Travel and taste with me as I tour North America with the circus continuing on my quest for the best mocha latte in the world. Each week will include interviews of really cool people that like coffee, highlights of each town’s local coffee scene, as well as topics of coffee and circus interest…..this just might be the best 40 minutes of your week. — Search for the Best Mocha Latte In the World
What does that have to do with Lakeland? Remember the circus that visited the Lakeland Center last weekend? Well, our coffee shops were being judged by “Circus Boy Nathan.” When Nathan isn’t working at the circus, he searches for his love, Mocha Latte. He’ll visit area coffee shops to find the best mix of chocolate, espresso and whipped creme.
He posts his finding as part of a podcast. He’ll interview guests and feature original music. Lakeland’s downtown coffee shops had a visit from Nathan when he was in town. The reviews start about 22.5 minutes into the Lakeland, FL podcast (opens audio file).
Take a listen to the whole thing though. Nathan’s guest, Pianoman Larry Hunt, first speaks a bit about performing in Norway and life in the circus. Nathan then reviews the mocha latte at Java Breeze, Black and Brew, (Warning: embedded music.) and Mitchell’s. He even ventures down to Bartow where he has a rare experience at Java Jacks Coffeehouse.
Who finished with the most beans on Nathan’s scale? You may be surprised.
Not being a coffee drinker, I didn’t know all the criteria used to judge mocha latte, but coffee drinkers may be familiar with terms like “micro foam.” It’s just boiled beans to me.
The last three minutes was my favorite part of the podcast. Nathan wrapped up with an original instrumental, Lakeside at Lakeland by podcast regular Moddog. Don’t ask me to tell you the genre. Jazz? Electronica?
Bio: The short line? Father, husband, writer. My online presence is primarily through as the editor, writer, and occasional photographer for the news sites, Lakeland Local, a sampling of the news, concerns, and events for Lakeland, Florida, and Metro i4 News, which covers the Interstate 4 corridor in Central Florida. Both sites feature the work of myself and other contributors. As a hobby, I manage a forum and some web sites that feature a pulp fiction series written by Lester Dent -- Doc Savage Organized, Doc Savage Info, and Flearun.
Matt Cross
3 years ago
Just wanted to say “thanks” for the nice comments regarding my podcast music. If you care to hear more just go to http://moddogmusic.com/
as always, I enjoyed my stay in beautiful Lakeland!!
Chuck Welch
3 years ago
My pleasure Matt. I hope you get the chance to add Lakes at Lakeland to your website songlist.
Vivian
3 years ago
That’s awesome! Thanks for getting this information to your readers! Too bad Nathan didn’t ask me, I couldv’e saved him the trip.
A mocha is all in who makes it. Whip cream, chocolate, the milk used, it all plays a large factor. Espresso bean quality, freshness of the grind, type of machine, sure. Proportions? Temperature? Without a doubt.
But it comes down to the barista. They’ve got to gauge the drinker, figure out what they like, and deliver. It all comes down to that.
Too bad he didn’t come when I was a barista, he wouldv’e hands down declared my mocha the best in the world. HA!
Matt Cross
3 years ago
wanted to let you know that my song “Lakeside at Lakeland” (actually the real title, got changed somehow!) is posted at my website. thanks……matt