Aliviar

Coffee boutiques are difficult to rank. Some people want unobtrusive classical music and plush chairs, others look for hipster rock piping through loud enough to drown out conversation. Decor ranges from swank to slovenly, with each of those making a certain faction feel right at home. This, mind you, before the subject of coffee even comes up. Are you seeking the fine aesthetic of coffee art poured in the perfect crown of crema, or a quick cup that'll get the job done?

As you walk into Aliviar, the coffee aroma softly greets you at the door where the Barista welcomes you to superb coffee amidst a casual, friendly atmosphere that is perfect for a conversation with friends while you sip an espresso, latte or another favorite coffee drink.

Staci Schoff, the owner of Aliviar, worked in marketing for a few years but she quickly realized it wasn't her life's work. An article in the New York Times about the skyrocketing rise of coffee shops in most every city piqued her interest. She did her homework, eventually became a Barista, and then opened Aliviar about seven months ago.

A longtime Portland resident, Staci realized that the city was saturated with coffee shops and that people here have a heightened awareness for excellent coffee. As she says, I know it's a cliche and every other coffee shop says it, but I am truly dedicated to quality in the coffee I serve." She has been known to dump brewed coffee if it has a bitter taste, rather than serve it to her customers. How many owners are willing to lose money rather than give someone a bad cup of coffee?"

Aliviar, as many others do, only buys from environmentally friendly and ethically aware roasters. A small roaster in Olympia met her criteria for directly working with co-op growers, utilizing fair trade practices, and utilizing cultivation methods that sustain the environment rather than destroy it. As important as all this is, the best coffee is only cultivated if the roaster is an expert at the extraction of coffee, especially for espresso, which Staci described, "as an art". She has tried other roasters but has not found anyone that is as knowledgeable and exacting in their roasting as her current one. While conducting the interview a customer, overhearing our conversation, remarked, "the shots of espresso and cups of latte reach new heights at Aliviar, thanks in large part to the owners' extensive knowledge of the roasting process and dedication to quality." Aliviar, as the customers testify, serves espresso that has a sweet chocolaty hue with no hint of an acidic flavor.

For those that aren't "coffeeholics", the Barista's can make a variety of drinks, from teas and chai lattes, to Italian sodas and smoothies. However, the star of the show is the traditional espresso or cappuccino. Food at Aliviar revolves around pastries, although this is an area that Staci wants to add to.

This is a great local 'community' hangout - no one (hopefully!) comes in for a 'grab and go' coffee. This is a place to hang out, read, wi-fi, chat, or just relax. Aliviar has been there long enough where "regulars" drop in and the smallness of Aliviar allows you to get to know them. Unlike some cavernous coffee shops, discussion breaks out amongst regulars and the Baristas. Aliviar hopes to become "a place for the exchange of ideas and a meeting place for the community." Local artists display their works, there is a small, but growing library, and, tentatively planned for the future are music or poetry readings; whatever will bring the community closer. Aliviar is a great place to meet friends, chat, read, and absorb coffee culture in a welcoming atmosphere where, "everyone knows your name".