President's Day 2014

It's a holiday that I didn't realize was coming up until 3 days ago. Today was President's day - a holiday where we celebrate the men who led our beloved United States of America from its inception in 1776 until today. To most of us however, it is a day off from work or school. I wanted to take advantage of the rare clear sunny skies today and get some errands done. I ended up at this new coffee place that has only been open for 3 weeks. It was located in the heart of downtown Providence in a building that used to be a strip club. Now it's a new, modern, artsy hotel. While the menu is simple here, the concept behind this particular coffee shop is quite unique. The aim is to give customers a different coffee experience each time they walk in. Instead of using the same coffee roaster all the time, Bolt Coffee Company uses different coffee roasters from around the states. Coffee beans can range from Indonesia, to Ethiopia.
It was a little difficult to find this place at first, since it like's kind of hidden around the corner of a building, but the sign is big enough that you wouldn't miss it if you were specifically looking for it.

The interior was designed in a pretty modern way, with an outdoorsy edge to it. The owner and manager of the shop, Brian, is very friendly and looking to make conversation with customers. As with most places, getting to know the owner makes the place all that more attractive and comfortable. The coffee itself was delicious. However, if you're more of the type to like Starbuck's specialty coffees like lattes and caramel macchiatos, you might not enjoy the coffee here as much. There is no sugar added at all to these coffees so they will taste bitter to anyone who does not have an acquired taste for quality coffee. Brian brews the coffees right in front of you and does a beautiful job of making the finished result look, well, beautiful. Instead of your typical skim, 1%, whole, soy milk options, Bolt only has two options: whole or hemp. 

whole milk mocha

Now for me, I've never tried hemp milk before, but Brian told me it would be the next best option for someone who is lactose intolerant. I tried both whole milk and hemp milk mochas today and I have to say, hemp milk is less creamy and perhaps less tasteful than whole milk. Some people prefer hemp milk because it's healthier and that is certainly alright. Either way, the mochas were delicious. Brian does also offer brown sugar cubes for those of you with a sweet tooth. I have yet to try the pastries they offer there, but like their coffee, Bolt brings in a variety of pastries from a variety of places. If you're looking for quality coffee, this place is a must try. I definitely see myself coming back again.

hemp milk mocha (I added the smiley myself)