by Dee on September 28, 2009
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I first found “Hard Bean Cafe” through a twitter comment. Before going any further, I always check out the website.
Here I found pictures, stories and lots of information on the people and the place itself. Great poetry and quotes from famous people with welcoming pictures encourage me to check out this place.
Located at 801 Main Street in Grandview, it is a pleasant drive (especially now with the leaves turning beautiful shades of red and yellows and orange)
Walking in I immediately felt warmed and welcome. For 3:00 in the afternoon, the place was surprising filled. Tables of 2 and 3 patrons were scattered in the main area and others were sitting peaceably in the loft, reading quietly. Outside is a patio where you may relax on cool autumn days. Music playing at a background level (not blaring as in some places) enhanced the mood. Becca’s big smile drew us to the counter.
We placed our order for steamer and latte, topped off with a delicious cookie. Attractively presented and wonderfully made, our taste buds were pleased and satisfied.
Main Street Movie Club meets there to view and discuss movies. This takes place in the loft where you can sit comfortably at bistro tables or in overstuffed sofa and chair. The projector and screen are hooked up and ready to go. (for more details on this event, click here) The loft is available for use, check the website for details.
Both Nate and I took along our laptops, attached to the free wi-fi and set out completing some projects that we could not seem to focus on and complete working from home.
The visit was successful, my steamer was luscious, and I will be returning.
by Dee on September 17, 2009
I joined a couple of friends on the Independence Square this week. We met up at the newly re-opened “Main Street Coffee House”.
I always feel welcome with the deep red wall color. There is just something elegant about that I enjoy. The counter was attractively made of wood (oak?) doors.
Drinks for our group included (1) steamer (2) decaf and (3) verona. All were very good. One friend ordered a “humus and cucumber sandwich”. He raved that was the best humus he ever had. (no, I didn’t try it, never had it, but I might be tempted after his recommendation)
I didn’t have my laptop with me, but my friends commented they have taken theirs in and had very good service. Free live entertainment Friday and Saturday night 7-9pm. Open mic on Tuesdays 6-9pm. Check the website for details and video tour of the coffee house.
Coffee blends offered are air roasted by the The Roasterie.
I am sure I will be taking my laptop and stopping by again after a walk around historic Independence Square in Independence, Missouri.
by Dee on August 25, 2009
In an effort to get away from the house I’ve dropped in at Steamin’ Bean several times the past couple of months.
Steamin’ Bean is located at the corner of Duncan Road and 7 Highway in Blue Springs. The menu offers the usual variety of coffee and tea drinks, both hot and cold as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and quiche for lunch and tasty gelato for your sweet tooth.
The staff at Steamin’ Bean is very pleasant and a joy to be around.
WiFi is available for those who walk in with their laptops and they also have 1 desktop unit available for others. Sit at one of the intimate tables, on soft chairs off to the side or ones near the tv to catch up on the latest news broadcast.
Recently the coffee shop was featured in the Blue Springs Examiner for the shops “Pay it Forward” fund. Drop in a few coins and miscellaneous customers unexpectedly hear the words “your drink is paid for” when they place an order.
Always a welcoming atmosphere, Steamin’ Bean is a great place to spend some coffee time.
Check out their Facebook fan page for comments from other patrons.
Todays journey took Nate and me to the comfortable Dunn Brothers coffee shop at 535 East Red Bridge in southern Kansas City.
This well lit establishment with lots of seating and free wi-fi is a pleasant stop off for a quick coffee or leisurely lunch. A display of quiche and chicken salad as well as several pastries is very appealing.
My Caramel Latte is rich with flavor and topped with a pleasant froth and swirls of caramel. An attempt at weight loss prevented me from adding cream cheese pastry to my order.
Inside you can find a bookshelf and a number of games to keep you busy while sitting back in the soft chairs or at the cozy tables. Not as many plug ins as I like to see, but then I tend to stayed logged in longer than my battery likes. Didn’t bring your computer? Don’t fret, along one wall are a couple of public computers you can use.
