…a day of thick dark clouds, heavy with rain…What better time for a cup of rich aromatic coffee – especially at a funky, almost indescribable, “hole-in-the-wall” coffee house?
Our son, who is becoming a fan and almost elitist (or is it a ‘snob’?) of coffee houses that roast and grind their own beans on-site, was eager to share his newest discovery with us: the Cartel Coffee Lab.
This dark rainy day was the perfect backdrop for our introduction (or was it an ‘induction’?) to what appears to be a new phase of specialty coffee houses in which “green sourced” and fair trade coffee is roasted and prepared in-house using both drip and espresso brewing methods. This sophisticated ‘funk’ is also described as “high-end coffee with a global conscience”.
This ‘new’ era coffee house reminds us of the 50’s era ‘Beatnik’ or Greenwich Village coffee houses, (shades of Jack Karouac and the like — or how about Maynard?!). The clientele is similar to the ‘beat generation‘ with students and frat boys (& hipsters, pretentious yuppies, casual drinkers and coffee snobs in the mix) espousing religion and various philosophies. The smokey interiors have been cleared by the Clean Air Act and now cater to computers and offer WiFi connections (free but ONLY with the purchase of a drink – no WiFi freeloaders allowed!).
The Cartel Coffee Lab is located in the back of a small nondescript business plaza (strip center) bordering a tree-lined residential neighborhood just off campus (ASU-Arizona State University in Tempe). Perseverance and courage might be needed to locate, enter, and experience this unique little ‘dive’ but the effort is worth it! The fresh roasted coffee seems strong at first but finishes with a nice taste. The ambience isn’t as cozy and inviting as I enjoy, but it’s ‘funk’ is fun, and a great place to observe the new coffee culture.
On my son’s recommendation, I ordered a Cappuccino (only available for in-house drinking…”no matter how much you complain or beg” reads a sign on the wall!) Supposedly unique to the Cartel Coffee Lab, the espresso process is fascinating, as I watch the preparation of my Cappuccino, complete with a lovely frothy ‘latte art’ and detailed explanation by the barista.
On our second visit, which was on a much brighter and sunnier day but an equally appropriate ‘coffee day’, I was more comfortable with the ‘scene’ and the coffee tasted even better, perhaps because of the tantalizing aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans in the air?
On my third visit, which happened before I could finish getting this post written and published, I felt very comfortable and relaxed, enjoying a rich cappuccino in this (now quaint) little ‘dive’.
The bright red ‘San Franciscan’ roaster, dominating one end of the shop, was in full service offering an up-close and personal view of the roasting process… the Cartel sells truly ‘fresh’ roasted coffee. I am quickly becoming a fan and can see myself becoming an aficionado – maybe even a snob?
For you fellow coffee fans and aficionados, I encourage you, while in the Phoenix area, to make the effort to seek out the Cartel Coffee Lab at 225 W. University Drive, Suite 101, in Tempe or downtown at 1 N.1st Street, for the experience, a fun time…and for a great cup of delicious ‘fresh roasted ’
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