I associate different flavors of coffee with places we’ve been. By flavors, I don’t mean Irish coffee, or Vanilla, or Hazelnut. I just mean the different flavors of coffee. One town we lived in had a restaurant called “The Junction.” It was a small cafe and their coffee was like a meal. It was delicious. We sat with friends for hours and just drank the coffee. I discovered they used Bunn coffee machines, so we got one. Not the same. It was good, but it wasn’t The Junction’s coffee.

During visits to Louisianna, in restaurants they ask, “Do you want light or dark coffee?” And they don’t mean with or without cream. They mean light or dark black coffee. They also add chicory which is kind of a bitter taste. It was wonderful. The spoon could almost stand up on its own in the dark coffee.

When we were in Australia, in a restaurant we ordered coffee with cream. The waiter looked at us like we were from another planet. They brought black coffee with a small cup of heavy whipping cream. In Australia one is supposed to order a flat white, a long or short black, or a short macchiato, among others. It was a learning experience for sure, and the coffee was fantastic.

Coffee is serious. Coffee is not something to be messed with. I don’t take trips, no matter how short or long without coffee. Almost every time I go to town, it’s time for coffee.

I think the very best cup of coffee I ever tasted was Kona coffee in Hawaii. It wasn’t just being in Hawaii that made the coffee taste so good. Kona coffee is magical. I can’t begin to describe it adequately. We’ve had Kona since then and it’s good, but not like that first experience.

For consistent taste in coffee, one only has to visit any McDonald’s in the country. Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Colorado, Oregon, Arizona, all McDonald’s coffee tastes exactly the same. Many years ago, they changed their coffee blend and it’s better. Before, it had kind of a burnt taste. Or maybe the people making it didn’t know what they were doing. No one ever says, “Hey, let’s go get a glass of milk,” or, “Do you want to stop for a tea?” It’s always coffee. Big decisions are made over coffee, not milk or tea, at least not in the US.

I remember metal coffee cans that were opened with a small key that was welded to the bottom of the can. You broke off the key, stuck a little tab through a slot in the key and twisted the key around the top of the can, releasing the most incredible aroma from inside. Perked coffee has always been my favorite, but I have to admit, the new automatic coffee machines are pretty great, especially if I need a coffee quick.

I think our first drip coffee maker was a Bunn we purchased forty years ago. I hoped it would taste like the coffee we had at The Junction. Not quiet, but really good. We’ve had several Mr. Coffee makers, a few percolators, and three or four Keurig’s.

I have to admit the ambience of the place has a lot to do with how good the coffee tastes. You can have a lousy cup of coffee in a great place and it makes the coffee better. You can have a great cup in a cold, drafty, bland place and the coffee loses some of its appeal.

If bad stuff is happening, coffee is a great companion to ease whatever it is. If great stuff is happening, coffee makes it even better. If I’m tired, coffee. If I’m bugged, coffee. If I’m anxious, coffee. (I know what you’re thinking – hey, can’t caffeine make nerves worse? Yeah, I know, whatever.) If I’m happy, coffee. Sad, coffee. By myself, coffee. With family, coffee.

I usually drink coffee black. But sometimes I treat myself to cream and sugar at restaurants.

I’ll let you in on some great places to drink coffee. Zehner’s in Frankenmuth, Michigan. There’s a place on Mackinac Island, Michigan, that was called J.L. Beanery. I think it changed hands and the name was changed. It’s still a great place to drink coffee, right on the water. Culver’s Restaurant usually has great coffee. Tim Horton’s has good coffee. We had breakfast at Omega Ham & Corn Beef Deli in Grand Blanc, Michigan, this morning. Their coffee is fantastic!

Of course, we all know Starbucks captured the market when “Friends” became such a hit on TV. That show started the coffeeshop craze that is still with us.

One more thing. I do drink decaf a lot, but not always. I have some Nescafe Tasters Choice decaf that I sometimes sprinkle on ice cream! It’s amazing!

Coffee. I love it. I’m thankful for a great cup of coffee.