RoF – Caffeine Injected

And, on the island, I do island things. Like visit coffee shops and such. I know I’ve only mentioned this one as part of other blog posts, but it definitely deserves its own place in the Caffeine Injected series!

Cafe Karma

As they have two locations on the island, I had to visit both. The original location, address mentioned below, is more traditional, smaller, and cozier. The second location is modern, spacious, and includes the option to order boba. And German chocolate cake – don’t do it. It’s a trap to make you fall in love.

Introducing Cafe Karma, a coffee shop on the beautiful South Padre Island. Specifically located at 5200 Padre Blvd Suite 101, South Padre Island, TX 78597, many of their drinks pay homage to island flavors, like coconut and mocha.

Cafe Karma started as a partnership between two men who served together in Afghanistan. What a way to reconnect. Today, they’re making espresso drinks, affogato, and other signature drinks. The original location also serves Blue Bell ice cream. My favorite. I’ve been visiting Cafe Karma for many years, each island visit. They have a few sugar free options which I enjoy, of course. Mini chose a coconut frappe, which she appeared to love! My spouse didn’t love his drink, it had hints of caramel and pecan but somehow those didn’t work too well together.

You can find out more about Cafe Karma by visiting them here. Stop by, grab a drink, and tell them Running on Fumes sent you!

Want to see more?

If you or someone you know owns or frequents a favorite coffee establishment and you’d like to be featured (or nominate them to be featured), please comment below!

Cheers to the Caffeine Injected series!

(The post RoF – Caffeine Injected first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

RoF – Caffeine Injected

Please forgive me for not mentioning them sooner. Alas, I did not want to share Wichita Falls’ best kept secret. Despite the fact I function as their not-so-secret fan club president and social media ambassador (the lovely Deidre doesn’t quite know this), this is hands down my favorite coffee establishment of all time, since approx. 2021 or so.

Chicka D’s

2022: I have more photos than I can count of my frequent Chicka D’s coffee runs. During the holidays, mini gifted me a gift certificate which I am still enjoying!

2023: Chicka D’s is still my go-to coffee spot. No one does it like they do. From their scrumptious waffles and chaffle sticks to the seasonal and monthly flavor combination specialty drinks to the energy coolers, there’s nothing on Chicka D’s menu that isn’t perfection.

In getting to know many of the employees, each stands for faith and service before self. Personally, I think they should be teaching other businesses how to do customer service. You’d think the service at a drive up mobile trailer would be meh…so wrong.

Most of my readers know my favorite drink: the standard latte, made with a sugar free syrup and heavy cream. Keto connoisseur. Somehow, Chicka D’s ratio is incompatible with my own efforts at making lattes at home even though I derived my coffee bean choice from what Chicka D’s uses. Trust me, I asked the head Chicka D. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the best coffee, customer service, and waffles in Wichita Falls, Chicka D’s ranks #1 in the Running on Fumes series.

I visit them every time I can, at multiple locations, in whatever weather conditions come my way. They also do catering and I have had the privilege to partake in a lovely hot or cold concoction at my church, around town, in front of businesses, and literally anywhere they go. The service and quality never waiver. Chicka D’s also offers whole and half waffles of various flavors, as well as waffle sticks and many other food options which I’ve heard nothing but good things about – and they’re a seasonally-updated option so fresh fruit in the spring and savory/sweet combinations in the fall.

Neither rain nor shine stops us from visiting

You can find out more about Chicka D’s by visiting them here. They also have a Facebook and an Instragram account. Stop by their typical location at the Home Zone at 3921 Fairway Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX 76310, grab a drink, and tell them Running on Fumes sent you!

Want to See More?

If you or someone you know owns or frequents a favorite coffee establishment and you’d like to be featured (or nominate them to be featured), please comment below!

Cheers to the Caffeine Injected series!

(The post RoF – Caffeine Injected first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

RoF – Caffeine Injected

It’s been too long since I shared a new coffee establishment!

Trinity Street Coffee Bar

There was an ice skating mishap that resulted in a Black Friday jaunt to a gigantic mall replete with a (real) ice skating rink. Of course, there’s not enough coffee in Texas to make me not need an extra dose of caffeine so I googled and found this hidden gem in downtown Decatur.

Introducing Trinity Street Coffee Bar, apparently a local favorite. Not too far off Hwy 287 (110 N Trinity St, Decatur, TX 76234) it exists on a sleepy square of other reputable establishments, like a burger place and antique store, among others. If only I’d had more time to explore. They also host a whiskey club, wine club, and social run on regular days of the month. And they’re open late!

For my order, I got my usual latte made with heavy cream and sugar free vanilla. Turns out they roast and sell their own magical beans! Indeed, it was a delicious cup of coffee; not too bitter or burnt tasting like many of the places I’ve tried. Clearly it was pretty good because I usually wait until at least the 2nd try before posting.

Needless to say, next time I’m headed toward anywhere east of Texas, I’ll be stopping by! You can find out more about Trinity Street Coffee Bar by visiting them here. Stop by, grab a drink, and tell them Running on Fumes sent you!

Want to see more?

If you or someone you know owns or frequents a favorite coffee establishment and you’d like to be featured (or nominate them to be featured), please comment below!

Cheers to the Caffeine Injected series!

(The post RoF – Caffeine Injected first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

RoF – Caffeine Injected

Welcome to Maxwell AFB outside Montgomery, Alabama, home of the Wandering Rose Coffee Co.! Open Tue-Fri, this small mobile coffee shop serves coffee and other drinks, as well as beautiful muffins and some delicious chocolate-covered espresso beans.

