Chained to a Brand, Part I: Dunkin Donuts

I decided some time ago that there are some coffees which was darn good, in spite of their national rap, their ubiquitous brand, and their general reputations, are worth a discussion and review. Sometimes, these have earned their reputation for being bland or unflavored. However, as of recent, more and more have realized that local coffee shops have great products, and that the national brands needed to step their game up.

One that has had a long reputation for having high quality coffee is the famous Dunkin Donuts. They've always been known for years for having tasty donuts, but among those in the know, they have had a reputation for transcendent coffee.

However, the Dunkin Donuts's entrée into Nashville has been somewhat recent. They offer both the restaurant experience, and grocery store sales of whole bean and ground coffees both in their restaurants and in the stores.

Having had their coffees several times in several contexts, I am surprised at the blandness. I will say that their home-brew often are often richer than at the stuff I've had from the restaurants, but I am still not thrilled no matter what.

You could do a lot worse than Dunkin Donuts if you need a quick jolt; the coffee isn't bad at all. There's just nothing special to it.

A Nashville Tradition that scores: Bongo Java

2007 Belmont Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37212

615-385-5282
http://www.bongojava.com

Bongo Java, near Belmont University, is unique in that it is constantly packed: not busy, not hopping; packed. There's a stereotype that you tell it's good if the place is full. We all know this is not always the case, especially in the college scene where mediocre places can be packed for no reason other than they're so close to campus, everyone goes there if it's not disgusting.

Suffice to say, Bongo Java lives up to the typology. The worst thing about the place is that it is packed and way too small. That's a great problem to have, let me tell you. First, they roast their own coffee, and it is a good blend. I've had it several times, and it is enjoyable. Among the various places in the vicinity of Green Hills, Bongo is far and away the best just because their coffee is so good. I actually prefer places that use Bongo Java, as opposed to Drew's Brews for that reason alone.

Bongo also a small but excellent food menu, focusing on breakfasts and sandwiches. I've brought my son for the French toast, and was thoroughly impressed with it: plenty of food, good batter, fruit included, and well-presented. They care about properly preparing and serving good food, and that one cannot take that for granted in the coffee shop scene.

Of course they have the standards: wifi included, water available at the counter, plenty of espresso choices, and they also have live music in the evenings.

One thing to be aware of: parking is a nightmare: they have no parking of their own, and the street is lined with cars along the entire block. It's pretty tough, especially since Belmont Blvd. is a busy thoroughfare there near the college. Just be aware that you may have a small hike, and you'll be fine.

Let it suffice that once you get into the place, brave the crowd, and actually get a table, it's an outstanding place to get a coffee and maybe a bite to eat.

A Hidden Diamond: Roast, Inc.

Roast, Inc.

4825 Trousdale Pk., Suite 211

Nashville, TN 37220

(615) 730-8074

www.roastinc.com

Among Nashville coffee shops, there had been a huge gap, and most people didn't even know it. Almost every shop and cafe, as good as they were, offered nothing blends. As good as blends are, they are extremely uniform.

I heard of Roast, Inc., and being the adventurous type that I am, I tracked it down, and it was well worth it. First, they let me in and served me even before they were officially opened. I looked in, and they waved me right in. They showed me their single cup roasts, they taught me about new roasts and letting roasted beans sit for a day, they let me sample a couple of their coffees, and they were a pleasure to spend time with.

They are the first place I know to have cupping events, which is a lot of fun, and definitely a learning experience. they have expanded to work several of the local Farmer's Markets, like the South Nashville Farmer's Market and Franklin Farmer's Market.

Roast, Inc., also focuses on Cup of Excellence coffees, which finds the best coffees throughout the world, via jury selection, and then sells them via auction. These sing cup roasts are absolutely the cream of the crop.

If I sound like a advertisement for Roast, Inc., it's because the place is so different, and such a great experience that literally almost can think of nothing bad to say about them. They have erred on an order slightly, which I didn't push because they had been so generous and helpful. Beyond that, I have nothing negative to say.

Roast, Inc., is a bit tricky to find. Hit Harding Pike east from I-65. Turn right on Trousdale Pike. Follow about a quarter-mile to until you see a little strip mall in a box shape. Roast, Inc. is in the right corner.

This is the coffee shop to visit when you're in the S. Nashville area.