An Introduction? Sort of...

As I sit here contemplating life and drinking a generic store-brand breakfast blend, I wonder why I'm drinking coffee that isn't suitable even for babies. A baby needs to have a strong, rich brew in order to be completely stunted in their growth.

But with the sudden plethora of weak-brewed burnt beans (and you know who sells those), it's easy to see how a parent might sacrifice quality for a lighter, wimpier taste for their tot.

Drinking mediocre blends and feeding coffee to babies aside, I've noticed that there are more and more independent coffee shops grabbing the slice of java pie.

In Tucson, these coffee shops come to mind:

Savaya

Easily one of the best coffee shops I've had the privilege of stalking. Actually, the hubs stalks the place because it's very close to his office. The blends he brings home are simply magical.

Just listen to the description of their Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: Fresh cut alfalfa, dogwood flower, white grapefruit, and a slight cocoa, muted smoky finish. These beans are always the favorite in our customer taste testing.

Not only was that the best coffee I've ever tasted, it even made me offer to name one of our children after my husband. He informed me that our oldest already has his moniker, so I had to settle for telling him that he was the best husband in this house.

Java Edge

I have to be honest here. I've only been to Java Edge once and it was for a family meeting a couple of years ago. While we discussed chores and listened to the angst of our teenage boys, I sipped an iced caramel macchiato (I know, what was I thinking?) and it was in the winter.

However, my angst-ridden sons frequent the joint and they have told me that the place rocks. They have friends who work there and are often saying things to us like, "Hey Mom, can I get a job at Java Edge?" We always say yes, hoping that they'll follow through and actually fill out an application.

A parent can only wish.

If you're in the Tucson area, share your coffee tales with us. Come to think of it, even if you don't live in the great state of Arizona, we'd love to hear stories about great coffee.

So go ahead, tell us why Coffee is Your Chocolate.