May 01, 2012 Issue 218SUMMERCHILLERSWords | Suzy Fontes Photography | Jerzy WierzbickiCertain foods, rather drinks, demand learning. Like black coffee, for example. It isn’t easy on thepalate of those who are apprehensive about trying strong drinks, sans sweeteners like milk orsugar – à la Omani kahwa. One needs to acquire a taste for it, provided the urge to try and jointhe coffee drinkers bandwagon is pretty strong.In many a culture, coffee making is a ritual that is almost religious. It infuses a sense of meaningto the day and even establishes the importance of relations between coffee drinkers. But for allthose on the go, and even those who like to brew their own stuff, there is always Second Cup,which has, over the years, be<strong>com</strong>e a temple of sorts. Be it for the early morning cuppa or aleisurely brunch that extends to lunch or even a siesta-breaking drink, it is a hub for everyonewith time and inclination to enjoy simple things in life.The inviting earthy tones of Second Cup add to the homey décor, beckoning even non-coffeedrinkers to try out their range of beverages, which, interestingly, has several non-coffeeconcoctions on offer. This is one café that has wowed the imagination of coffee drinkers aroundthe world with their signature drinks and novel mixtures, which are sought by every kind ofcoffee lover. And with the new summer presentation ‘Irresistible’, Second Cup fans have fourcool options to savour at all their outlets - Qurum, Shatti Al Qurum, Bareeq Al Shatti and at theOmantel’s Headquarters in Mawaleh.That also explains our detour from the regular lunch/dinner fare to a purely coffee trip.But before we go into the coffee tasting, a quick look at coffee culture, nay, coffee personality.‘The You Code’, a 2010 book written by Judi James and James Moore states that espressodrinkers are prone to frequent mood swings, are hard workers and have a thick skin; blackcoffee drinkers are very direct; latte drinkers want to be appreciated and need to be loved;cappuccino drinkers are extroverted and optimistic people; ice coffee are light and frivolous…Non-coffee drinkers, they say, are scared and conservative, afraid to get out of their <strong>com</strong>fortzones.That is, possibly, a hard-core coffee lovers’ take on the subject, but if you are a Second Cup22
May 01, 2012 Issue 218addict, coffee is not necessarily the drive to dropby. With its extensive range of options, eventhose who <strong>com</strong>pletely abhor coffee can enjoytheir large spread of beverages. More specifically,the ‘Irresistible’ summer offers – Frozen MintLemonade, Chocolate Chai Latte, Coffee ToffeeLatte and Coffee Toffee Chiller. All the four drinkshave been harmoniously blended together topresent a refreshing experience during the hotdays. These new offers, which will be on untilmid May, are part of Second Cup’s productdevelopment strategy.At a recent coffee-tasting session at the Qurumoutlet, Jannat Moosa, Marketing Director at BinMirza International, satiated our coffee-cravingtaste buds with all the drinks on the summer offer,observing that the Mint Lemonade is bound tobe a hit. Freshly squeezed lemonade is infusedwith fresh mint to make this one a fascinatingsummer drink. But if it is coffee that you are after,the Coffee Toffee Latte, with extra sweet, creamyhot mocha, is ideal. But then again, with summeron, the Coffee Toffee Chiller is sure to make yourday. The icy drink could well be a <strong>com</strong>plete mealin itself, if brunch is what you are looking for. TheChocolate Chai Chiller is for all those who lovethe spicy taste of chai. It is exotic, spicy and well,cool and refreshing. Even this can be had in itshot avatar.What makes all this coffee talk interesting isthe fact that patrons of Second Cup are awarethat their favourite is available at all times (from7am). As Jannat states, “It is ideal for a chatwith friends, acquaintances or even businesstalks.” The availability of a range of sandwiches,quiches, rolls, cookies, etc., also makes it aconvenient stop for those who can't quell theirhunger with coffee or just a drink alone.There is a wide range of coffees, teas and neutraldrinks like the apple cider, which is a pure delightfor all those who shy away from coffee or tea.This <strong>com</strong>es with a cinnamon stick, infusing theflavours of cinnamon with the tangy apple cider.Its divine! We also tasted the Caramel Corretto,which, Jannat tells us, is one of their populardrinks – microfoams that top the drink holdespresso, caramel syrup and pure vanilla syrupto make it a beautiful experience.And for all those environmentally oriented,Second Cup is Rainforest Alliance Certified,which makes their ingredients so much morepalatable.Psssst… check out their hot chocolate!23
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