Coffee Guide: Intro to Turkish Coffee

The Turkish ibrik, the oft-neglected coffee pot is unknown to the populace, marginalized by the coffee elite, and loved by few (at least in the West). The ibrik is an unusual brewing method requiring no filter of any kind. It is uniquely designed to brew coffee with the grounds and the water co-existing relatively peacefully. The outside is brass with the inner layer made of tin. One brews the coffee over a heat source (I use a gas stove), for about 5-10 minutes till it boils, and then pour it in a small demitasse cup slightly bigger than an espresso cup (~3-4 oz). The small, powder-like grounds fall to the bottom, separating from the liquid. The taste is similar to a strong drip coffee. One should remember not to drink the coffee near the bottom as the slurry can be quite potent and coat your mouth.

Here is Turkish coffee with the coffee sludge. Yet, do not let this deter you from enjoying this wonderful little drink! Traditionally, Turkish coffee incorporates cardamom, a sweet pine-like spice that makes it taste like Christmas (If Christmas had a taste). Also, sugar or cinnamon could be used as well to offset its natural strong taste.

After using it twice, I found that creating quality coffee froth was quite hard. Similar to making good espresso, there are many variable that affect the quality of Turkish coffee. Some argue that one should never let the coffee boil, others argue it should boil 3-4 times. Should the temperature be low or med-low? Should one stir constantly or allow a delectable, marbleized crust to form on the top. What is the coffee to water ratio? What about when adding sugar? Many of these answers are preference, but it takes time to figure them all out. Be sure to read Coffee Geek's brewing guide to Turkish coffee.

In a later post, I will write a detailed post about my brewing adventures in a step by step guide. I barely touched upon many of the topics concerning this unique method, so if you want to know more, please comment below and ask a question. In the meanwhile enjoy these pictures of the ibrik. Notice the first picture, I have darkened it already from my old school gas burner. It gives it character!

If you find these posts interesting and worth sharing, please use the buttons below to spread Metro Espresso.

Editorial: Coffee and Existentialism

Recently I tweeted a few messages using the hash tag #existentialism to add a certain poignancy and humor to my posts. Here are some examples:

MetroEspresso:Today: Working on a new post about espresso with and without crema concerning taste difference. Is it better w/o crema? #existentialism

MetroEspresso:

I have come to a crossroads: French Press or Espresso. #existentialism

MetroEspresso:

Does wine or coffee go better with classical music? #existentialism

This spur of the moment addition made me consider the connection between coffee and existentialism, if any. Many people have a passing awareness of Albert Camus, Jean Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, the main people associated with existentialist thought. Existentialism's common perception is something similar to popular understandings of nihilism. Namely, life is meaningless and full of mundane, menial tasks. Think of Sysphus's task of pushing the boulder of the hill. (Though Camus considered Sysphus happy, but thats another argument) The "meaningless" interpretation stems from a superficial reading, and derives from Camus's earlier works specifically, The Stranger. Much of existentialist thought derives from iconoclast Friedrich Nietzsche. While existentialism is considered by many to be drab, depressing, nihilistic, and an overall "debby downer." Existentialists, especially Camus in his later works, extensively wrote about how to enjoy life and find meaning in an inherently meaningless world. Coming to the conclusion, that humans can project meaning or throw it upon the world they interact with.

A better way to understand Existentialism is through acting "authentically." What does that mean? Roughly, everyone is born into the world, thrown into existence. We have no say where we are born and it's conditions. After being born, humans can act in good faith or bad faith. Acting in good faith means that living freely and following their interests. Acting in bad faith, one is living unathentically such as conforming, not following your beliefs, or being in a state of some form of slavery. Life's struggle is to reach a life in which one acts in good faith to be authentic. For instance, people born into slavery have a harder life to act authentically than middle class Americans as there are many significant barriers to overcome.

How does this relate to coffee?

Coffee accompanies times of creativity and creation. During the early morning and late nights, a warm cup of coffee aids in artistic expression, i.e. meaning creation. When one hits a creative block, the 5-10 minutes to make a pot of coffee allows the mind to wander away from the project at hand. Allowing one to come back with a newer perspective. In short, coffee is a useful distraction to help people act in good faith. As a useful aid in helping one express their feelings through artistic outlets, it plays an important role. By artistic, I do not think so narrowly as merely painting, drawing, and writing, but more broadly. This may include creating a new device, pursuing one's dream of starting a business, volunteering, or vocalizing your support or dissent via political rallies. Coffee is a vehicle to help one think about one's values and beliefs, and how to act on them.

What do you think about coffee, existentialism, and creativity? Please post below! This my first foray into this topic, but it seems fruitful to begin a conversation here.

Coffee House Review: Cafe Divan

Located on the corner of 34th and Wisconsin in upper Georgetown, Cafe Divan offers relatively cheap Turkish food, modern decor, and, yes, Turkish coffee. Rated as one of Washingtonian's "Cheap Eats," Divan has a wide array of Turkish and Mediterranean food. Yesterday, I visited with the girlfriend and her family for a leisurely lunch after a wonderful tour of the C&O Canal. The walk from the canal to Cafe Divan is about a mile away from M Street, away from the main drag, allowing one to see other parts of Georgetown. Be warned: it is uphill!

