Dear SOS,
I just returned from a summer abroad in Italy where I gained plenty of knowledge about two things: art and coffee. Now that I'm back, I can get by with satisfying my art fix at the SMFA.
But when it comes to coffee: Is there somewhere I can go short of the North End for a decent cup of joe?
Sincerely, Caffeinated Kid
Dear Caffeinated Kid,
With the recent addition of the "The Politics of Coffee" to my schedule, I feel apt to answer your question. I also completely understand your concern - it can be difficult to re-enter a world where a "macchiato" is preceded by some saccharine term, rather than served with a dollop of foam in a porcelain cup.
Your best bet is self-made coffee, since you are in control of the roast type, brew strength and flavor undertones. But at college, I have developed a lifestyle of ludicrous laziness (let's just say I packed my unwashed Spring Fling clothes to be stored this summer and unpacked a boot the other day caked an inch thick with the vestige from the mud pit).
As such, I'm not likely to be hygienic when it comes to owning a coffeemaker. For all of you who, like me, embrace your inherent indolence, salvation can be found in a little-known Dutch appliance.
The "Keurig" is a simple machine used to brew single cups of coffee or tea. It leaves no trace behind - not a single soggy filter or a drop of lingering coffee grounds. Instead, the machine uses "pod technology" - prepackaged coffee pod that magically disappears after each use. The pods are available online, but the machine can be purchased in Jumbo Express.
I've also discovered a few on-campus options for a decent caffeine fix. If you're sticking to the dining halls, I recommend Carmichael, because it often has a full canister of Central Highlands Blend (Fair Trade!) and little-known packets of sugar-free hot chocolate mix which, when paired with a cup of coffee and some soymilk, can make for a pretty excellent bootleg mocha.
If you are lucky enough to have an ID card replete with points, I highly recommend Brown and Brew. During off-hours, the coffee shop is a hidden oasis, but during rainy days, it acts as a surrogate umbrella for rained-out students - once, mid-storm, I saw the line snake around the corner stage, nearly reaching the computer at the back door.
If you can make it there before the passing periods, I strongly endorse any of their espresso drinks, or even their iced coffee (which is a stronger blend than the one served at the Tower Café).
I have also never been one to pass up the Rez, but my last encounter there proved to be highly amusing. There were two people waiting in line in front of me, and the first ordered a coffee, only to be told, "Sorry, but we're all out of coffee." I tried not to notice the fact that a coffee shop just admitted to being sold out of their main attraction, as I waited for the next person to order.
"I'll just have a tea," he said, which was followed by an even more absurd response: "Well, we can sell you the tea bag, but you'll have to get hot water downstairs."
I approached the counter with mild trepidation as I blurted out my order. "I'll take a double vanilla soy cappuccino."
"Coming right up," the girl said. Which means you should probably go there - you might actually have some luck obtaining your Italian specialty.
Contact Charlotte to get advice for all your problems at Charlotte.Steinway@tufts.edu.
