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Barrel-Aged Mocha - Chicago, Illinois
H A P P Y F R I D A Y ! !
It's been a while! Yes, I know it seems like I say that quite often, but long time, no talk! I am excited to get rolling on some more blogs, and I can confidently say that I used my summer for R & D (research and development that is).
One of my absolute favorite trips this summer was to Chicago, Illinois. I may be slightly biased, as it is the home to my best friend, but regardless the city vibe and lifestyle was a dream. Running (literally) to catch a train became my forte, and taking in every moment was something I focused on passionately. Oh, and nothing gets better than people watching in a crowded city. I was in the Windy City to see my friends and explore the city's brews - what could be better?!
Dark Matter was actually recommended to me by a friend (aren't they all??) and he is a little older and a lot more of a connoisseur than myself. He took us to one of the hottest, but hidden, gems in the city. It turns out there are multiple Dark Matter's - not sure if that is scientifically correct - but one "Mothership". Located throughout Chicago, each branch has a unique name, look and menu. Meddle happened to be this arm of the operation.
Not to confuse you with Mad West, Chocolate City or Osmium, my friends and I went to Meddle on W Jackson Blvd. Upon entering in, you were already welcomed by the inside because the windows were floor to ceiling. What I am trying to say is that they literally invited you in. They exposed the entire cafe and invited passerby in for not only an amazing brew, but an unreal experience. While existing as a glass box in the middle of the city, it wasn't hard to be impressed.
If I could describe the atmosphere in three words it would be: exotic, sustainable and skilled. Sounds more than a simple coffee shop, right? To contrary belief, Meddle transformed the customer experience into a rainforest with neon signs and white brick walls. The juxtaposition was compelling. Not only was the aesthetic so eye-catching, the menu was like nothing I had never seen. It was more than your average vanilla latte and cafe mocha. It had items like an Agave Latte and Mayan Mocha, with the most appealing drink (with a story included) was the Barrel-Aged Mocha.
A short synopsis of the roasting method is that the grounds for the Barrel-Aged Mocha are kept in previously used bourbon barrels. This is a super cool fact, but also imperative to the flavor of the roast and the drink in its completeness. The customer's experience is essentially a pathway of flavor. And one I'd like to venture on more often!
> First the sweet mocha (basically chocolate) flavor coats your tongue...
>> Then the slightly bitter coffee taste catches your palette's attention...
>>> And finally, a subtle taste of sweet bourbon is added to the mix and finishes off your sip.
How incredible! Meddle used one drink to bring forth two experiences at once! That is skill and expertise if I've ever seen it. I was thoroughly amazed.
Being satisfyingly overwhelmed by the flavor, sights and sounds, it would be an honor to go back. Next time, I plan to talk to a barista - or maybe even the owner - to dig a little deeper into this whole coffee thing.
It may take some meddling, but I'm up for the challenge.
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