Covert Coffees #1

I am a barista and I take my coffee VERY seriously. So, when I travel, I like to seek out new flavors. I think I might have driven my roommate a bit nuts when Starbucks wasn't good enough lol! The way I figure it, I can have Starbucks (I'm more of a Dutch Bros girl) anytime I want. I can't have unique local flavors--until I learn to make them myself, hehe.

Most of my travel pics involve coffee of some sort, or cocktails, or both. And so, the idea for Covert Coffees arose. Every writer needs a travel blog, right? Why not make it out of something I love, and my spies love. I once did a document search and honestly, there's hardly a page in my books where Sarah doesn't have a cup of coffee or glass of Scotch in hand.

First stop on my coffee tour of the US was actually on my way home from DC. Station coffee can be a mixed bag, it's either really good, or average Dunkin. But the Blue Bottle Cafe inside DC's Union Station was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I ordered a New Orleans style iced coffee, and let me tell you, as someone who has been to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, this was on that level. I went back for another one, only this one I took spiced and it was like a combination of a Pumpkin Spice with the smoky chicory of the Cafe du Monde, and it blew my mind. Best iced coffee, ever. When I return to DC, Blue Bottle will be my first stop.

Next stop was Chicago, where I was able to wander a bit outside the station due to my train arriving on time, WOW! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE rail travel, it's just not always reliable. Honestly, it's my preferred method. It's not that I don't like to fly...I just...don't like to fly. The culture of rail travel is more laid back and adventurous. Whereas flying is more destination focused, rushed, and stuffy. Getting to see the inside of some very iconic stations is also a plus. There's an art to rail station architecture that has sadly been lost to the utilitarian and minimalist needs of modern society.

This wasn't my first pass through Chicago Union Station either. I have a picture under this same flag for every time I've passed through since I was a young girl. Gotta keep with tradition.

I ventured forth from Chicago Union Station and explored a bit along the river's edge until I came to a breakfast nook called Yolk's. While the coffee was your standard diner fare, the lemon ricotta pancakes were heavenly!

I did search for a not-s-bucks cafe but, sadly Peets was closed. So, I checked in with my train and headed upstairs to the Junction Bar where I spent some time catching up with my friend Don Bentley's newest in his series, Hostile Intent. Holy Hannah was that a gripping, un-put-downable (love my way with words) book! I have loved everything Don has written since I first picked up Without Sanction. Couldn't ask for a better traveling companion book.