Edith Mae's Café Offers Coffee That is Simply Irresistible

By Isaac White

"Blending tradition with modern flavors. Experience the comfort of a mother's kitchen in every cup, where quality meets the warmth of family and community. Our timeless tastes, with a unique twist, celebrate the joy of a simple, perfect cup, just like at Mom's house. From farm to you, we're committed to excellence in every cup."

This is the message that will adorn the cups at Edith Mae's Café, and, this vision is reality. Upon entering Edith Mae's Café on St. Regis Road, I immediately knew my usual approach to coffee, laden with cream and Splenda, might not apply here. The aroma, a blend of fragrant, sweet, savory, and pungently delightful scents, welcomed me, embodying the essence of their mission statement quoted above. This café, a creation of co-owner James Tarbell, is not just about coffee. It's about an experience that transcends the ordinary.

As someone who has never enjoyed black coffee in my years of being a coffee drinker, Edith Mae's changed that. For the first time, black coffee was not just tolerable; it was a revelation. The beans, sourced from fair trade growers, are more than just ingredients; they represent a story of passion and dedication from farm to cup, a journey echoed in the café's commitment to excellence.

During my visit, James Tarbell, the man behind this unique café, shared his journey in the coffee business. Starting with a coffee shop in 2006 and inspired by a visit to a specialty coffee shop in Miami, James was drawn back into the world of coffee with a renewed vision. He spoke about his passion for creating his own blends, a passion that's palpable in every cup served here.

At Edith Mae's, coffee preparation is an art form. The beans are roasted in a drum roaster, a method selected for its ability to evenly roast the beans, thus maximizing flavor. This old-style approach, as James explained, might be less efficient than modern methods, but the quality it produces is unparalleled. The café boasts a San Franciscan roaster, a testament to American craftsmanship and a key player in achieving their unique flavor profiles.

Further highlighting their commitment to quality, the café uses a high-end grinder that ensures even slicing of the beans, enhancing the extraction of their full flavor. The brewing process, too, is a carefully calibrated affair, using a specialty coffee extractor to tailor each cup to the bean's unique characteristics.

This meticulous attention to detail is a tribute to James' mother, Edith Mae, the café's namesake. James fondly recalls how her home was always a place of warmth, conversation, and coffee. This café is more than a business; it's a homage to her and a gathering place for the community, embodying the spirit of a family kitchen.

Edith Mae's offers a variety of coffee drinks, from classic espresso to innovative Bulletproof Coffee. But it's not just about the beverages; it's about the experience. James and his team, including his son Jackson, aim to provide the finest coffee to their community. The goal is simple: to serve not just good coffee but the best coffee, focusing on high-quality, specialty grades.

James remarked on Edith Mae's, "Edith Mae coffee is a brand. Developing the brand of coffees/blends is the goal of the company – ordering online and the coffee being available bagged beans/ground beans also being part of the offerings."

As a reporter, becoming part of the story is something I generally avoid. But at Edith Mae's Café, it's unavoidable. You don't just visit; you become immersed in their world, a part of their extended family. It's a place where every cup of coffee is a nod to tradition, quality, and those simple, perfect moments. Leaving Edith Mae's, with the lingering aroma of freshly brewed coffee, I realized I had experienced something beyond mere taste – it was a journey of passion, excellence, and perhaps most surprisingly, the first black coffee I've ever truly enjoyed.