An interesting thing: when on a budget, even the smallest of concious purchases can lead to luxury.
Case in point: This morning we were extra-early in getting into downtown for the workday, so we stopped at Peet’s* downtown for a cup of the old bean. Their house blend (when purchasing beans by the lb.) is $8.95/lb — Which is only on average $1-2 more than we would likely spend for beans normally. When you purchase a lb. or more, you also get a complimentary cup of coffee at peet’s. So splurging only about a net amount of $1 per 2 weeks or so yields the deliciousness of Peet’s coffee in the morning at home.
LUXURY. I assure you, as a Coffee connesieur (Ok, Gourmand) I have not found a better roast of flavor than that of Peet’s (for a non-independant).
$2/mo for absolute coffee luxury? A pleasure to be alive. I love you, Peet’s.
*I feel secretly smug when I purchase Peet’s in the NW — Alfred Peet opened his first store in Berkely, CA 1966. Zev Siegl worked in the Berkely store to help get the idea of the coffee business so he and his 2 friends could open their own store in Seattle — which became Starbucks. Their first Starbucks store purchased all coffee from Alfred Peet. So quietly I feel subversive and perverse when I shop at Peet’s in the Nortwest. These are two emotions I adore with peaceful abandon.
I *adore* Peet’s. While I usually bring coffee from home (and Philip buys good stuff from a place in the Castro), I was thrilled when they put a Peet’s cart in our building, so when I have to buy my morning cup (as I had to do this morning), I have great coffee, and not crappy-burned-Starbuck’s swill.
**Sips Peet’s
Sounds like something poor people would say.
ZING!
I worked at the Peet’s store on Fillmore on its opening day and for many months afterward. I still buy peet’s as my luxury coffee at home. At work I buy bulk shade grown stuff, not as good. Peet’s = weekend luxury yumminess.
I think that’s cause ’tis.
When I worked in San Rafael, My co-worker/carpool partner and I would always stop on Friday mornings for Peet’s. It was religion.
Lucky Ducky with the Peet’s cart – I feel lucky I have one on the morning commute.
Of course, now I’m direly craving Major Dickenson’s
and oh, I have some at home! Rock!
I read your post, then I went to my bank, where I discovered a Peet’s. I might try them out as I am looking to a good alternative to the big green evil empire.