National Coffee Day: Mike O’Brian Has Never Had A Cup

It seems odd, but as we celebrate National Coffee Day today, I have never had a cup of joe! Never, ever in my life have I ever had a sip! Not sure why and you'd think waking up early all these years I would have right? Just never smelled appealing to me I guess.

As we've talked more and more about this on The Mike & Carla Morning Show, listeners are shocked (SHOCKED!). Having done morning radio for almost 40 years, getting up early you would think differently. It's that one thing that people have to have in the morning. Just to kick start their morning right?

It's like a ritual for some...whether it's making a fresh pot at home or stopping at your favorite spot on the way to work. I know other people in the business that swear by this stuff, it was never my cup of tea...or should I say, "cup of Joe?"

Not sure why either. I know I mentioned the smell...it just didn't do anything for me. And trust me, even my wife has tried to get me to sample a cup of her freshly perked. Nope, not gonna try it...sorry. And I've heard it all, "...maybe you just haven't had the right brand!"

A lot of people are amazed that I can even function this early in the morning without it! They swear by it, have to have it and sometimes, more often than not, have to have more than one cup!

For the record, not a big fan of tea either! Same thing...the smell alone has never been appealing to me. Granted, I have tasted tea...by mistake! One of the worst experiences of my life.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the stuff, just don't care for it. On the other hand, my wife loves it. Has her special "card" so she can treat herself to a special cup each and every Friday. That's great and I can appreciate that.

But as most will celebrate today by taking advantage of a FREE cup here or discounted cup there...I will pass thank you!

I think it's safe to say that coffee is often a saving grace. And Las Vegas coffee shops have definitely helped us recover after a night out.

It's truly the perfect beverage that's available in multiple mediums. Hot, iced, sweet, bitter, frothy or blended; coffee can quench any type of caffeine craving.

Coffee is also a ritual for many of us, often signifying as the gong that starts our day. When we smell the brewing beans and hear the bubbling noise of the carburetor, memories are often pulled from the back of our minds about cornerstone moments in our lives.

Along with the memories and conversations that are associated with the amazing beverage, coffee is also a symbol in many cultures. Whether it's the brewing method or the type of beans being used, coffee -- like most things -- vary across the world.

There are four types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. And according to CoffeeAffection.com, Arabica and Robusta are the most common and popular type of beans.

Arabica is known for having a smooth and complex flavor with a distinct lack of bitterness. Robusta, often associated with Vietnamese coffee, has a stronger and bolder flavor with a higher hint of bitterness laced within the coffee's profile.

The other and less common coffee beans, Liberica and Excelsa, have different flavor notes and are grown in Africa and Asia.

According to CoffeeAffection, Liberica beans "has a controversial and polarizing reputation for wild inconsistency. Those who’ve tried this rare variety either love it or hate it."

Some have described the flavor as nutty, woody and "burnt," with a backbite.

Excelsa beans have qualities that are a mixture of light and dark roast traits. These beans have tart and fruity flavors with a lighter aroma. Yet, these beans still have a depth of flavor.

There's also a science to the coffee brewing process that emphasizes and brings out certain flavors of the beans, which you can read more about here.

To celebrate our love of coffee, here are some of the best shops in Vegas.

Although this establishment focuses on lemonade, Wow Wow Lemonade serves cold brew that's simply to die for. The Blue Hawaii Cold Brew is amazing.

5808 Spring Mountain Rd, STE 104, Las Vegas, NV 89146

8470 W Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89117

We recommend the sea salt coffee!

8520 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89123 and 6350 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146

7795 W Sahara Ave Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89117

5191 W Charleston Blvd Suite 185, Las Vegas, NV 89146

6850 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89146

https://www.yelp.com/biz/bbear-cafe-las-vegas

Here's a little option for those who still want caffeine with a matcha or tea latte twist.

3400 S Jones Blvd #3, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Multiple locations across Las Vegas.

We recommend getting the death cream or the iced shaken almond milk latte. These two coffee drinks are subtly sweet, creamy and rich.

1126 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

5590 Painted Mirage Rd suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89149

400 S Rampart Blvd #10165, Las Vegas, NV 89145

9420 W Sahara Ave suite 107, Las Vegas, NV 89117

Multiple locations across Las Vegas.

Located inside of the Boulevard Mall, 3528 S Maryland Pkwy #314, Las Vegas, NV 89169.

We recommend the horchata-flavored coffee drinks!

Although this eatery specializes in Cuban food, the bakery serves amazing Cuban Cafecito that's the perfect accompaniment to any baked good.

2590 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89121, United States

4520 S Hualapai Way Ste 109, Las Vegas, NV 89147

1028 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Multiple locations across Las Vegas.

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