Beachside Brew

Nice beach days can be the most relaxing of days off of work. Unfortunately, my sun session was shortened by a fat rainstorm that would linger over the remainder of afternoon hours today. As a self professed rain enthusiast, (my time in the Pacific Northwest only strengthened the bond between precipitation and I) I didn't half mind. It would have been great to spend another hour laying on the sand, but the afternoon proved to be just as peaceful with the rainstorm. 

Before I headed out for my short lived beach visit, our friend Sara and I had breakfast at the quaintest beachside deli cafe. The Deli comb is a stone's throw from the ocean, right off of A1A in Jacksonville Beach. The deli specializes in vegan organic foods. Though we were only in the market for breakfast, I really want to go back for lunch one day! As it was, I had a cocoa latte in a HUGE mug with cinnamon and a fried egg sandwich. :) It was DE-licious. The deli serves only George Howell Coffee Company's terroir coffee, a specially roasted single origin brew. As soon as Brian is back in town, expect to see The Deli Comb's second appearance on the blog! 

 

<3, 

Shan

Black Bear. Hendersonville, NC

After living in the area for nearly 3 years I find it only appropriate to introduce the world to a little place called Black Bear Coffee. While it is certainly not the most exciting of coffee shops, it's charm makes it one of a kind. Black Bear is the local spot. Teenagers flock to chill on one of the oversized couches and the older folks relax in the back where it is quiet and dark. Nestled in the charming historic downtown Hendersonville North Carolina, Black Bear is happy to host poetry nights and high school rock bands. It gives off a sort of, welcome home vibe with oversized worn couches, eclectic area rugs and an over all artsy aesthetic. I chose an enticing item off the neon menu called the milky way. While I have of course had a taste of the delicious candy bar, I have not had a brewed blend of sweetness quite this good. Chocolate, espresso, caramel and milk all come together to make a swirl of perfect sweetness. While this drink is certainly not for those who like a more robust bean flavor, i.e. Shannon, it fit my sweet tooth well. I paired my choice with an oversized blueberry muffin that made for a delicious afternoon snack. After ordering my brew I chose a cozy spot in the back next to a fireplace. Though I wouldn't directly compare this place to my own living room, it is just comfortable enough to get lost in a good book or maybe even kick your feet up. While the spot I found was comfortable, some of the couches in this place have seen a few too many locals. While I do find it charming enough to live with a few down sides, I prefer my coffee spots to be on the brighter side. A few extremely dark areas put off a dungeon vibe I don't think my imagination could handle. On the up-side, if you're into browsing a few books, this place has a creative book corner that is perfection. Next time I go I will be nestling up beside the bookshelf to find my next read!

-BG

The sheet music wallpaper in this corner is absolutely lovely. It's so amazing to compare Brian and I's individual behaviors. For two people who have so much in common, we're starkly different in some ways! I would totally seek out that dark corner and be lost in a book for the rest of the day with a smile on my face. If you think that's weird, let me defend myself. Of course, I like a little sunlight here and there. A tiny bright window with flowers on the ledge makes me super happy. But, being born and raised in the Florida sun has given me one too many a freckle and sometimes I get downright tired of it! Also, if you are not from the land of the sun and have never been, let me tell you something about it. . . .... It's very hot. Nice little strolls like this one that Brian took in North Carolina are not really possible for any length of time in this type of humidity. Even California and Arizona don't really know the type of heat that exists in a humid former Indian swampland like FL. Just ask Brian about the FIRST time we ever traveled to Bold Bean coffee shop and thought we would walk in the afternoon July weather. Sweat and dehydration does not a peachy walk make. So, I am a little jealous of the time he spent in this little mountain coffee shop. I think we may just have to stop in the next time I'm up for a visit! :) That blueberry muffin sure looks delicious, though he's right. I'd pair it with a sturdy espresso over a cinnamon caramel chocolate whatevery any day of the week. ;) 

<3, 

-Shan

Bold Bean.

