What’s So Special About Coffee Houses?

September 3, 2013By 4

No. Six Depot – Roastery and Café in W Stockbridge, MA

Wherever I am, a coffee house, in particular an independent coffee house, always fascinates me. Every country serves coffee, but the atmosphere can be slightly different.  However one thing remains the same – people are there to take a moment away from their hectic life. They sit and enjoy their coffee, read, chat, daydream, surf the Internet, make notes or connect. It’s so easy to say hi and start a casual conversation. Unexpected things happen when you talk to strangers.

Sascha, Café Manager at No. Six Depot

Sascha, Café Manager at No. Six Depot

Short history about coffee houses: Since Islam expressly prohibited the consumption of alcohol, it only seemed natural that instead of taverns, coffee houses became the gathering places of choice in the Middle East. It was only when coffeehouses started to spring up, religious authorities began to regard them as a “sinful drink”, a drink that loosened the tongue and made one prone to spouting lies and gossip.

"sinful drink"

“sinful drink”

By the 17th century though, Persian coffee houses gained popularity as places to discuss politics without fear. While the effects of coffee stimulated vigorus discussion of governmental activities, its soothing warmth and aroma created a relaxed atmosphere to play games, tell stories and recite poetry. Those activities transformed the coffee house into a meeting place.

 

In Europe the first coffee houses started springing up in the late 1600’s where they became the principal hubs where politicians, artists, writers, and thinkers gathered and exchanged ideas.

Sascha serving steamy, fresh coffee

Sascha serving steamy, fresh coffee

The Boston Tea Party was more than a declaration of independence from tea; it was a symbol of the colonists’ patriotic support of coffee. The newly formed Continental Congress met at America’s most famous coffee house, the Merchant’s Coffee House in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public.

Coffee house in W Stockbridge, MA

Coffee house in W Stockbridge, MA

No. Six Depot in West Stockbridge, MA continues with the tradition. Sascha, the Café Manager, meets you with a big smile.  If you are lucky, she prepares your coffee herself.  This is a coffee house you want to go back and even take a detour in order to experience that fine cappuccino or home made granola with fresh fruits and local Berle Farm Yoghurt, or any of the other freshly prepared Panini’s or salads. The Roastery and Café is very nicely decorated with lots of windows.   You feel cozy right away.  Flavio & Lisa (Co-0wners), Sascha and Betsy make sure that you enjoy your visit.

When we were there, we started talking to a very sympathetic couple, Ken & Kathy. Ken took the guitar, which was leaning against the wall, and started to play and sing. It turned out that he is a professional musician. The two of them met after they both lost their spouses to cancer.  They’ve found happiness with each other and their respective families, as well as devote their energies to very worthy causes in third world countries.  We had a nice conversation and left as friends.

Shortly afterwards we met some bikers. It turned out that they were Betsy’s parents – one of the baristas. They biked a long way to refill their “tanks” and see their daughter.

If you travel the beautiful Berkshire County in Massachusetts stop at Six Depot in West Stockbridge and say hello from me while you enjoy the atmosphere and your freshly brewed coffee.

Click picture for slide show

Sascha and her love for what she does

Sascha and her love for what she does

 

 

 

 

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