DIY, My Love of Coffee and Catahoula in Richmond

This blog is going to be one of those jumbled sentences that I can hopefully tie into a nice, neat package at the end of the blog. Here goes...

For those that know me, you know how I love coffee (see my July 2008 entry).

If I could be a complete DIY-nonconsumer, I would. You know — plant my own cotton, spin my own thread, weave my own fabric, sew my own pajamas. Then of course, I'll grow my own fruit trees, can my own peaches and make my own fruit leathers. I would also milk cows and make fresh ice cream. You get my point; the whole going-organic-and-making-sure-I-am-not-harming-anyone-along-the-way life. If I could do it all... just sign me up!

Okay enough dreaming — that probably won't happen for sometime. I may compost and buy organic produce, but I'm not raising much. Maybe just some awareness in the household. Nope, instead I'll just do try to be a better, smarter consumer. That means supporting local growth and fair trade and buying stuff that won't damage the environment. I also only want to support nice, friendly people (not like the snooty people that are only super nice to rich customers. You know who you are, gourmet mushroom shop in San Francisco!)

So thus said, here is my shout out to Catahoula Coffee Company and Roastery in Richmond, CA. Unlike Oakland, which has been showing a lot of pride and growth (I mean how cute are those Oaklandish shirts?), Richmond has still a way to go. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure a whole lot of nice people live in Richmond. And you can get some mean, bad-ass food in Richmond (ribs..tacos..tamales anyone?) However, not many people say "Hey, lets go to Richmond this weekend!" It's no Solano Avenue... and you don't really go for a scenic stroll in Richmond.

So kudos to Timothy (AKA Timber) for opening up a very charming cafe in Richmond on San Pablo Avenue . Timber roasts his own beans. And hey, he knows what he is doing (that's the DIY part). He's got a great mix of organic and fair-trade beans, and he'll never serve you a burnt cup of coffee (a là Peets). His cafe is small, but very clean and an ideal place to sit and enjoy a smooth cup of coffee. And if you like looking at pictures of Catahoula dogs then you are in luck!

If you want a lot of noise, clutter, tricks and sticky tables, I recommend going elsewhere.

So, stop by for a fresh cup and come back for more. Richmond will thank you. And the farmers of Costa Rica and elsewhere thank you too. Gracias!

Catahoula: 12472 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA (510) 235-0525. www.catahoulacoffee.com

Did this blog get tied up in a nice, neat package? I hope so!