Akire Coffee

In my history of visiting coffee shops I've noticed many coffee shops tend to promote a European theme. After all, espresso was largely popularized due to Italy. However, the coffee bean is not a European production. The coffee bean is grown, nurtured and made possible by countries such as South America, Indonesia, Central America, Africa, and others. Europe is not a coffee growing region of the world, nor will it ever be a coffee growing region. Obviously, Europe is a great lover of coffee drinks but what of the countries who live for this product?

This weekend I visited Akire Coffee. I didn't take any photos while visiting but found this photo on flickr which shows the front of the building. I was pleased to find a coffee shop decorated in a Latin American theme. Once inside, imagine bright yellows and oranges with lively music flowing. My white chocolate mocha hit the spot and I was happy to discover I knew the barista. (We both worked together at one time at a horrible bakery franchise in which I worked to no end and left every night feeling utterly exhausted.)

My only reason for not returning to Akire Coffee is the lack of parking. The coffee shop is located in downtown Ann Arbor and so parking options are limited. I didn't have enough time to check and see if they offer free wireless or not.

Still, I was pleased with my visit to Akire. I also enjoyed their sign inside which read: Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks.