I can't believe that this amazing coffeehouse has been open for over a year, and I am just now walking through their door! Roots Coffeehouse is a gem of a find in North Richland Hills. I was amazed at the large space when I entered Roots! The vibe circulating through this place will instantly transform you to a calmer state and definately taps into your inner philanthropic self. I didn't know what to expect from the menu, and since I had just passed up Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with a Pumpkin Scone to visit Roots, I was pleading with the menu board to not disappoint me. I quickly asked the young Barista behind the counter if they had a pumpkin flavor when my eyes focused in that they, indeed, offer the fall flavor. Yes, it was meant to be for me to visit on this particular day. Along with my coffee, I ordered a Harvest Muffin hoping it would satisfy my desire for that Pumpkin Scone! The pastries looked fresh and delicious in their glass covered domes. And they were all Texas-sized treats! They offered to warm up the muffin and served it on a plate. I walked across the concrete floor with my breakfast and settled at one of their tables. So, where do I start? I'll go with the most important detail, to me anyway...all coffee at Roots is organic fair trade! What does that mean to you as a consumer? It means you can sit and enjoy a great cup of coffee and know that the farmers who grew the beans that produced your great cup of coffee were paid and treated fairly in their business. And, it helps these farmers in third world countries lead better lives. Big coffee bean bags that are marked "fair trade" hang along the walls at Roots giving your conscience a nod and wink! I particularly loved the photos strung along one of the windows that showed a woman picking the coffee beans as well as photos of yogis striking a pose. There's plenty of seating in this coffeehouse. The front of the shop and the back are divided by a section that looks like a small living space with leather chairs facing a leather couch and a wood coffee table in between. The back of the "house" has wood floors, a big country table and chairs that would be fitting for a business meeting as well as other seating. Paper lanterns hang from the lofty ceiling giving a warm glow and feel to the space. There were several business people on their laptops, girlfriends chatting in quaint corners, and me taking it all in. What I noticed most? QUIET! There was no obnoxious music blaring, no loud chatter, no employees yelling from behind the counter. There was this peaceful atmosphere that made me long for a book. I could have actually enjoyed one of my reads at this coffeehouse. Now, for the goods. The coffee was superb! My small latte was around $3.40 which is great for organic, fair trade coffee. Also, they use 1883 Syrups (all natural, no artificial flavoring or preservatives, no cholestoral or fats). Now, I noticed on their Facebook page and website that some of the baristas were holding coffee mugs with great coffee art. My coffee came in the standard to-go cup, so I assume you would have to request a mug if that's your preference. I would have enjoyed seeing some great art in a mug, but maybe next time. And the scone craving? That craving was long forgotten on the first bite of this fresh, moist, flavorful muffin loaded with fruits and nuts and baked in-house. I was only going to eat half and take the rest home for later. However, few crumbs remained on the plate when I was ready to leave. I can say that Roots has won me over and will be my coffeehouse of choice from here on. And don't forget to put your spare change (after tipping, of course) in the Uganda fund jar at the counter! Roots takes on a whole new meaning to a great coffee experience. After all, we do all share the same roots...mankind! Don't forget to pick up a rewards card to earn your way to a free coffee.
http://rootscoffeehouse.com/
