Top Ten Tuesday - St. Louis Weekend

~ Jason's weekend in St. Louis was delicious, and the Gateway to the West is Caffeine Crawl ready! ~

Walking into Blueprint, one of my favorite shops, was similar to going to a shop in my hometown of KC. I ended up seeing several people I knew and met a few others. I had dueling espresso shots - Penrose (blend) and a Kenya and went home with a few bags that I'll be brewing this week. - Jason

I've heard good things about Park Ave Coffee, the most eco-friendly roasting facility in the Midwest. Kicking myself because I didn't get here earlier. I had a great visit, and took a tour with Dale and Talan while sipping on a latte. These guys are doing some cool things. - Jason

Although we seem to be able to get most of the St. Louis beers in Kansas City, we are fans of supporting the local businesses on their home turf. I picked up a few bottles from Perennial, 4 Hands Brewing, and even soda from Fitz's Root Beer. - Jason

I really loved listening to everyone pile in and gather at The Mud House in St. Louis. I was surprised to see the shop have both local coffee roaster options and Bows and Arrows out of British Columbia. Great service from Casey and really enjoyed my Kenya brew from the V60. - Jason 

It bugs me that tea gets overlooked in craft / specialty beverages, but it is what it is. Got to see Hugo Tea's new facility in North KC, and it's going to be a great addition to our local f&b scene. Enjoyed the meeting with Tyler, the owner, over a few cups of mint tea. - Jason 

While in St. Louis for a little coffee work, I had to refuel with grub and a cocktail. You can spend a whole day doing a cocktail tour in this city if you have a driver. I went to Demun Oyster Bar, which has had a lot of talent through the years. I enjoyed my Four Roses barrel-aged Manhattan with crab sliders. - Jason 

If you missed last week's Word Wednesday , then you didn't see my raving about floats outside of just soda floats. Besides being completely stuffed, I learned a lot and enjoyed my testing of beer floats. 
- Jason

Meanwhile, in Fort Collins...

Ladies night at El Monte is always an invigorating Thursday night pick-me-up, and this week the exotic guacamole (read: strawberries, mangos, goat cheese) paired nicely with a Coin Margarita - Herradura Silver Tequila, Cointreau, lemon and lime. - Sadie 

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After a great meeting with Tamas from Dragonfly Coffee in Boulder a few weeks ago, I've been sipping on the last lingering flavors of coziness with the winter blend he kindly sent me home with. Well balanced and toasted woodsiness made packing away sweaters and boots this week a little friendlier - spring is here! - Sadie

Weekend wind down means Netflix, pasta & wine in this house - this week, a Rosenblum Cellars Vintners Cuvee Zinfandel XXXVII. - Sadie 

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