485-B Palm Ave., Seaside
393-9113
Aroma alone is enough to draw the caffeine-needy from miles around to the humble garage door of this expert roaster. Don’t be fooled by the understated grunge decor: With 10 varieties of beans ($13-$15/pound), from the smoky Valve Job to the bold Motor City Espresso, proprietors Larry and Jaki Thurman know coffee. “It’s like produce,” Larry says. “It has seasons.” To keep the nutty profile of Powerglide, a light blend perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, he buys Indonesian and African beans in winter, and Central American and Brazilian varieties in summer. The single-cup drips impart an intensity of flavor that makes it hard to go back to the watered down stuff. Bring home a “resist corporate coffee” sticker and join in the Acme addiction – to caffeine and to a locally owned business with character as strong as the 90 Weight blend.
Montrio Bistro
Monterey
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