Before ordering a coffee at Bold Bean roastery, prior to looking at a menu, and preceding the beverage selection process all together, the first thing that caught my eye was the sheer dedication to aesthetic in the shop. The whole of the place is laiden in natural materials, primarily wood, and plays off of the fact that the shop owners hand roast the beans behind a glass partition for Bold Bean patrons to gaze on. The exposed rafters, brick, and streamlined interior design choices exude an industrial vibe reminiscent of recent Chicago or Williamsburg roasteries. Bold Bean is easily one of the "hippest" coffee joints in Jacksonville, as young professionals and college students litter the place on laptops and in study groups. Situated in the heart of the Riverside historic district, the place has no want of clientele and yet there is scarcely a line out the door. These guys know what they're doing. 

The chalkboard wall menu leaves patrons with a ton of choices, but doesn't overwhelm you. (Not to mention, the pricing is fair.) However, if you're a cafe amateur, you may need to ask your barista for a little help. From pour overs to French Press style, Bold Bean boasts an excess of ways to prepare their customers' brew. Personally, I enjoy a plain old vanilla latte. But, for the sake of curiosity, I ordered a pour over of a Bold Bean original hazelnut Honduras roast and was not disappointed. Brian and I visited in the morning, so I needed a sturdily brewed cup of the stuff, and that's exactly what I got. I think the one thing I most appreciate about this place is their commitment to the coffee. Bold Bean will provide you with a straight up, honest to God, artisan brewed cup of coffee beans. Go here if you're looking for reliability. :) 

<3, Shan

As a creative, design inspired individual, I too have to say my very favorite part of this Jacksonville coffee shop is the fashion forward, cutting edge interior design. With wood paneled walls, chalkboard black accents, and some exposed brick, this place serves as the perfect Riverside caffeine hot spot. It pays sweet homage to the classic elegance of a very bold bean. I got a simple caramel latte and was not disappointed. If you find yourself in the area, be sure to stop by. It’s not your normal coffee house, so think outside the box when ordering, you’ll be glad you did!

-Brian

(This sign might be our mantra.) 

Inaugural Post...

Bean There blog is the venture project of two best friends, Shannon Heath and Brian Gainey, brought together by a passion for photography, journalism, and style. Oh yeah, and coffee. We are two creatively focused people with big dreams to fulfill….and we’re going to need caffeine.

In the past 5 years, quite a lot has changed in both of our lives. Brian moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina to grow his photography business and I graduated from Jacksonville University and got a big girl job in the fashion retail industry! Brian and I have made a habit of frequenting local coffee shops in our hometown of Jacksonville, Florida every time he comes back home to visit. One day, it hit me. We both adore blogging, have a strange affinity for expressing our thoughts in the same way, and already run our own personal style blogs. We need a coffee blog! The name Bean There is a product of a clever Brian joke that sort of just stuck.

I hope you enjoy reading our blog as we much as we take pleasure in writing it. Contact us anytime with questions, comments, or ideas; we really like feedback from readers! Or, if you’d like us to stop by your place for a cup o’ joe in the greater Jacksonville or Asheville area, shoot us an email. We’d love to drop in!

-Shannon

This is a little indulgent "get to know us" questionnaire. Have a peek if you please! :)

Shannon + Brian

Best Coffee I’ve Ever Had:

It’s a tie. Chubby Bunny from Forza Coffee in Seattle Center or Milky Way Latte from Café on the Ave in the U-District, both in Seattle, WA.

Upside Down Caramel Macchiato from virtually anywhere

What I wanted to be when I was a kid:

Wedding Dress Designer and then a Supreme Court Attorney

Photography Teacher

Current Dream Job:

Journalist/Editor

Small Business Owner (Men’s clothing store)

Patronus:

Unicorn

Owl

Favorite Place on the Planet:

Seattle, WA

Illinois

Dream Vacation:

Patagonia, Chile

New York, NY

Favorite Coffee Shop in Jacksonville:

Bold Bean for the both of us! :)

Guilty Pleasure (other than expensive lattes):

Shoelust…it’s bad. Like bad.

Candy…also a real problem.

Favorite Quote:

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all. In which case, you fail by default. -J.K. Rowling

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot. Nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” –The Lorax, Dr. Suess