Roaster: Blueprint's Penrose for the espresso and Goshen for
drip coffee.
Opened: 2009
Drinks Menu: Nice
variety, with traditional options such as cappuccino and macchiato, as well as
interesting flavored lattes, including honey cardamom. For a non-coffee option,
you can order a yerba mate latte, London fog, or cider.
Food Menu: Many
options – it’s almost overwhelming. You can choose from sandwiches,
quesadillas, soups, salads, and more. You can also get housemade pastries,
including glutenfree and vegan options.
Espresso Machine: Manual La Marzocco
Brew Options: Batch brew and cold brew. There are several drip coffee
options set out in pump pots to choose from.
Location: Maplewood
Rating: 4 out
of 5
Specialty Drinks: Freshly made organic juices.
Review:
Foundation Grounds' focus on serving vegan and organic options
sets it apart. In addition to serving certified organic coffee, the shop offers
a lengthy menu of organic, vegan, vegetarian, and/or glutenfree food and
drinks. In the past, I think this shop overemphasized earning the
"healthy" label and neglected the quality. I stopped going after
receiving a couple lackluster americanos and a disappointing glutenfree scone
that tasted like a sponge. But after a recent visit, my opinion changed.
I enjoyed my espresso macchiato in large part because Foundation Grounds switched to Blueprint's Penrose espresso. According to General Manager Randall Buchanan, the change was made for two reasons. First, it was a way to represent more St. Louis roasters in the shop (Goshen for drip and Blueprint for espresso). And second (and more important in my book), Blueprint offered to provide barista training as part of the partnership. The skill improvement was clear in the microfoam and smooth, sweet espresso in my drink.
The food was also much more flavorful on this visit. The curry vegetable soup tasted fresh and had the spiciness I was looking for to warm me up on a cold afternoon. I also tried a Gooball, a no-bake cookie with oats, chocolate, coconut and espresso, which paired perfectly with my macchiato.
I enjoyed my espresso macchiato in large part because Foundation Grounds switched to Blueprint's Penrose espresso. According to General Manager Randall Buchanan, the change was made for two reasons. First, it was a way to represent more St. Louis roasters in the shop (Goshen for drip and Blueprint for espresso). And second (and more important in my book), Blueprint offered to provide barista training as part of the partnership. The skill improvement was clear in the microfoam and smooth, sweet espresso in my drink.
The food was also much more flavorful on this visit. The curry vegetable soup tasted fresh and had the spiciness I was looking for to warm me up on a cold afternoon. I also tried a Gooball, a no-bake cookie with oats, chocolate, coconut and espresso, which paired perfectly with my macchiato.
What stood out most, however, was the pleasant neighborhood feel of the shop. The baristas were
friendly and helpful. With the lengthy menu, it took me a while to decide what
to order and the barista at the register answered my questions patiently. When
my drink was ready, a barista brought it to me rather than calling out my name
from the counter. Even other customers were friendly. When I was deciding on a
pastry, a white-haired gentleman tried to help by telling me his favorite
treat.
I
don’t think that this pleasant neighborhood vibe is an accident. It comes from
the mission of the company. Buchanan explained that the shop strives to be a
“haven to spread love and gratitude throughout Maplewood.” The shop acts on
this mission by participating in neighborhood events, such as the Maplewood
Coffee Crawl and Taste of Maplewood. And it's seen on a daily basis in the
excellent customer service and comfortable, friendly environment of the cafe.
- 7:51 PM
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