Atmosphere: The restaurant's design is modern with wooden accents culminating in a point reflecting the corner location. The menu was quite extensive, and did not have the typical concessions to American food. Here is the link to their website, which has the menu, history, and photos of the cafe and entrees.

Service: Our waiter was pleasant and informative, and managed the continuous peppering of questions coming from my girlfriend and her family. He described the dishes in question, even providing some cultural background to certain dishes. Our lunch spanned about two hours with some slow service, but from what I believe, much like Europe, Turkish culture prizes long meals for chatting and strengthening relationships. When one comes here, be sure to allow some time.

Food: Quickly, the food tasted wonderfully. One can read the Post's review here for more detail.

Coffee: After we finished our meal, I ordered the Turkish coffee I craved. In fact, I wanted it so much I forgot to take a picture of it until I drank half of it! It was quite strong, as I waved away the suggestion to add sugar to it. There may have been a hint of cardamon, but not nearly as much as Cafe Amity's Turkish coffee. The cup held about 3-4 oz, much better than the espresso-like glass at Amity. Had a dark, full bodied taste, though not as strong as a French roast. Unfortunately, I took one sip too many and received a mouthful of coffee grounds for my greediness. Tsk-Tsk!

Conclusions: While more of a restaurant than a cafe, Cafe Divan's Turkish coffee was quite a treat, and cheaper than Cafe Amity at 2.00 dollars rather than 2.50. Oddly the restaurant, (located in Georgetown!), was cheaper than a more coffee-oriented shop. Despite the walk, I recommend everyone to try it out, and enjoy the cultural experience.

For everyone's enjoyment, here is a picture of the fireworks from Arlington:

Metro Espresso Survey: Round 3

Here is the last survey, which comes from Sarah in the Arlington area. An interesting observation, she gives some love to Maxwell House, but none to Starbucks.

1. When you buy coffee on the go, who do you patronize? (Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, an espresso cart, Au Bon Pain...etc.)

I refuse to drink Starbucks under any condition. It is overrated and it is bitter. I try to find hole in the wall type coffee houses, or non-chains. Luckily, living in DC, there are plenty of those! If chains are my only options, I have found

that Marvelous Market is quite good, and depending on when the coffee was brewed. Dunkin' Donuts or Caribou.

2. What is your preferred coffee-based drink (drip, espresso, moka pot, French press, latte...etc), and why?

French press or drip are what I tend to go for with a tiny tiny tiny (seriously...tiny!) bit of skim milk and a sweet n low.

I like being able to nurse on a cup o' joe, rather than have to drink it quickly like an espresso.

3. In general, what is your favorite aspect about coffee? Explain (i.e culture, taste, social lubricant)

There really isn't anything that I don't like about coffee. It can be enjoyed with friends while chatting over what is going on in the news. During these economic troubling times, it is a great cheap date, as you can enjoy a time to get to know one another. It can help you stay up late when you procrastinate on a paper or a deadline. Depending on the coffee itself, it tastes delicious, and there are so many different ways that you can drink it!

4. What is your favorite coffee story? (i.e bad experience at Starbucks or amazing espresso)

I was meeting a friend for lunch one day near Dupont Circle. I was a little early, so I decided to get some coffee at a nearby coffee shop. I brought the coffee to Dupont Cirlcle and people watched while I waited for my friend. The weather was not too hot but not too cold,

and there were lots of people out and about to watch. There were couples on lunch dates, tourists walking through the center of the circle, and families taking afternoon strolls. While sipping on my coffee (which was delicious by the way!), I remember feeling very peaceful, content, and relaxed.

5. Folgers or Maxwell House? :-)

Neither, but if I had to choose, Maxwell House...the best part of waking up is NOT Foldger's in your cup. Maxwell House has a bit more flavor than the watered down Foldgers.

Northwest Coffee Company and St. Louis

During my recent trip to St. Louis, I managed to visit a local coffee establishment, Northwest Coffee Roasting Company. They roast two times a week, creating their own blends and selling single-source coffee. I visited the location near the Catholic Basilica (not that you know where that is). Pictured left is the one-pound bag of Sumatra roasted on June 28th. Initially I was discouraged getting paper bag for my beans rather than a vacuum sealed one, but I realized there wasn't a particular need for one if being consumed in less than two weeks. If one isn't brewing the beans within that window, then why are you ordering it then?! The paper bag can be composted except for the tie string. I always had a small guilty feeling when buying coffee bags that couldn't be recycled. A plus for Northwest Coffee Co.

Their roasts are fresher than any store bought specialty coffee.While not pictured, the espresso made from the Sumatra had a considerable level of crema and bright flavors. I recommend anyone who is in the St. Louis area to visit and patronize a great business. Be sure to look at the bizarre, yet entertaining collection of coffee comics.

Check back in a day or two for the next survey responses.

Here are some pictures from the visit including the Anheuser-Busch distillery, Missouri Gallery of Art, and a view of St. Louis from the top of the Arch!

Source: Girlfriend