Order&Chaos Coffee

Planit is a creative agency. They do ads, branding, marketing, graphic design, everything. Their space on Key Highway is full of insanely creative people doing award-winning things. Mr Minx and I do business with the good folks at Planit Agency all the time. They are unfailingly helpful, kind, and generous.

And now they sell coffee.

Well, Planit doesn't sell coffee. But Order&Chaos does. This new coffee shop owned by Planit founders Matt Doud and Ed Callahan shares Planit's new digs, and the PR side of the business can be seen in action through the shop's large glass windows. But don't go for the view--go for the coffee, which is roasted nearby at 100+ year-old Locust Point stalwart Pfeffercorn, making Order&Chaos a true neighborhood coffee shop.

After sampling their wares at a recent media event and leaving with a can of ground coffee to make at home, I gotta say that Order&Chaos is worth the drive to South Baltimore. Their espresso drinks are made in the only Slayer espresso maker in the Baltimore area, and include cappuccinos, lattes, and everyone's favorite fall drink, the pumpkin spice latte. (I had one - it's very good, with a much more rounded and less-bitter flavor than Big Coffee's PSL.) There are other interesting drinks on their menu as well, such as the Cafe Gommosa, which is an espresso shot poured over marshmallow, and a "dirty" chai--chai tea with an espresso shot. The brewed coffee is smooth and rich and packs a deep flavor. Their decaf as well has been blended and roasted with care and stands up to the very best caffeinated brews.

While you're at O&C, try one of their liege waffles. Liege is a style of Belgian waffle that is sweeter and chewier than a standard waffle. They're made with a yeast-raised dough that's studded with pearl sugar. The sugar melts in the waffle iron (which doesn't get as hot as a standard waffler) and forms crunchy caramelized bits that make these waffles an ideal afternoon snack. You know, when you need that little extra jolt of energy to get you through the rest of the day. They are perfectly acceptable for breakfast, of course, but then you might miss out on one of Order&Chaos' other pastry offerings, which include items by Patisserie Poupon.

Right now, Matt and Ed want Order&Chaos to become an integral part of their South Baltimore neighborhood, but I say look out for future world domination.

Order&Chaos Coffee
1410 Key Highway
Baltimore MD 21230



Posted on Minxeats.com.

A New Kind of Loyalty Program

Have you noticed how food trends come in waves? Some years back, bagels were all the rage and bagel shops popped up all over town. Then it was coffee, with Starbucks and other national chains opening up across the street from each other. Gourmet hamburgers, made by everyone from Bobby Flay to Richard Blais. Cupcakes everywhere. And now coffee is back again, except this time, the coffee shops are more community-driven, and don't belong to giant conglomerates that ship their pastries in from a central facility clear across the country. Because a good neighborhood coffee shop should be about more than just a hot cup of joe and free wi-fi.

Baltimore's coffee culture is slowly growing, and in an effort to encourage loyal customers to further explore the developing coffee culture in Baltimore, LAMILL COFFEE has invited several of Baltimore’s most forward-thinking coffeehouses to join their new Disloyalty Card program, which launches on August 12.

The concept of the Disloyalty Card began with Gwilym Davies, a London-based barista and World Barista Champion of 2009, who wanted to entice customers to explore London's cafés by rewarding repeat guests with a free beverage. LAMILL is bringing the Disloyalty Card to Baltimore to encourage Baltimore residents to explore the city’s great cafés and coffee shops outside of their daily routines.

Alongside LAMILL, some of the area’s top coffee shops will be a part of the Disloyalty Card program in Baltimore including:

Charmington’s – A Charles Village neighborhood café serving Counter Culture Coffee and espresso, fresh baked muffins and pastries, sandwiches, salads and other light fare. Charmington’s is located at 2601 Howard St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.

Dooby’s Coffee – A fun and welcoming Mt. Vernon establishment where friends and neighbors can gather over Counter Culture Coffee beverages, pastries, sandwiches and beer from morning to night. Dooby’s Coffee is located at 802 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

High Grounds – Located in Highlandtown, High Grounds roasts coffee beans six days a week for use in their coffeehouse and for sale at premier local stores. In the coffeehouse, a La Marzocco espresso machine grinds coffee at point of order and customers can enjoy bagels, muffins, scones and pastries from Uptown Bakers. High Grounds is located at 3201 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, Maryland 21224.

Pitango Gelato – An espresso bar in Fells Point, Pitango creates an authentic Italian experience with a focus on quality and excellent service tapping local roaster Counter Culture Coffee to guarantee the freshest product possible. Pitango Gelato is located at 802 South Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21231.

Sidewalk Espresso – Just a couple blocks from Camden Yards, UMMC and the Convention Center, Sidewalk Espresso offers ridiculously awesome espresso and coffee drinks using Ceremony Coffee. Sidewalk Espresso serves local pastries in a relaxing atmosphere at 625 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland 21230.

Consumers can obtain a Disloyalty Card at any of the participating cafés, and they will receive a stamp at each location when they purchase a qualifying beverage. Once guests have completed the card by visiting each café and receiving the appropriate stamp, they will be entitled to a complimentary beverage at the café of their choice.

To learn more about the Disloyalty Card program, visit any of the participating coffeehouses and ask for details.

Posted on Minxeats.com.