From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Tue Dec 01 2009 - 09:34:35 EST
http://www.avclub.com/dc/articles/sammys-coffee-kiosk-at-22nd-st-and-virginia-ave-nw,35472/
Sammy's Coffee Kiosk at 22nd St. and Virginia Ave. NW
Finding good coffee in D.C. one cup at a time
by Chelsea Bauch December 1, 2009
* *
It’s not every day you find a coffee cart vendor with an international cult
following. But the charismatic Musie “Sammy” Tedla has achieved global
notoriety with his lovingly prepared, artisan-quality beverages served out
of a nondescript stand at the intersection of 22nd Street and Virginia
Avenue NW. Personnel at the nearby State Department and neighboring
embassies gush about his drinks—some claim that it’s the thing they miss the
most when abroad, while other international emissaries insist it’s their
favorite place to bring visiting colleagues. With artfully crafted drinks
made with a top-quality espresso machine, this Eritrean-born, self-described
coffee addict (he says he drinks five shots a day) lives up to his
reputation.
*The coffee*
Using beans from D.C.’s own M.E. Swing Co. (a local roasting company founded
in 1916), Sammy’s drinks are primarily espresso-based. So instead of bland,
over-brewed coffee and milk mixtures, patrons can enjoy iced cappuccinos
that don’t melt into watered-down slush, a double-shot “mocha dream” that’s
simultaneously punchy and sweet, and even a regular Americano that offers up
robust, aromatic flavors. And you can be sure that milk (skim, whole, soy,
or cream) is foamed to perfection. With each drink made to order, the line
can get a little long, but the hand-crafted care with which each cup is
prepared makes it worth the wait—if red-eyed government workers can slow
down for Sammy, so can you.
*The food*
Food options are relatively restricted based on the cart’s limited space,
but muffins, croissants, chocolate-dipped biscotti, and fresh bananas are
all available for a morning snack. And if you don’t want a coffee, there’s
Pacific Chai and a variety of herbal teas from Celestial Seasonings and
Twinings.
*The atmosphere*
Sammy *is* the atmosphere here. He greets customers by name with a wide
smile and familiar conversation, and newcomers are encouraged to introduce
themselves as they wait for their drinks. Regulars don't have to specify
their choice and anyone bringing back drinks for co-workers only need
mention the absentee patron’s name to order. Though the cart is only open
from 7 a.m. to noon during the week (he has a regular job in the
afternoons), Sammy hopes to one day open his own coffee shop.
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