Five Leaves, Englewood

I suppose listing “wood” as a nuance would be counter-productive to positive marketing.

There’s something about a business in a house. It always makes me feel a bit awkward to walk in for the first time, as if I am intruding into someone’s life. That’s what made me pause when I first saw Five Leaves. Though a sign outside clearly marked it as a business, it had a comfortable, lived-in look about it. My second observation was of the Beer and Wine sign outside, prompting the thought, “What am I getting myself into?” When I stepped through the doorway however, I was home. An aura of tranquility exuded from every nook in the quaint little place. Warm inviting spaces invited me to relax and let the worries of the world melt away.

When I briefly explained my purpose, Todd, who, along with his wife Rebekah, owns and operates Five Leaves, suggested that I begin with a quadruple shot. I would have – but he was kidding. He next suggested NOVO’s Anyetsu blend. That was surprising, since my first experience was with the same blend, also recommended as the first to try. When he learned that I had already sampled it, he asked if I was only visiting shops that brew NOVO coffee, or whether I was broadening my horizons. As I explained, it was complete coincidence. No one had recommended Five Leaves – I’ve simply driven past it on occasion. As we were talking, Todd answered the phone, and after a pause said, “Actually, I’m being interviewed by a blogger.” I thought that was hilarious.

Finally, we settled on NOVO’s Kunjin, which originates from Papua New Guinea. According to the provided information, it has medium body and as the following nuances: a silky mouthful, notes of caramel, roasted, roasted pear, and orange peel citrus.

Todd said the beans were roasted only four days earlier, and that it is strong, but not over-roasted as is typical with some major coffee chains.

Five Leaves brews in a Pour-Over. I watched as Todd poured a small amount of boiling water over the grinds and let it sit, bubbling with Carbon Dioxide for 60 seconds.

This pre-infuses the coffee, allowing the water to get into the grinds, extracting the caffeine and other flavors. After pre-infusion, the remaining water was poured over and filter through the grinds.

I was offered cream and sugar, but opted to start black. That immediate taste was strongly acidic in the back of my throat. Oddly enough, the overall taste was mellow and the texture indeed silky – as claimed. As the brew cooled, it had a comforting scent, not bitter, pungent or unpleasant.

I tried to compare that to the smell of the freshly ground beans that Todd had proffered earlier. The dark, oily powder had seemed earthy, dark, almost seductive. I asked my coffee-tasting-companion, Andrea, what she would think if I said the coffee smelled seductive. She laughed, “If I didn’t know you, I wouldn’t even think about it, but since I do… I would wonder.” That was so funny, I just had to use it.

As the coffee cooled, the aftertaste remained strong – almost sharp or even medicinal. I tried gulping it like cough medicine, but realized that defeats the purpose, and the aftertaste is the same. I accidentally made a face when I wasn’t concentrating, and the giggles from across the table told me my well-constructed façade had failed. The aftertaste was a bit like wood. I suppose listing “wood” as a nuance would be counter-productive to positive marketing. After a pause Andrea observed, “There’s a taste you don’t like.” I responded, “coffee.” When I was just about to give up, I suddenly tasted the sweet roasted caramel undertone - a very pleasant surprise. After a few minutes, the sharp taste mellowed, and I could taste the soft, slightly sweet flavor that could be described as pear.

Allowing my thoughts to wander, I considered the atmosphere. A blackboard proclaimed Poetry and Open Mic nights. An organ stood solidly in the corner. The family – Todd, Rebekah, their daughter and nephew, went out to lounge on the porch. A funny little pug with crooked ears and lolling tongue wandered the floor.

I have to wonder how much the setting and the barista’s knowledge play into my impressions – probably a lot more than I would be willing to admit. Andrea said, “This is the first time I’ve really sat back and enjoyed my coffee.” In the quaint quietude, she too began to appreciate what coffee is really all about.

On my way out, I asked Todd to make something fun and different. He suggested a cappuccino with hazelnut, which some customers call “The Milkshake.” It was creamy, with a hint of hazelnut, not too sweet or overwhelming, and a slight coffee aftertaste, which I was told was espresso.

I know so little about coffee that I didn’t even know there was espresso in cappuccino. It was actually not bad if I ignore the coffee flavor. Whereas before I would have rejected it out of hand, I was able to enjoy way the coffee was complimented for full-flavor effect. I have to admit I was disappointed in myself for enjoying the cappuccino. I felt like I was cheating. I don’t want to like fru-fru coffee drinks. I want to enjoy coffee for itself. It’s going to take some time.

http://www.fiveleaves.net
http://www.novocoffee.com

Postscript. Five Leaves holds place as one of the most memorable coffee moments in this journey. Unfortunately, it has since closed. I grieve every time I think of it.

ORIGINAL COMMENTS

~Annette, April 19, 2011 at 3:34 PM
Not too far from my house, I will have to give them a try. I would like to give the cappuccino a chance.

D.j. Mattern, April 20, 2011 at 3:18 AM
Sounds like a cool place...

Nathan, April 20, 2011 at 4:04 PM
Sounds like the shop has a nice atmosphere, and they have Novo beans, so I will have to check it out if I am in the area.

Anonymous, April 27, 2011 at 12:36 PM
For my daughter Jessi and me, this is like our "living room". Todd and Rebekkah are wonderful, their dauhter Charolette, and dog Nero are like members of the family. And in the evenings, the musical performances showcase a variety of local talent. The coffee, the sandwhiches, the choices of cold beverages including beer and wine, make this our favoite place to hang out. There is always something going on at Five Leaves! ~ Paul and Jessi

virgmck, April 27, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Five Leaves is a pleasant discovery for me. It is close by, a nice drive in the evenings.
I've taken to the music and musicians that entertain while guests enjoy a beverage and food of their choice.
Saturday mornings the 'house' is alive with
jamming musicians while lone or couples enjoy their computing with the WiFi available.
I frequent Five Leaves and have never once felt uncomfortable. I've even been invited to join the musicians with a little toot'.
This is a very family oriented comfortable place to relax, so much like home. Ginny, aka virgmck (check out some of the local music videos posted on facebook/fiveleaves.

Unknown, May 18, 2011 at 3:55 PM
Sounds like they know their coffee. I am curious to try them out.