Make it Doubles
Photo by David Jones
It’s been cold all week, and Spotty hasn’t had a long walk yet.
When it comes to my dog, that’s what weekends are for.
We strut through Petworth and into Columbia Heights.
We stop at the dog park, where Spotty plays, runs, and rough-houses.
She gets into a minor scuffle with a dog who thinks Spotty wants her ball.
It ends well.
She takes a moment to recollect herself and begins to pant of thirst after an energetic park visit.
I’ve only been outside for a half hour; we could use more sun.
I already know where I want to go, but I type “cafes near me” in Google Maps to see what comes up.
My desired destination is 0.3 miles away.
We take an easy walk, and when we arrive, I see the sign on the door that says, “Your dog is allowed in the shop. Please take them out to the patio once you receive your order.”
Spotty gets to come in with me, and she’s an instant celebrity.
Everyone wants to say hi to her.
All the love cheers her up from the scuffle at the park.
Photo by @calebminear
I’ve been to coffee shops where people show up with laptops and sit quietly, but Doubles is a co-working space on a Friday.
People aren’t just zoning out in front of screens; they’re collaborating in person while others are on video calls.
There’s a communal aspect to remote work that folks seem to get.
My furry friend and I are taking in the environment.
There are so many good vibes here, from the cheery customers to the friendly employees.
The barista and I exchanged warm greetings at the cashier.
I get the cold brew itch.
The barista grabs a cup, scoops four perfectly squared ice cubes, and pours coffee from a pitcher over the ice.
He then offered me a treat for Spotty, which I gladly accepted, and she was overjoyed to receive it.
After getting a drink, I walk through the coffee shop towards the patio in the back.
This vast patio is complete with wooden beams, outdoor space heaters, and overhead coverage to fend off rain if it comes.
The pup gets a cup of water to rehydrate from our play session along with the treat.
Now that the dog is cared for, I can get to this drink.
It’s been sitting for a couple minutes.
The ice cubes appear to have barely melted, and the coffee is an amber brown, the telltale sign of a medium roast made carefully with Small Planes Coffee’s Gateway blend.
I take to chilled beverages like water and forget to sip. This cold brew is delicious!
I’m enjoying it too much to drink tactically.
What makes it so easy to imbibe is the light acidity, medium body, bright toffee notes, and a hint of roasted almonds on the backend.
The aftertaste is pleasant.
*Chuggable might not be a word, but that’s how I’d describe this brew.
My dog chugs water.
I chug coffee.
We’re all happy.
I purchase a bag of beans and a different blend on the way out of Doubles, and we head back home to enjoy our Friday with Thriller waiting for us on vinyl.