By Brooke McKenzie, 8/11/10
Vampires and Zombies need not travel all the way to Forks for their coffee fix. Burial Grounds coffee has recently opened at 406 Washington Street and is open 8 AM to 10 PM. They serve every inspiration of drink a grave robber might desire.
What would a zombie drink anyway? Maybe the Zombie Attacker with nutmeg and almond? What about Living Death with butter pecan and caramel?
I’ve tried the Ice Cold Corpse. Does the name give it away? No? It is three shots of espresso and caramel goodness, as a cold, blended drink, perfect for our sometimes hot days.
Mara Peterson and business partner Mike Richardson are longtime friends. They got the name, Burial Grounds, from a comic book and say they like the idea of talking about zombies all day.
Both are both from Tucson and serve Arizona coffee, Roaster X, which they describe as American-style espresso, rich, velvety sweet and smooth. They sell two varieties of beans – one for espresso, the other for drip coffee. They also have a variety of teas, salads and wraps.
I’ve had the vegetarian wrap, pesto wrap and Rosemary’s baby – all delicious. They have at least 10 wraps, and some are vegetarian friendly.
Mike and Mara are personable, knowledgeable and fun. The atmosphere is inviting and it’s fun to check out their creative menu and artwork.
They have the best bubble tea I’ve had, with a delicious tea base accompanied by fat, juicy tapioca pearls and large straws. Peterson said she likes bubble tea, so she thought she would serve it at her coffee shop. They have at least 23 flavors of bubble tea including passion fruit, taro, Blue Hawaii and guava.
They have at least 6 varieties of cupcake coffees that are served in a 6 ounce mug and have many delightful, sweet flavors.
Many of the coffee selections come with a large number of shots. They say, because of the coffee they use, the coffee doesn’t taste bitter and you don’t get the jitters. The latter is perfect for those corpses out there that might have the shivers.
Other coffee drinks – with oh-so-creative names – include the Zombie Defender, Grave Moss (very tasty), Rasputin Rising, Rigor Mortis and Brenda’s Brains (with peanut butter, chocolate and caramel).
They have internet access and a public-use computer, video games, live music on weekends, comfy chairs and lots of seating. They even have a toddler-friendly potty training seat in the bathroom.
They are in the storefront where The Press was formerly located. Don’t be shy; come to the Burial Ground for zombie madness. ◙