Crema coffee impresses students

If students are not talking about Nashville’s music, they’re talking about Nashville’s coffee. Crema has the best in the city. Located near downtown, tucked away next to a gas station, Crema’s space used to be an old diesel repair shop. Owned and operated by the same individuals, Crema was opened in 2008 with the mission of serving great coffee; and that’s just what they’re doing! Making coffee in a completely different way, Crema uses small roasted beans and quality equipment to create a unique, fresh taste that can’t be found anywhere else. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of coffee, but Crema’s Cuban (a concoction of sweetened condensed milk, steamed milk and espresso) is slowly changing my mind. Their Chai Tea Latte is flavorful, as well! Offering a variety of sweet pastries, muffins and cakes, Crema is the perfect place to meet for a business meeting in the morning, or for a quick snack in the afternoon. The baristas are all very friendly and enjoy talking to their customers. They make each individual feel right at home as soon as they walk in the door. Crema’s atmosphere is simple, warm and inviting. It’s hide-away rustic charm reminded me of the place a closet artist might come to think. The tables and chairs around the shop are not pushed close together, like in some other coffee shops, and visitors are given the space they need to enjoy their coffee without feeling rushed. A deck area at the front of the shop is the ultimate sitting area to enjoy your coffee on a warm spring day, or to watch the sunset...

Hot & Cold supplies coffee lovers with fresh venue, tasty treats

Hot & Cold, part of the Bongo Java company, adds diversity to the cluster of restaurants and shops found in Hillsboro Village on 21st Avenue South. Hot & Cold, located on the same side of the street as Fido, features Bongo Java‘s coffee, a variety of tea mixes, Las Paletas, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and a few treats to munch on. Not quite as packed as Fido, Hot & Cold is the perfect place to get in-and-out with an order. If you prefer to sit, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi while catching up with friends, or if you’re a loner, sit by yourself and pretend to do something important on your computer. Like Bongo Java, they have summer specialties. The flavors at Hot & Cold, which opened in November 2010, are more unique than just a cappuccino or plain vanilla. But if that’s how you like it, they’ll make it. On the walls, there is a full menu for you to read. Pricing is moderate and worth the quality. Hot & Cold’s location in Hillsboro Village makes it easier to find parking than some coffee shops on 12th Avenue South. Hot & Cold is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 11...

‘Coffee House’ provides hearty brew of student music

Lipscomb University is filled with students with poetic voices and passions to perform. And that’s what inspired the  Student Government Association to establish the Coffee House series. After students arrive at Lipscomb, they discover this unique “study break” opportunity. Every Thursday night starting at 10:30, a student, or a group, performs for an audience of fellow students. Their set lasts for about an hour, and the entertainers have the freedom to play original songs, covers or a combination of the two. The student performers provide the entertainment and SGA provides the coffee. The event is held in the Starbucks on campus. During the hourlong performances, SGA picks up the tab for the students’ drinks. However, if they want to enjoy a free drink they are limited to a tall-sized coffee, hot chocolate or caramel apple spice. The SGA created Coffee House for a number of different reasons. They wanted to provide a free outlet for students to express themselves, but also wanted to encourage on-campus community and support for fellow students. Sophomore Brandon Carver has attended many of the events and will be performing with a friend later in the semester. He with many other students, regularly attend Coffee House because of the inviting atmosphere. “I go to Coffee House to support my fellow Lipscomb students,” he said. “I love the casual, easygoing atmosphere and listening to good music. You can’t refuse free coffee either.” Zach Brantley, a junior at Lipscomb, performed at Coffee House recently with two other students, Lincoln Mick and Ethan Johnson. Brantley always has been involved in music, but Lipscomb has provided him with the opportunity to bring his talents to...

Opinion: Perking up with Fido

Nashville is infested with great coffee shops. You can find one on almost every street corner, so how do you go about picking a favorite? Could it solely be based on the coffee or does picking a favorite coffee shop require more in-depth analysis? O.K., I have my favorite. It’s Fido. And here is how I reached my conclusion. Location is important when considering a favorite coffee shop. Fido is placed right in the heart of unique shops and restaurants on 21st Avenue South. Just passing by, you might miss that it’s a coffee shop because of its resemblance to a pet store. In fact, the space used to be Jones Pet Shop. Fido is part of the Bongo Java chain that started roasting coffee in 1993, they are one of Nashville’s oldest and most celebrated coffee companies. Environment is significant. Fido follows a theme announced by its name. When ordering, they hand you a picture of a cute dog, sometimes up for adoption, so that the staff can find your seat. The menu is full of coffees named after dogs, like the “wishbone.” Not only is the theme enjoyable, but the layout of the coffee shop is also comfortable. Though crowded most of the time, Fido finds a way to give the feel of privacy. Tables are set against walls, close to windows, so that you are never suffocating a neighbor. In warmer weather, of course, you can enjoy your brew out on the sidewalk. Lastly, and most importantly, when choosing a favorite coffee shop the question must be asked, how is the coffee? I can answer this simply: Fido’s coffee...

Perk up study time with a visit to J&J’s

Looking for a study break, or better yet, a quiet place to study? J & J’s Market & Café is the place to go. This quaint, yet spacious, coffee shop is located at 1912 Broadway almost in downtown Nashville. The entrance to J & J’s is composed of a storefront market with rare items ranging from imported coffee and chocolates to baked goods, beers, magazines, and typical gas station commodities. Walk a few steps further and you’ll be greeted by a European-style café with a variety of seating options, such as wooden tables, antique chairs and vintage couches. The dark brick walls are lined with artwork from local artists. The collections are changed bi-weekly. J & J’s attracts a diverse group of people. Although most often frequented by Vanderbilt students, the crowd certainly varies from night to night. There are several loudspeakers throughout the café, which showcase music by a variety of artists, including Band of Horses, Adele, Death Cab for Cutie and James Taylor. Although at times the atmosphere is eerily quiet, many Nashvillians find this place to be relaxing and rather comfortable. Free Wi-Fi is available for all. The staff is friendly and enjoys striking up conversation with the customers. J & J’s is open from 7 a.m.-midnight Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-midnight on Saturdays and 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. Need a boost of productivity at the end of the semester? Get off campus and make the 10-minute drive to J &...