Coffee lover.

Last spring, my doctor told me I should cut caffeine out of my diet. I tried, and tried hard. But six months later, I am back to reveling in my daily cup of coffee. Since my departure from D.C. is coming up very quickly, I thought I should pay tribute to some of my favorite places in my neighborhood. I will miss them so.

Up first is the venue that feeds my addiction:

Peregrine Espresso 

 

Peregrine is a locally-owned coffee shop on 7th Street S.E., right across from the Eastern Market metro station.  It's got a slightly modern, funky design (thanks to the awesome Scott & Amy Herbert at Aesthetic Answers) and is a cozy place to read - or work - while sipping some great coffee.  The baristas are really nice and the atmosphere is lively without being too loud.  There are plenty of kiddies that come to this cafe (which you may love, or not) - for me, it always brings a smile to my face to have a two-year-old waving at me while I work. 

 This is a typical morning scene.

I almost always order a bran muffin and either a cup of regular brewed coffee or a latte.  Can't speak to their drip coffee, but it must be good based on the busyness.  The lines in this place can get crazy - it's an incredibly popular coffee spot on the Hill.  On Sunday morning, as I sat outside drinking my coffee while people streamed in and out of the cafe, I watched a young female patron get up from her table at Le Pain Quotidien next door to come peek into the window to see what the fuss was all about.  Nothing to see, except people flocking to Peregrine for their morning coffee like bees to honey.  I think she will be back to try it out. 

There are some locally-owned coffee places in Carson, which I am looking forward to trying out.  As much as Starbucks can get me through the day, there's something very special about a friendly, well-run, neighborhood coffee shop.