114170 Mon Nov 10 17:00:12 -0800 2003 6 7 Chicago Area 0 621230 In the Albany Park post below is a little sideline about Starbucks, which leads to a discussion of Hayes coffee in OP. As a former resident of OP, I was a fan of Hayes. The people there are very helpful, and informative. They have teas as well. (I prefer Todd & Holland in River Forest for loose leaf tea, great white teas.) The Daily Grind Cyber Cafe in OP has a roaster as well. The coffee served at the Grind is usually quite good and the atmosphere, laidback, with a variety of people to watch. But the beans I took home never seemed that great. I'm not sure they are serving what they roast. I'd buy after the day they roasted, which was Thursday I think, hoping it would be great, but it wasn't anything special. Which leads me to the quesion, who in the Chicago area does the best roasting of beans? The best I've had is Intelligentsia, the Kenya and Guatemalan Antigua is outstanding. It all depends on your tastes; some may like their lighter roasts. I have also ordered some coffee off the net from Coffeemaria.com, and it was very good. I noticed the address was Addison or Richton Park and a 630 phone #. But I don't know if there is a retail operation. They are also a good source for green beans. Any other recommendations? Mon Nov 10 17:00:12 -0800 2003 0 Jim S 1 621233 Coffe and Tea Exchange is variable. I think sometimes things can sit around too long and get way too much exposure to air. But when recently roasted, I've had good stuff. I favor "Dave's Blend," "Northwest Blend" and Vienna roast. My favorite special treat is Intelligentsia's Sulawesi. Mmmm. I confess not to being expert in this area. Except w/ espresso, I add sugar and cream. But with that disclaimer, I have to say that I think Costco does a very decent job. The roaster is right there, working away. You can pick up a vacuum-sealed 2lb. bag for $5.99 that's still warm! They have tastes of whatever they're roasting and varieties include Sumatra, Costa Rica, Columbian and a "breakfast blend." I may have forgotten one or two as well. What is white tea? Mon Nov 10 17:10:17 -0800 2003 621230 0 mrbarolo 2 621234 Here's the explanation from T&H website. The leaves aren't really white, but have a white fuzz to them (or as best as I can describe it). Kind of a mild to nutty flavor, almost sweet. Link: http://www.todd-holland.com/fineteas/whites.asp?teaType=whites Mon Nov 10 17:17:39 -0800 2003 621233 0 Jim S 3 621239 I'd like to second the recommendation for Todd & Holland - excellent quality FRESH tea, a mind boggling selection, and the gracious folks who work there know positively everything there is to know about tea. Bill Todd is quite the character. Worth the trip to river forest. the teas are a bit pricey, so i make it an occasional personal indulgence. Mon Nov 10 17:40:59 -0800 2003 621234 0 SC 3 621256 From the web site of The Tea House: White teas are produced with minimal processing. The leaves are often only allowed to wilt and be air dried before packaging. In some varieties the leaves are steamed, sealing in the numerous health benefiting elements. When brewed correctly, white tea releases the lowest amount of caffeine of traditional teas. This type of tea often only consists of unopened leaf buds and takes its name from the minute white down that cover the buds. White teas yield a very special flavor and texture and brew into a very light yellow liquor. The aroma is also very light, reminiscent of an early Spring breeze. These rare and high quality teas are available in limited quantities. While I won't criticize Todd & Holland, I prefer to do business with Dan at The Tea House. He works out of his place in Naperville, so doesn't have the over-head of a store front, and has teas at many price points. The quality of the tea I've bought from him has been good to excellent. And he ships very promptly. Link to site below.... Link: http://www.theteahouse.com Tue Nov 11 07:54:41 -0800 2003 621234 0 Giovanna 3 621281 Last time I was there, Aion has four or five kinds of white tea. I bought some Drum Mountain White Cloud, and love it, drink it every day. It's lasted me quite a while; the owner said you can steep a small pinch of it five times, and I do. High in antioxidants and low in caffeine, white tea has become a staple (and a way to stay warm in the winter). Aion 2135 W. Division Chicago, IL 60611 (773) 489-1534 tel Link: http://www.chicago-antiques.com/aion/ Tue Nov 11 12:57:34 -0800 2003 621234 0 j3s 1 621941 I'll put in a word for Casteel Coffee on Central St. in Evanston, which has a buy-9-pounds-get-10th-free program. A great selection of varieties, and generally have a few on sale for $6-7 pound. While you're on Central St., there's also The Spice House, which has to count (along with the coffee roaster) as one of the best-smelling places around. Casteel Coffee 2924 Central St. Evanston 847 424 9999 The Spice House 1941 Central St. 847 328 3711 Sat Nov 22 00:30:17 -0800 2003 621230 0 vaclav