In college (circa 1977), my roommate Kathy had a Chemex coffee pot. To me, it felt like a grown up coffee pot, meant for those who really knew and appreciated their coffee, rather than those of us to kind of used and abused it. I always wanted one, but got distracted by my 1980′s Espresso Maker and my handy French Press instead. However, once I started this coffee blog, I was reminded how beautiful they were, and I really wanted one. Have been pondering purchase excuses for some time now….. And then on Thursday afternoon, these photos from my friend Ann Burris (she of coffee cup number 109) showed up in my email, along with this note:
“Hi Kim, Well, you got my creative juices going this morning. I dug out the box a friend recently returned to me that contains my old (1970s vintage) Chemex. I lovingly cleaned her up and made a nice strong pot of coffee so I could send you a photo.
I forgot all about this old pot until a classmate said she had something of mine that she found and wanted to return. Imagine my surprise when not only the old Chemex showed up but a warmer and some old filters still in their well worn box. This is the first time I have made coffee in this one, probably since sometime in the 70s or 80s. When I moved to Sacramento I bought myself a smaller version and that’s what I use so now. Since I have the other smaller one, I don’t know what to do with this bigger one. Would you consider giving it a home? The wood part is worn as you can see but you can purchase new parts on the Chemex website. I hate to just donate it to the thrift store.”
Oh boy!!!!!! Photos, a story AND a Chemex. That would be the fabulous trifecta of caffeinated inspiration. Thank you Ann! (By the way, Ann’s blog about shopping and cooking from Farmers Markets is Annie’s Pickins.)
P.S. Ann delivered the box of Chemex treasures to the studio on Friday. It’s so cool I can’t stand it. Seriously, you need to come over for a cup of coffee.