The Wanderer

Wandering Rose Coffee Co.

Each month, Wandering Rose showcases different seasonal drinks. For November, the traditional cranberry and apple cider flavors are featured. However, I can’t speak to any other drink than the Wanderer because it was simply amazing and the only drink I ever ordered! Other people I spoke to stated every drink is delicious.

L to R: Kitty and Stephanie (owner)

As I’m a merchandise supporter, it was only natural I needed a shirt and sticker!

As the Wandering Rose is owned and operated by a military spouse, their next stop is central Texas. Stephanie mentioned the need for additional employees due to the size of their next location so I’m excited to see how it impacts her growth! Truly her coffee kept myself and my classmates alive during the training we attended.

Stephanie intends to begin online ordering after the Thanksgiving holiday so I know this will only broaden her reach.

You can find out more about the Wandering Rose by visiting them on Facebook. Stop by, grab a drink, and tell them Running on Fumes sent you!

Want to See More?

If you or someone you know owns or frequents a favorite coffee establishment and you’d like to be featured (or nominate them to be featured), please comment below!

Cheers to the Caffeine Injected series!

RoF – Caffeine Injected

It seems we’re a family of gadgets. I don’t know how we got to this point, but it’s here for the long haul. I realize it has been awhile since I’ve created a new post for this series; life got busy for a few minutes. This is why…I need coffee.

New Family Member

small but mighty

Introducing Evelyn, the espresso machine. Not to worry – the blog post heading was click bait only. As coffee is an essential part of my life, so shall an inanimate piece of machinery be aptly named. Like Betty. And Dot. Evelyn is a lovely new friend. She graces my life with dainty shots of life-giving liquid heaven and then she elegantly spins regular cold milk or cream into heated, frothy additions. It’s quite the sight.

I can’t wait to share my new coffee-making skills with others. Thus far, mini has had a portion of an espresso shot. Then, she didn’t stop talking for nearly 2 hrs. Whoops.

such a beautiful sight

Seems my afternoon routine isn’t complete without a double shot. I’m not quite there with creating any fancy designs, but occasionally it looks like I poured a glob of foam at the top of the cup. I can only get better from here! Unpopular opinion: the more I research how mainstream coffee shops create their beverages, the more I dislike their practices. Did you know a (very) well-known coffee establishment’s drinks are either a) nearly 3/4 cup milk (as in very little actual coffee) or b) made entirely from a carton of pre-made tea or coffee? Yet we pay $6 or more for something touted to be “hand crafted”. Just wow. I understand we’re paying for convenience, but, honestly, the coffee – what little you actually get – isn’t even that good!

I did my research on what coffee to buy; I even asked my favorite coffee shop for their feedback. What with millions of options, the choice was difficult but I believe I made the perfect one. Lavazza Super Crema has a beautiful finish, it’s smooth and delicious, and it isn’t bitter in the slightest. Granted, Lavazza isn’t a “reserve”-type coffee, but for the price it was a great start on my coffee-creating journey.

Unbeknownst to me, there are many common terms in the coffee industry. Some are puck, brush, demitasse, and many others. I’m still learning designs and pretty things. All I know is I’ve sort of become a coffee snob. It’s hard to pay for coffee when I know I can make the same (better!) at home.

So this is where I typically give you the name and location of my Caffeine Injected series. Alas, there is none to give this time. But if you ever want to stop by for a fancy coffee and some random jokes, I’m always available. Except when I’m not. Which is most days, 5am-9pm.

Want to see more?

If you or someone you know owns or frequents a favorite coffee establishment and you’d like to be featured (or nominate them to be featured), please comment below!

Cheers to the Caffeine Injected series!

_______________________________

I ask you –

How much is too much to pay for coffee?

Where is your go-to coffee spot?

Rate my naming skills! Evelyn: A+

RoF – Caffeine Injected!

Admittedly I have felt somewhat perturbed lately at getting so involved in other’s dreams that mine had been forgotten. Or at least set on the back burner. My social, spiritual, and physical commitments list is quite lengthy nowadays.

Then I realized I just needed a coffee fix.

Main Street Kaffee

Introducing Main Street Kaffee, located at 209 Main Street, inside Girlfriends Boutique deep in the heart of Muenster, Texas. I’ve intended to check this place out for years – I know – but something always stands in my way. Probably myself. On a beautiful October weekend, my chance arrived.

Not only is this an adorable coffee shop, the adjoining space is a colorful boutique of charming treasures. And the ladies working there are the sweetest! Upon asking what sugar free flavors they had available, I knew I had to try the sugar free coconut. No one I know carries this flavor. As it was late afternoon, I decided on iced coffee – incredibly impressed with it. And super inexpensive, too!

Photo credit: my twin

Located on a busy, downtown street, Main Street Kaffee also offers (besides the boutique and great coffee) Beth Marie’s ice cream. You know I was in heaven. Assorted flavors, freshly dipped in house, and available in all kinds of sizes – though who wouldn’t request the largest size is beyond me – Beth Marie’s ice cream is some of the best!

I loved the little accents and seasonal decor around the entire shop. Fall is my favorite! Though we didn’t stay long, my sister and I commented on the cute space they have to make it feel secluded yet open.

For sure one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever been!

You can find out more about Main Street Kaffee by visiting them at Facebook. Stop by, grab a drink, and tell them Running on Fumes sent you!

Want to See More?

If you or someone you know owns or frequents a favorite coffee establishment and you’d like to be featured (or nominate them to be featured), please comment below!

Cheers to the Caffeine Injected series!