mass produce beer from Mexico. The choice of the 5 Rabbits Gringolandia Super Pils was a good match! - Jason

A new favorite local spot for me, sipping a tasting flight at Blue Skies Winery was the perfect end to a relaxing Memorial Day and some much needed down time. - Sadie

Running around Chicago and trying to visit a few shops for the first time, but made it back to Filter Cafe for a smoothie, and Dollop for a pourover of Metropolis Coffee and Rishi Tea. - Jason

Sensor overload in a good way at Eataly. This was my first visit topped with Nutella, and a lasagna paired with a glass of Il Poggione Rosso Di Montalcino, Sangiovese, 2013. - Jason

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