A beautiful day outside? Sit on the “Dunn Brothers Patio” where you can watch travelers pass along the roadway, walkers through the Red Bridge Shopping Center, and the lovely sunshine. Plenty of seating and wi-fi coverage.
The staff is very pleasant and interacts with the customers very well. Each patron is asked if everything is to their liking and what can be done to improve, if not.
All in all, a very enjoyable visit with plans to return.
Needing to get out of the house, we headed for Espresso dell’Anatra located in Zona Rosa. After circling the area several times we found Starbucks and Latte’Land but no Espresso dell’Anatra. We headed for the Chouteau Trafficway location.
Turns out when we asked at the 2nd location, the other location was the Latte’Land location. In fact looking at their website again I found it stated that, just didn’t notice it.
Anyway, we walked into the well lit, pleasantly decorated coffee shop and enjoyed the music of KLOVE playing softly. I enjoy that national radio station and sang along, as did other patrons, to the music. There is the usual list of drinks. I tried a Dulche de Luche. It was flavorful and topped with a wonderful illustration in the froth.
Our barista was pleasant and asked questions to be sure our drinks would be exactly as we desired. I like that kind of detail.
There is a limited amount of pastry. However, they are closing this location on Thursday and moving a larger facility where much more will be on the menu.
A variety of seating is offered, from low stuffed chairs in one corner, to a sofa in another corner and an array of tables both standard and high top. Decorations include a number of collages featuring various movie stars and available for purchase.
Free wi-fi is available. Get the security key from the counter. I had no trouble with the connection.
Their website should soon be updated as they are moving the Chouteau Trafficway location this week and the printable coupon expired January 1. Be sure to watch for the new store which will allow them to offer a wider selection of pastries. They will also be able to host live bands for evening entertainment.
All in all, I am sure we will be returning. It was a pleasant visit.I ’d like to see the new location and also check out Zona Rosa soon, now that we know where it is.
by Dee on February 24, 2009
Last week Nate and I set out for a flavorful cup of coffee and found our way to Benetti’s Coffee Experience in Raytown. Located at 6109 Blue Ridge Boulevard it is just 3 doors down from Raytown High School.
We parked in back and walked up the drive to the front door. There is a back entrance but there are a lot of stairs and I wasn’t able to walk them at the time. The drive was a smooth surface and easily traversed.
Upon entering the renovated house you are welcomed by the pleasant staff, a view of the grinding area, sandwiches presented in a well lit case and the usual selections of various coffees and teas. There are pictures of the renovation from house to coffeehouse on display.
Also on display are many postcards from Marcos Benetti as he travels the world. I enjoyed reading some of them. It made the visit feel very personal, like I was visiting people I knew.
There were several tables, all easily accessible. The acoustics allowed for reasonably private conversations. The only noise that was disruptive was when the beans were ground, but that was only once and for a short period of time, so not a real problem. I just hadn’t had my caffeine yet so that is probably why I noticed it. Near each table was plenty of electrical outlets so we could sit and use the internet access without fear of the laptop battery running down. This pleased me the most as we have been to many coffee houses that offer WiFi but no outlets.
For those pleasant sunny days, you can sit on the back porch.
Together we enjoyed a sandwich and coffee for under $15.00
We had a pleasant visit and I am sure we will be returning. If you’d like to check out Benetti’s Coffeehouse their website posts their hours as:
- M-Th 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Fri 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sat 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
by Nate on February 5, 2009
Harry’s Mug Coffee Bar sits across from Truman Corners shopping center at 12222 Blue Ridge Extension in Grandview, Missouri. Harry is Harry Truman who’s childhood farm is somewhere nearby.
The decor includes several pictures of Harry including the famous ‘Dewey Defeats Truman photo. The counter is actually a bar complete with comfy looking barstools. The 
rest of the seating is sturdy looking tables surrounded by iron chairs and a cozy corner couch and chair. KLOVE was playing on the sound system and a nice 46” flat panel TV at one end.
