The quest for chai has started. Thanks to a recent visit to a Baltimore coffee shop and being tricked into trying what I believe to be the best chai ever, I resolved to discover Milwaukee's equivalent. In addition to seeking chai, I am searching for the perfect atmosphere to sit back, settle in, and trade stories with another storyteller.
First stop: Farwell Coffee Bar
This shop is fairly new to the East side. I stumbled upon it last summer during a heat wave. A friend and I were looking for air-conditioning. Unfortunately, we didn't find it there so we moved on.
Today, I stopped long enough to ask if they had any chai. Unfortunately, their personal blend Oozy Chai was not ready yet. The owner assured me that it would be ready in an hour. However, I was on a quest and the one-wayness of Farwell Avenue insured that I wouldn't be back today.
Before running out the door, I looked around at the small tables scattered around and the window-wall facing Farwell Avenue. I spotted a possible storytelling spot: at a bar table perched on the window. It would be an interesting setting for telling stories and watching the curious nature of the East side people passing outside. But, how comfortable would barstools be after a story or two?
Second stop: Comet Cafe
This is a prime example of an East side coffee house. The tables wobble but they even provide little wood wedges for you to fix it (if you really care that much). The day crowd seemed interesting enough: an east side character, student, young-hip couple, and a freak in business attire (don't you just love seeing "real" people with real jobs?).
I ordered a tall glass of chai (a local brew variety) and a pecan roll. The chai was served at the perfect temperature; finally a shop that understands that I want to be able to drink it when I get it. However, I wasn't impressed with the flavor. It had that odd sharp flavor that I dislike in Rochambo's chai. It was good enough to drink but it didn't place me closer to my final goal of finding Milwaukee's best chai.
So my thirst for a good chai was not quenched and I was forced to move on. I passed by Starbucks and kept driving.
Third stop: Blue Dawg Bagels
Yes, I know, this isn't a coffee shop. But I have been in there a few times and figured that they had to sell something to drink with their bagels. Plus, I remembered some of the comfy decor that I wanted to re-evaluate through a story sharing perspective.
This morning was busier than any other time I had stopped in. After ordering up a small glass of chai (since I just had a tall glass 10 minutes before), I moved over to my favorite area near the fireplace. The large imitation-leather couch and two matching chairs placed before the fireplace is wonderfully comfortable. I sunk into my chair and went to take my first sip of chai. Ouch! That was hot! So, negative points for making it way too hot and a few more negative points for being plain Oregon chai. While I like Oregon chai, it isn't enough to compare to the chai I am trying to compete with. Since my chai was too hot, I had plenty of time to take in the feeling of the shop.
The overall noise level was the biggest distraction. With people coming in, the general mummer of conversations, and the jutting blrrrrr of the blender it was hard to concentrate on writing. Although the chairs are comfortable, they are too far apart to allow for a good conversation to take place. And while the couch looked comfortable, I wasn't sure that it would be the best place to settle into for a long story telling session. My chai finally cooled off enough that I could drink it. It was still a little too hot, but I wanted to move on. So, I numbed up my tongue, downed the chai, and headed out the door.
I didn't find another shop for a few blocks and started heading back toward campus. I decided to swing by Fuel Cafe. By this time I wondering if I should really get a third glass? Maybe I should try this again on Friday? As I pass Fuel, it hits me: It's Fuel Cafe, it doesn't matter if the chai is good, it is still worth a visit However, I will have to wait until round two.
written on July 30, 2002