Like most things we curate for our stores, what sets us apart is that we have a real relationship with our vendors and we get the freshest possible product. We've been buying from the same families for decades, and coffee is no different. All our coffee is roasted locally using vendors in the boroughs, so it ends up in our famous barrels within days of roasting.

Most coffee is decent and drinkable but when you work at Sahadi’s your coffee is amazing. When I lived 10 minutes from our shops, I waited to get to work to have my first cup of coffee, but now that I live 30 minutes away the first cup is drive through. It is definitely a decent cup of coffee, but it got me thinking why ours is so superior.

First off, our coffee is roasted weekly -- can’t get much fresher than that unless you roast at home (and even I don’t do that!).

Then our espresso machine grinds to order for each cup. I can be a bit of a coffee elitist so at home I also have a machine that grinds to order. For those who don’t, come to Sahadi's. We always grind to order, giving you the freshest possible coffee from our shops. The perfect grind is important to the final product. It should be ground specifically to the type of coffee maker you are using.

Finally, preparation. Whatever your preference, using the freshest beans and preparing to order will give you the richest cup. I prefer a Mokka or French press for ease if you don’t have an espresso machine. Then, you can add filtered hot water to espresso for an americano. I just like a little foam on mine for a macchiato.

Great coffee will also make a terrific cup in a paper filter machine. Coffee is only as good as your original purchase, so buy in smaller quantities and buy more often. You will always have a delicious brew.