The menu is deceptively small as it appears they have every flavored syrup known to man and all the equipment needed to keep any barista happy. Some of the specialties look especially intriguing such as the Almond Joy which is made with chocolate , almond, and coconut flavors, the Truman’s Truffle with chocolate and raspberry syrups, and the Banana Split with chocolate, caramel and banana flavors. I wonder how many of those they sell?
I enjoyed a Latte as I sat on the comfy couch in the warm afternoon sun. The WiFi worked well and I was able to write up this review and save it as a draft quickly and easily.
Harry’s Mug
12222 Blue Ridge EXT.
Grandview, MO, 64030
Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, and Live Music on Weekends. Check them out!
by Dee on September 18, 2007
I needed to get some work done and trying to sit at my laptop at home was becoming less productive by the minute. As soon as I would start typing my attention would move to the dishes I needed to do, or thoughts of laundry awaiting me. I finally packed up my laptop and headed out for a wi-fi spot that offered some sweet delicacies with a flavorful cup of coffee.
My first stop was at a strip mall at the Hartman Heritage Center in Independence where I found "The Pastry Goddess". It is located at 20120 E. Jackson Drive in Independence.
Walking into the store front was very inviting with its brick floor, well-lit spacious area , and pleasant server. I gazed at the large selection of pastry treats while the customer in front of me picked up her order. Mouth watering, I asked for a pastry and latte. I was told the internet was accessible so I set up my laptop while my order was being prepared. Unfortunately as I picked up the order I was told they were having computer problems in the back so I might have trouble with the internet. I could connect to their network but never to the internet for the hour and 15 minutes I was in there. I got a lot of work done, just couldn’t get anything posted. I am sure the internet problem was just a fluke for the day and time I visited. I will have to go back again before I make any definitive opinion of that area of service.
The cream cheese pastry was delicious. I would have enjoyed another one, but I gained 5 pounds just looking at the wide selection and feared my hips would be that wide if I continued. (after 40, hips have a span of their own). I finished my drink and my work and left. If I could have connected to the internet I would have ordered another coffee, but work needed to be done and I had to move on.
I will be happy to stop by Pastry Goddess again to sample other goodies.
Technorati tags: coffee, coffee house, coffeehouse, pastry, pastry goddess, kansas city, cream cheese, latte, hartman heritage center, independence, wi-fi, wifi, wi fi
by Dee on September 10, 2007
My first introduction to the “internet café” came about a few years ago when the “JAVA INTERNET CAFÉ” was opened near by home in Lee’s Summit.
Though I have moved away from Lee’s Summit I still stop by there and am always greeted with a bright smileby Rosa. A warm setting arrangement of couches as well as tables and chairs provide a place for solitude or small gatherings. My favorite place to sit is on one of the massage chairs where for a small fee I can receive a back massage while I sip my caramel macchiato
A wide variety of drinks are available as well as pastries and small lunches. They now have opened a drive thru in case you are in a hurry and have to grab that quick cup of java as you pass by.
Internet is offered free to customers who must ask for the security code of the day. Computers are also available for customers to use. I know of several people who have chosen to sit at Java Internet Café to work on writing projects. I have used the internet there several times with little trouble, however the Saturday Nate and I visited he planned to participate in a Football Fantasy draft. I was working on blog entries. We were both knocked off the internet several times until we finally gave up after the 3rd time.
Soothing blues or jazz is often playing through a sound system. The have 3 televisions set up but text scrolls across the screen so you can keep up with whatever news channel you prefer that way.
In the past I have enjoyed live music concerts there and have noted they offered karaoke on their events board but at this time there were none noted. Their web site, however, advises more will be posted soon.
Java Internet Café is located at 702 SE Blue Parkway just between Highways 291 and 50 on the outer road. Their phone number is 525-3556.
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