In the dimness of the morning, in the peaceful daily resurrection of passionate labor, the roaster approaches his tools. There is a hum from the awakening city, the thrum of the rotating barrel, the rising heat filling the space. There is ritual—the sleepy pourover, the clutched mug of coffee, the calculations of pounds, origins, and orders.
And thus begins the day’s work.
Kansas City, Missouri / early morning / Broadway Café & Roasting Company
The world of coffee is filled with personalities large and small, introverted and extroverted. Most of us in this culture are here because we care deeply about the magical bean but also because we thrive on the interactions springing from it.
One of those personalities is Kostantinos Adonies Kallivrousis (I challenged myself to write his name without checking his Facebook feed for spelling and, well, I lost my challenge). Small, dark, and supercharged with energy, Dean is a well-known face by now in the Kansas City and regional coffee scene. Unhesitatingly Greek, possessor of a killer handlebar mustache and an unshakeable latte art hand, Dean and his lovely wife Jessie just celebrated the birth of their daughter, Sophia. He’s one of the dynamic baristas at Parisi Artisan Coffee (also home to reigning World Barista Champion, Pete Licata).
Dean’s star is rising. I know I’ll be another onlooker who found herself a bit happier because Dean is in her life, smiling swarthily over coffee. Here’s to the Kallivrousises, and to another meteoric year!
Kansas City, Missouri / early morning / Parisi Artisan Coffee
I was a naive, hopeful young music teacher working down the street at the music store when I drank my first shot of espresso at Java Junction, Warrensburg Missouri’s iconic coffeehouse. I was drawn by the warm setting–the pressed tin ceiling, the brick walls, the students with their textbooks and worried frowns. Quickly I discovered my favorite drink: a coffee shake with English Toffee flavoring. After an endless day of listening to excuses for not practicing the piano that ranged from creative to pathetic, I would read, write, and sip, finding for the first time that solace that I now expect in a well-run coffeehouse.
My first shot of espresso I ordered as a mistake. Being overwhelmed and oblivious when confronted for the first time with a coffeehouse menu, I ordered an espresso. In his phlegmatic fashion, Art Ozias, the long-standing owner, made me a shot. I’m sure my face registered my shock, and I’m sure it was funny. It made an impression–I didn’t drink another shot of espresso until my first training shift years later as a barista.
Fastforward ten years. I am a barista and a writer, taking photos and jotting notes as had I once dreamed in this space. Java Junction hasn’t changed, only grown more like itself as bits and pieces like sandwiches and syrupy drinks fall into history. I spent a school year working here, pouring dragons and swans and working with a naked portafilter for the first time. My daughter pretty much learned to walk here, I rather learned to write here. My husband spent a year as roaster and lead barista here too. Art’s one of our closest friends.
For me, Java Junction embodies everything that makes a coffeehouse one of the greatest havens ever–great coffee, a welcoming environment, and consistency. It’s a place where, if you’re a regular customer, Art knows your name and probably the name of your oldest child.
My favorite coffeehouse? Without doubt, Java Junction.
Quay: landing place, dock. (pronounced ‘key’).
Quay Coffee: neighborhood hub, new established Kansas City iconic coffeeshop. All around friendly place.
Quay Highlights: an open, welcoming design that’s heavy on wood and warm light. Welcoming smiles from owners Cory and Tanner. Attention to detail, from coffee to cookies.
Kansas City, MO / morning / Quay Coffee