I have been drinking coffee for a long time and CJH even longer. I can recall two donuts and unlimited coffee for .49 - that is a long time ago. In 1982? or so everything changed when I visited Carytown and had coffee from, at that time, Carytown Coffee. Wow. Coffee. That was my first experience at a small coffee shop. Now they are like fast food restaurants -- everywhere. 1982 was pre-Starbucks invasion. Roasting coffee was for mammoth corporations. Not any more. We made frequent trips to Richmond from Charlottesville and as often as we could those trips included a stop for coffee in store and to take home. Mr. Rostov was unfailingly helpful and patient and a super guide to the bewildering array of coffee. Since those days the shop as moved a few blocks away, sports a new name, Rostov's Coffee and Tea, and is shepherded by his daughter, Tammy. What has not changed is the great coffee. It is still my favorite place to buy coffee. We were there a few weeks ago and the other morning CJH noted the coffee this morning was great, you must have made Rostov's Kenya AA - she was right. So if you value good coffee, want knowledgable people, an interesting vibe, and great perks (ok, groan) try the Amish Walrus, let them chart your purchases for free stuff - try Rostov's. http://rostovs.com
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