I had the pleasure of visiting the Black Kettle Coffee shopin Black Forest. I brought my laptop with me to check some emails, and being new to the wi-fi life, wasn't sure if I knew what I was doing. No problems, I was up and working within minutes. This is a free service Black Kettle offers thier customers.
They were celebrating their 2nd year anniversary with balloons and $2.00 drink specials. After my second cup of the anniversary blend, I was beginning to wake up.
The shop has a large rock fireplace with comfortable leather furniture around it. Customers seemed to favor the window seats, and were deeply engaged in conversations.
The friendly barista, Caleb Neel, delivered special order breakfasts to the relaxed patrons. He is a part-time barista and full time student at Pikes Peak Community college. He loves working with people, and knows some of the regulars drinks so well that when they drive up in the parking lot, he gets their drink ready. I found out he was recruited from another Black Forest business. I could see why. Customers seemed to know him, and were asking him about school, in particular, his Russian and Speech classes.
As mellow country western music played in the background, I talked with general manager, Ryan, about the coffee and food. All the coffee comes from Seattle, Atlas Coffee importers, and Ryan tries to purchase all fair trade organic beans. The Black Kettle handles all the roasting at their site. They are also the only breakfast restaurant in town, so as the word is getting out, they are becoming busy onSaturday and Sunday mornings.
Another bonus is on Saturday mornings the Black Kettle has acoustic live music. So you can enjoy biscuits and gravy while listening to classical guitar from Pine Creek high school student, Mike Melton, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
The most popular coffee is called 'Blackest kettle blend' which is a deep, dark, bold coffee and is guaranteed to give you a "swift kick to get you going". Ryan promised me he would start a blog on the coffee of the week and some of the dining specials.
I couldn't wait to come back. As I was leaving I felt as if I had just been at an old friend's home. If you are ever in the neighborhood of 11590 Black Forest Road, you should drop in.