Eye-opening espresso, all by itself, is a drink to remember at Pioneer Coffee Company. Inky, thick, and fairly throbbing with flavor, it also is a wonderful basis for latte, its sonorous personality strong enough to be heard even when swamped by milk and foam.
Having loved the espresso one morning, Jane and I returned the next day to try a beverage listed on the menu as white lightning and billed as the “drink for those who desire a supercharged espresso experience.” The server explained that these beans are only minimally roasted, showing us a heap of ground white lightning that was pale almond color — innocuous indeed. The coffee made from this roast is itself quite anemic looking, nothing like the baritone “normal” espresso. A few sips of the triple-caffeinated stuff made me appreciate just how important full-roasting is to the flavor of coffee. With none of the earthy depth that a long stretch of heat imparts, it reminded me of medicinal dishwater. I’ve given it only one star (fail!), because I did not like it at all, but if you are a coffee hound, do give it a try. Chacun a son gout!
Pioneer roasters has a case full of decent pastries and also sells breakfast burritos and sandwiches. It’s excellent coffee that will keep me coming back.
A second location of Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company is in North Bend, at 202 W. North Bend Way. (425-292-0957)
120 MILES
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2 hr 7 min
Road Trip Overview
A road trip over the Cascades through Snoqualmie Pass leads not only to a bucolic, big-sky Washington State and some of the most wonderful fruit stands (apples especially!), but also to memorable restaurants.TV Perfect
First stop, before heading upwards, is Twede's Cafe, made famous in the TV Show "Twin Peaks"…Other Nearby Restaurants
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Cle Elum Bakery
Washington,Cake donuts and maple bars are at their best in this long-standing town bakery, which also is known for its cookies and bread. Good coffee, too.
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Miner’s Drive-In
Yakima,Oversize hamburgers, thick shakes, and French fries lead the menu at Yakima, Washington’s popular Miner’s Drive-In.
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Sunset Cafe & Loose Wolf Saloon
Washington,Sunset Cafe is a Northwest restaurant serving hearty meals from cinnamon maple rolls at dawn to prime rib for supper.
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Twede’s Cafe
North Bend, WashingtonIts cherry pie, as seen in the TV show “Twin Peaks,” is the headliner, but Twede’s is a northwest restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and supper.
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Cottage Cafe
Cle Elum, Washington“Home for hungry travelers since 1935,” Cle Elum’s Cottage Cafe is a diner with hearty fare that includes corned beef hash and large pies.
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The Pub Iron Horse Brewery
Ellensburg, WashingtonPub fare with an innovative beer-infused twist makes the Pub Iron Horse Brewery a favorite stop in Ellensburg, Washington.