My Current Obsession: Gingerbread Construction Co.

It’s not because of their muffins (although, they are good).

It’s not even because of their gingerbread. 

Source:  www.facebook.com/gingerbreadusa

I’m currently obsessed with Gingerbread Construction Co. because of their iced coffee. 

Source:  www.facebook.com/gingerbreadusa 

While I normally make a batch of my own iced coffee at home, I do let myself splurge once or twice each week on iced coffee elsewhere. On the weekends, you can find me sipping an iced mocha from Café Rustica, or an iced coffee from Petsi Pies in Somerville – but during the week, I hit up the Gingerbread Construction Co. in Wakefield for my fix.

Here are the top 3 reasons why Gingerbread Construction Co.’s coffee rocks:

1.) Every single time I go they have a new, inventive coffee flavor, in addition to French vanilla and hazelnut (this week, for instance, one of their flavors was Caramel Nut Crunch – they also had Pistachio several weeks ago).

2.) Their coffee is smooth and perfectly strong (it does the job, but doesn’t give me the shakes).

3.) Whether it’s the case or not, their coffee tastes like the flavor is in the beans (vs. in a sugary syrup form).

I normally order a jumbo-sized, which comes to $2.36 after taxes – and is basically the size of a medium coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts (maybe a tad bit bigger).

The Gingerbread Construction Company has a second location in Winchester. If you ever find yourself in either of the W towns, I highly recommend stopping in to treat yourself!

What's your favorite local spot for iced (or hot) coffee?

'Empires of Food' Book Signing

On Tuesday evening, I attended a free book signing at Book Ends in Winchester for "EMPIRES OF FOOD: Feast, Famine, and the Rise and Fall of Civilizations" with Co-Author & Editor of the Improper Bostonian, Andrew Rimas, and Chef Paul Turano of Tryst restaurant in Arlington.

Andrew Rimas reading an excerpt from his new book.

Rimas co-wrote the book with Evan D.G. Fraser, whom he also co-wrote his first book with, titled "Beef: The Untold Story of How Milk, Meat, and Muscle Shaped the World." The event, held inside this adorable, local bookshop, was complete with readings from the new book, three different passed appetizers from Tryst, and answers to some thought-provoking questions from the handful of people in attendance - including topics such as the correlation between migration and famine, and the sustainable seafood industry.

The appetizer spread.

The only vegetarian-friendly app. of the evening: Spanakopita. 

Rimas, who is an occasional meat-eater himself, led the book discussion and Q&A session like a very intelligent, passionate pro (this guy has definitely done his research). Although the book only took him and Fraser a year to complete, Rimas was knowledgeable yet non-preachy about the point of this book, which was nominated for a James Beard Award:

"Fraser and Rimas argue that neither local food movements nor free market economies will stave off the next food crash, and they propose their own solutions. A fascinating, fresh history told through the prism of the dining table, “EMPIRES OF FOOD” offers a grand scope and a provocative analysis of the world today, indispensible in this time of global warming and food crises."

Ever heard of Monsanto? I'm currently reading "The World According to Monsanto" by Marie-Monique Robin, and "EMPIRES OF FOOD" seems like a good book to follow it up with. During the Q&A portion of the evening, Chef Paul even pointed out that most of his customers are interested in knowing where the food on his menu comes from - but the majority still go for the cheaper, non-local/organic options. He even told a story about how when he first started out as a chef, he encountered only few diners each month who had food allergies - and now he encounters at least one diner per day. He admitted he is convinced this has to do with what's being put in our food today.

It's clear the food industry is a scary place, and I'm excited to read what Rimas and Fraser uncover in their second book. Expect a full book review once I'm done reading. 

*Side note: The book is only available in hard cover for the time being, and cost me $27 at Book Ends (not including tax). Although it's cheaper on Amazon, I encourage you to check out this locally-owned book shop - it's worth every extra penny.

What are your thoughts on the future of the food industry? Are you optimistic, or as terrified as I am?

Everybody Has Their Bad Days

Sometimes, you can have a bad experience at a good eatery.

A few weeks ago, I stopped in at The Gingerbread Construction Co. in Winchester on my way to work. I was really eager to see what all the hype was about, as numerous people had told me I had to try Gingerbread Construction's muffins, coffee and - well, everything. However, upon immediately walking into the bakery I was greeted with a glare from the young girl behind the counter and nothing else. As I perused the bakery case, filled with glorious-looking, cream-filled muffins, thick gingerbread cookies, and intricately decorated gingerbread houses, another employee asked me what I wanted to order, in a tone that was basically asking me to hurry up. Displeased with the customer service, I only ordered an iced coffee and left sorely disappointed.

I was so disappointed, that I sent an email to The Gingerbread Construction Co., letting them know about the experience I had that morning. Part of me knew this place had to have great food (the coffee was good, too), and I also knew deep down that poor customer service wasn't something their management endorsed. Sure enough, within 24 hours, the General Manager wrote me back, apologized immensely for my bad first experience, and sent me a $10 gift card to give them another chance. 

For me, having a bad experience at a restaurant, bakery, store, etc. can happen to anyone - and not all employees are a reflection of that business. It's really all about how the management handles customer service issues, and The Gingerbread Construction Co. proved they care about their customers.

I went back to the Winchester location this past Saturday morning, and ordered a blueberry muffin and another iced coffee. Despite all the cream-filled muffin options, I'm not big on sweet breakfasts, and the blueberry muffin looked really tempting. I was thankful I did order it, as it was chocked full of fresh, Maine blueberries, and it wasn't overly sweet like some fruit-filled muffins can be.

I also loved how the top of the muffin was slightly crispy from being a little over-baked, in a good way.

In the end, I now see why the excitement exists around The Gingerbread Construction Co. Despite a bad first impression, the company showed me what they truly value: their customers.

Have you ever complained to a business about a bad experience you had? How was it resolved?