Are you ready for colorful leaves, colder weather, and all things pumpkin? We sure are and our fall drinks are here to warm you up! We’ve been hard at work to bring you some truly wonderful concoctions.
KINDA TIKI espresso | coconut cream | ginger beer | cinnamon-vanilla | fresh nutmeg First off, this drink is gorgeous. The Cock ‘N Bull Ginger Beer sinks to the bottom while the dark orange espresso mixed with coconut cream sits at the top. The fresh nutmeg on the top of the drink reminds you of all things Fall with every sip. The thickness of the coconut cream creates a slight heavy texture, but when mixed with the ginger beer, it becomes so dang smooth. The vanilla and cinnamon are very subtle, allowing enough sweetness to combat the spiciness of the ginger beer. All of the flavors create an insatiable drink that’ll make you want more.
SWEATER WEATHER smoked black tea (lapsang souchong) | salted caramel | milk A play on the London Fog, this drink is full of sweet nuttiness that’ll make you want to grab that soft cotton sweater in your closet and walk through a foggy forest while sipping on this smoked black tea drink. The black tea originally comes from Fujian province of China and is called Lapsang Souchong. We get it from Revival Tea Company and they describe it as: “A deep rich smoky flavor” that “comes from the black tea being smoked over fresh Pinewood. This produces a dark liquor with a smooth unforgettable taste. To create Lapsang Souchong, the tea leaves are first withered over pine root fires, panfried, rolled and oxidized. The leaves are then placed in bamboo baskets and hung on wooden racks over smoking pinewood fires to dry and absorb the smoke”. The smokiness of the tea is balanced by our house-made salted caramel syrup and steamed milk, making you want more even after the last sip.
F1RST SPICE fall spice | espresso | milk | fresh nutmeg This latte is all aroma. Our fall spice syrup is made with black tea, spices and a brown sugar reduction. The smell itself takes you on a little journey from cinnamon, ginger root, bay leaf, cardamon, fennel, black peppercorn and raw wildflower honey. This is a drink that is inviting you to sit and get ready for that beautiful fall rain.
We like our cafe to be filled with heavenly 4oz donuts, delicious ‘spro, frothy iced lattes, and damn good art. We have high ceilings, a loft, and enough wall space to feature both big and small art pieces. Every month we search and find local artists to showcase their beautiful masterpieces. This month we are featuring Arcell Salunga, an artist born and raised in the Philippines but who later moved to the states in his later years. We asked him a few questions about his practice and what inspires him.
How did you start painting? What inspired you?
I’ve always had a passion for art and was a skilled drawer at a young age. I picked up painting back in 2015 when I had saved up enough money to buy a canvas and paint supplies to see where my skills were at the time. I was inspired by other artists such as Todd James, John Wesley, and Kaws.
Tell me about the art that is displayed at First Avenue Coffee. What was the goal/intention?
It was my first time having my paintings displayed in public so I wanted to see how people would reciprocate it. Ultimately my goal for all paintings is to spark emotion and make people feel good.
How has your practice changed over time?
My practice has changed drastically by how my mindset was. In the beginning, I was just making art for the sake of my own interest, but now it’s become bigger than that. I’ve realized the power of art and how it can inspire and uplift others.
What is integral to your work?
The most integral thing about my work is the attention to detail. I strive to produce the cleanest work I possibly can and to never take shortcuts on any of my pieces.
Do you pursue any themes?
The theme I pursue is to try to illustrate emotions in all my pieces. I feel like too much of our day consists of non-stop thinking and I want my audience to take a moment away from that and just feel something unique to that person when they view my work.
Come check out his artwork before the month of September ends. Don’t forget that all paintings are for sale.
Contact Arcell or check out his other work via Instagram: @arcell.salunga
Every year we pretend to be Irish while our good friends come and show us how proper Irish Coffee is made. Tim, in a previous life served drinks at Buena Vista Cafe, home of the original Irish Whiskey cocktail. This fun and educational class will teach you how to make a proper Irish Coffee along with which coffees, whiskeys, and creams work best for this delicious concoction. Class includes beverages and your very own traditional glass.
This is a 21+ class. Limited spots available, click link for tickets:
Every year we pretend to be Irish while our good friends come and show us how proper Irish Coffee is made. Tim, in a previous life served drinks at Buena Vista Cafe, home of the original Irish Whiskey cocktail. This fun and educational class will teach you how to make a proper Irish Coffee along with which coffees, whiskeys, and creams work best for this delicious concoction. Class includes beverages and your very own traditional glass.
This is a 21+ class. Limited spots available, click link for tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/f1rst-avenue-coffee-17593917312
Due to the overwhelming success of our first “Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine” class we’ve decided to have another!! We’ll be featuring our new chocolate supplier, Askinosie Chocolates, with wine paired from our neighbor Terra Blanca Winery. Where’s the coffee you ask? We’ll be sharing two of our newest limited release coffees from the World Coffee Research farm in Costa Rica along with a few sneak peaks.
Click link for more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/f1rst-avenue-coffee-17593917312
Bring your sweetheart or your best friend or your Mom to First Avenue and take a walk with Ryan exploring drinks and stories that have brought people together throughout the ages. A big folklorist, Ryan has stories that will melt your heart and possibly make you want to read a tale with the ones you love.
Come out and meet Midge Cline, author of Prey to the Order, Shadow Blades, and Wyndham Hall. Chat about her latest book, Prey to the Order! Grab a book and get it signed while you’re there, and grab some amazing coffee!
Joining Midge will be Ryker Murdock, cover artist for Prey to the Order. Ryker’s art is also on display at 1st Ave Coffee during February.
Books and art prints will be available for purchase at this event.
