I have a request for Robert Hespe, owner of 1st Cup Coffee (741 Route 35, Middletown, New Jersey, 848-225-3203): open a third location closer to my Bloomfield home. Or, if necessary, somehow airlift his second 1st Cup Coffee location in Middletown -- the original is on 1st Avenue in the Atlantic Highlands -- and drop it somewhere nearby. And if Bobby Adams, barista by late afternoon, cage fighter trainee (soon to have his first fight) by night, can be at the helm, even better. Sorry, Middlesex County folks, but I'd love to steal this place from you. Pictured below, Bobby is preparing to make my Café Borgia, a mocha creation with a touch of nutmeg with orange rind. I drank it from a 1st Cup Coffee stainless steel mug that I bought to enjoy the drink in. It was so right, that warm drink in that mug, sipping it slowly as I looked into the bright sunshine and out at Route 35. Indulge just once and you may never drink regular coffee again. It'll be an addiction, but a well worth it one. The coffee, should you choose to have it as is, is also excellent -- and samples are available, as are treats to enjoy with your drinks. Our small table was well populated by goodies as we rested prior to a 40 mile trip home. Regardless of the late afternoon sun beaming blinding rays and extreme warmth on our table, we weren't anxious to leave. The atmosphere was too welcoming, our conversation with Bobby so engaging, and that Café Borgia in the 1st Cup Coffee mug so good, well...can you blame us? A very nice option over other often very crowded, loud, well known coffee shoppes. And Bobby even had a combination of soft instrumentals and Dean Martin music playing. A word, briefly, about hospitality, which is really what this blog is about. Bobby Adams showed much patience, explaining the coffee types and drink combos, and prepared them with great care. I'm certain other 1st Cup Coffee baristas exhibit the same traits.
As it should be. The Sears family thanks you. Steve
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AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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