Hallowed Grounds Coffee Shop, Tabernash

3530 County Road 83
Tabernash, Colorado
970-726-5632

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Hallowed Grounds Coffee Shop is the resident caffeine spot of Devil's Thumb Ranch.  Devil's Thumb opened as a vacation destination in 1946 and since been offering a array of activities from horse back riding, sled rides, ice skating, hikes, and nordic skiing.  Nestled snugly in the Frasier Valley, the Ranch is surrounded by amazing mountain views.  These views are what their cafe looks out over.

When we were there the other day, we could see the seam rising from the out door sauna as it disappeared into the bright blue sky.  On the ice skating pond, a newly married couple were taking some new photos to commemorate their special day.  I ate a turkey, bacon, and swiss sandwhich while my father had a roast beef and portobello wrap.  Coincidentally, everyone who was in the cafe that day was a University of Colorado Buff alumni, student, or faculty member which of course sparked heated conversations and a conclusion that this is where the CU Buffs must always meet.

Coffee Connection, Amsterdam

Nieuwezijds Kolk 33, 1012 PV
 Amsterdam, Netherlands

 There is a very distinct difference between a coffeeshop and a coffeehouse in Amsterdam. The former sells espresso but most notably it sells marajuana. The later is a real espresso bar and cafe... minus the weed and tobacco.  Coffee Connection is about 500m from Central Station, right next to a Yellow Bike rental station or the Nieuwezijds Kolk tram stop.

The owner Dave, runs a friendly one man show with a steady flow of locals and tourists. The upstairs is narrow and cozy, reflective in most Amsterdam restaurants and architecture.

Operating a La Marzocco Linea espresso machine, I came back twice to cappuccinos. His butter croissants were the perfect blend of soft, fluffy insides, without being overly buttery and dense.

Arcadi Cafe, Brussels

Rue d'Arenberg 1B,
1000 Brussels, Belgium

Belgium is full of Belgium waffles, Belgium french fries, mussels, and chocolate. So, the tarts, cakes, and full menu at the Aradi Cafe was wonderful.

The cafe is at the end of the Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen Shopping Plaza, making it a perfect stop for a caffe lungo pick me up after some fantastic shopping.  I had the raspberry torte... Fresh raspberries on top of cheese cake, on a crispy crust. It paired quite nicely with my cappuccino too.