Living in Nashville it has taken me a significant amount of time to find a place to make an authentic Italian-style cappuccino. Thankfully the baristas at my go-to coffee house took it upon themselves, under my guidance, to learn the process of making such a cappuccino - even to the point of purchasing demitasse spoons so that I can enjoy - what, for me, is the Finale’ of a great cappuccino - the perfect mixture of espresso and steamed milk and the brown sugar that rest together at the bottom of the cup. It is much like the melted ice cream at the bottom of the bowl, especially when it is mixed with whatever topping was applied at the beginning.
With the tiny spoon I stir the contents together the, in the smallest of portions that force me to indulge in micro doses, I scoop the mixture into my mouth, savor each portion as it rests upon my tastebuds, then roll it between my tongue and the roof of my mouth to release any hidden flavors.
This posting was actually an idea that came to me as I was riding here this morning; The premise of which is to write a series of posts - periodically, from the coffee house itself. My thinking is different here - sometime far more expansive. The coffee house is also a place where I can engage in enlightening conversations with friends, and acquaintances.
The question that strikes me in this moment is this: would I write these posts only from this particular coffee house, or could they be from any coffee house? The “coffee house” that I am writing this post from is my go-to coffee house. It is my sanctuary for a variety of reasons. The name is Beck’s Farmhouse Coffee, and they are located on the outskirts of Joelton, Tennessee which is about 15 miles north of downtown Nashville.
It sits along Highway 431, also known as White’s Creek Pike, in the most rural of settings. Behind the coffee house is a small red barn which is the ‘roasting shed’. Many times, as I approach within a half mile or so, I can smell roasting coffee in the air - especially when I am on Velvet (my motorcycle).
Over the decades coffee houses have proliferated, but most have become so noisy with blaring music mixed with the sounds of whirling blenders making a variety of ‘coffee drinks.’ Others simply serve lousy coffee. Beck’s have created a good balance. First of all, as I just mentioned, they roast their own coffee - something that Brandon has been doing for more than three decades; and he roasts in the traditional Italian way of roasting. Brandon, by the way, is one of the owners of the coffee house, along with his wife and four children.
This is another aspect of Beck’s that I love; in addition to being family-owned, the family also works their - and with the additional baristas that are employed, they are treated as an extension of the family, which adds greatly to the atmosphere, and to the overall experience.
As I sit here writing I’m the only customer. It is nearing noon so the bustle of the morning activity is over. Selfishly this is my favorite time to come in when my intention is to be alone. The timing also coincides with me needing a break from the office.
Cameron, who is one of the employees, is here today. on her day off, lounging quite comfortably on the couch at the far end of the room. Only the top of her head is visible above the arm of the couch.
Alaina - who is one of the daughters, and Maggie, are on the working side of the bar having a woman to woman chat - it seems. I can overhear only enough to know the type of conversation - especially by the ‘hushed’ tones, but thankfully I am not able to hear any additional details.
The large cooler behind me has a hum, and music plays over the sound system - again just loud enough to hear but not loud enough to have the lyrics become distracting.
My cappuccino is now a thing of the past. The demitasse spoon rests inside the cup. Two customers have just walked in. It always amazes me how the atmosphere changes in moments like this - not in a bad way, but in a noticeable one.
As their order is underway the other sounds of a coffee house come alive, reminding me of the symphony of it all - which will be the topic of my next posting from the coffee house…
Great post, David. I subscribe to Substack, so I will be a follower in earnest. After briefly perusing your website and another site (Willow Oak, perhaps?) I must say, I love your work. It moves me. And, I'm happy to say, I love your writing style as well. My next visit to Nashville, I'd love to meet for a cappuccino at Beck's.