MarketBasket: Peddler Coffee Alchemy: Philly's latest hot roast
City's Latest Hot Roast Philly's ever-perking cafe scene has produced another gem - this one for Logan Square. Peddler Coffee Alchemy, a Port Richmond-based roaster that made its first public forays last year at the Franklin Flea, has settled a permanent
City's Latest Hot Roast
Philly's ever-perking cafe scene has produced another gem - this one for Logan Square. Peddler Coffee Alchemy, a Port Richmond-based roaster that made its first public forays last year at the Franklin Flea, has settled a permanent cafe with Third Wave style (exposed brick, pour-overs) into the former Darling's space at 21st and Spring Streets behind the Franklin Institute. Peddler leans toward lighter roasts (no "carbon flavor"), but keeps it accessible. I was especially impressed with this Nicaraguan Santa Candida, which is one of Peddler's workhorse beans, prepared with equal success as espresso, iced and silky smooth off the slow-dripping Kyoto brewer, or simply as a traditional drip-filter. It smells like brownie mix when it leaves the grinder, and holds a mellow hum from there, bringing notes of apricots, nuts, and caramel that make a fine morning cup that should please multiple tastes. - Craig LaBan
Nicaraguan Santa Candida, $11 for a 12-ounce bag (and a complimentary cup), Peddler Coffee Alchemy, 21st and Spring Streets; peddlercoffee.com
Summer, Cooler
Serve up a batch of lemonade (or flowers from your garden) in the newest pitcher from Portmeirion, part of the Sophie Conran Blue collection. The 1.5-pint porcelain vessel is dishwasher and freezer safe.
Portmeirion Sophie Conran Blue Medium Pitcher, $24 at portmeirion.com