Coffee

 "I think coffee is one of the best things about being alive." 

                                                                        - Steven Wright

 

As he often does, Steven Wright hit the nail on the head. Drinking coffee is so much fun, the best way to start the day. But it has to be good coffee. Certain cultures get this; the Italians, for sure. Americans were very late to the game. 

When I started looking for craft roasters in 1970s Chicago, there were few choices. Steve Siefer and Peter Longo's Coffee and Tea Exchange roasted the best beans, in my opinion. When they started roasting in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, some, but not all, residents were delighted. A few people were annoyed by the smoke from the roasting beans. Steve and Peter remedied this with an extra high chimney. Their neighbors could then appreciate a great bag of beans without the somewhat acrid vapors. 

 If not a medal of honor, the City of Chicago at least owes Siefer and Longo a debt of gratitude.