Coffee Shops in DC

Thanks to the antics of Nick Cho, coffee in DC has been showing up as a discussion topic (and punch line...literally) in many venues. The latest was last week's article in US News and World Report.

Four coffee shops in DC truly stand above the rest.

1. Tryst: best baristas, long hours (6:30am during the week, all the way to last call every evening), and truly comfortable couches and table seating. This coffeehouse defines the scene in DC and is not replicated even in my coffee-loving hometown of Seattle. Regulars abound, from neighbors to embassy staff and grad students. Cappuccino is a fine start to the day, and grappa or Guinness with a shot of espresso a fine way to end. Adams Morgan.

2. Big Bear Cafe: celebrating their one-year anniversary this summer, a beautifully-rehabbed shop with oversized corner windows allowing the light to stream in. Great outdoor seating under a grand old tree. Owners Stu and Lana are San Francisco transplants and their coffee knowledge shows. Shaw/Bloomingdale.

3. Peregrine Espresso: open in the former Capitol Hill Murky space as of two weeks ago. Immediately embraced by the community, owners Ryan and Jill Jensen have done a wonderful job with the interior and baked goods menu. Looking forward to a frequent stop on Saturdays following bluebucks at Market Lunch and browsing Capitol Hill Books.

4. Baked and Wired: a former Georgetown copy shop, with some of the most delicious cupcakes and baked goods imaginable. Try the Strawberry, Red Velvet, or anything Chocolate. Excellent baristas as well, and an old-fashioned punchcard system for frequent buyers. Take it to go and stroll along the canal.

Other places to get a good cup in DC?
Dolcezza for incredible gelato with an espresso on the side, Georgetown
M.E. Swing during the workweek, near Farragut West
Modern Times at Politics and Prose on upper Connecticut
Open City, sister to Diner and Tryst, Woodley Park
Sidamo with complete coffee ceremony on Sundays, great backyard patio, H Street NE

Additions/debate welcome.

Quitting Yahoo! Fantasy Football

Watching Tuesday's congressional hearing with Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang and general counsel Michael Callahan, I was struck by their impressive adherence to their 2, possibly 3, talking points. And their utter lack of human decency.

While understanding the need for caution in setting a precedent, I echo Rep. Chris Smith's comment that he remained "absolutely bewildered and angered" that Yahoo has not pledged to stop similar collaboration in the future.

As I muster the gumption to resign from my Yahoo! Fantasy Football league (The Bruisers will surely drop from their already feeble showing of 6th out of 8 teams), and forgo the Yahoo! Music Jukebox, I hope and pray these small efforts will be of solidarity with our brother Shi Tao. May his imprisonment be surprisingly short as the light of international pressure shines where Yahoo! continues to fail so vividly.

Further reading:
Bloomberg's Ann Woolner
Washington Post's Dana Milbank