Wake Up to Fresh Market Coffee

By John Linn Fri., Mar. 26 2010 at 10:10 AM

Categories: Clean Plate Charlie Eats South Florida

John Linn

I'm a coffee fanatic. But, like Jimmy, I refuse to drink "shit." Insta-coffee? No thanks. Folgers? Please. Nearly anything preground? Step back with that, son.

Yes, when it comes to coffee, I have some distinct preferences. I like quality, whole roasted beans. I like them ground fresh before brewing, and then I prefer French press, which provides a richer, fuller flavor than a machine. What I have been drinking lately is coffee from Fresh Market.

John Linn

The upscale market has a pretty decent selection of whole beans that rotates seasonally. There's a good spread of fine, regional coffees like Kona and Blue Mountain; strong, bitter varieties from Kenya and Colombia; and blends from all over. They carry Fair Trade coffee from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, and much of it is organic. And even I'm not too much of a coffee snob for their flavored blends, including rich hazelnut, and -- my personal favorite -- molten chocolate.

The molten chocolate coffee at Fresh Market is about as strongly flavored as coffee gets. But I have to admit to really loving it. I bought a bag of beans the other week at $9.99 per pound and have been drinking it like crazy ever since. It tastes like a coffee milkshake -- especially when made with a French press, which makes it thicker and fuller-bodied. I've been starting my day off with a mug of the stuff ever since.

So truck down to Fresh Market and try some of their coffee out. While you're at it, brew me a cup. Milk or cream, please. No sugar.