Coffee lovers of Homestead share their love for caffeine
Dhanya Angisetty, junior, smiles beside a cup of hot coffee on a chilly day in Mequon. (Photo by Olivia Cagle)
As a virtual student, it has become harder for Dhanya Angisetty, Homestead junior, to grab coffee with friends, but rest assured, she makes time. “I mostly just go to Colectivo” says Dhanya. “They have a lot of curbside options, and they are pretty covid friendly.” Look out for Angisetty dashing in and out of Colectivo thanks to their efficient pick-up service. “I use the app. It’s a lot quicker [than curbside or walk-in].” As for her drinks of choice, Angisetty recommends her favorite coffee to students of Homestead: “A hot mocha...especially for winter!”
Ms. Pozel, Homestead english teacher and coffee lover, also loves Colectivo. “It’s just because it’s what I know” she says. She then compared the Mequon cafe to a similar one named Stone Creek Coffee, located in different spots all around Wisconsin. How, you may ask, does she reciprocate her students’ energy every day? “Usually I get their twelve ounce vanilla latte. Pretty standard stuff.” she later added that she really enjoys a good bagel, and if she needs some extra energy: a black coffee will do. Along with a hot vanilla latte, Ms. Pozel thinks Homestead should go bold when they caffeinate. “I feel like a lot of Homestead students should introduce themselves to just black coffee, because when I drink it, they are like ‘oh my god, what are you drinking?’”
Ms. Pozel grins under a mask as she holds her reusable coffee cup. She was delighted when she realized it matched her shirt. (Photo by Olivia Cagle)
Colectivo in Mequon. (Photo by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
If you see me with a mug in school, that’s what I’ve got!” says Principal Ebert, about his favorite types of coffee: Velo or the Dark Sumatra. He loves Colectivo, and although he orders online more recently, he misses the atmosphere of the cafe. “In normal times, I really enjoy sitting at a coffee shop talking with others or doing work,” he says. Like Vogel, Ebert has hopped on the flavor train. When fall rolls around next year, he encourages Homestead students to, as well. “That Pumpkin Foam Cold Brew from Starbucks is amazing!”
Mrs. Vogel, math teacher at Homestead, rarely gets out for coffee. “We have been buying different and fun brands...to make it at home instead of going out” she says When she does go out, though, her favorite spot is near and dear to her heart. “Being from Cedarburg originally, we used to go to the Roastery a lot.” As cafes release more and more holiday themed drinks every year, Vogel’s taste has refined. She can’t stand pumpkin spice, and she enjoys winter flavors more than anything. “I really like, like the peppermint mochas, or like a white peppermint mocha. Which is not as coffee-ey but I think it’s special which is fun.” She can’t wait for next year’s holiday flavors. “It’s like an event, especially at Starbucks, with all the cups and everything!
Mrs. Vogel smiles next to a cup or morning coffee, ready to face the day. (Photo by Olivia Cagle)
Mrs. Young, counselor at Homestead, hasn’t really gotten to try out the local spots. She lives in Milwaukee, and is surrounded by great small cafes that she would love students to try. “My favorite spot to get coffee is called Blüm's Coffee Garden!” she says. A coffee garden seems a wacky concept for a cafe, but noted that it adds an extra touch of individuality to the place. “It is attached to a greenhouse and flower shop called Blumel's, and they have an amazing outdoor area! I like going there because they serve Coletivo coffee, and there is a nice peaceful water feature inside the cafe” If Homestead students have a chance to try it out, she recommends a latte with some offbeat flavors. She says, “I always get the "blum" latte, it is made with mint and honey!”
Mrs. Young shows her fresh cup of joe that she grabbed from Starbucks on the way to school. (Photo by Olivia Cagle)
Anodyne’s unique backsplash invites customers to try their even more unique drinks. (Photo by Mequon Public Market)
Josh Kloss, senior, was lucky enough to work at Mequon newest caffeination station, Anodyne, located in the new Public Market. “It was my favorite place I’ve worked so far. Everyone that I had the pleasure to work with was immensely kind and patient with me as I learned how to use the cash register and the espresso machine.” He loves the atmosphere of the place and finds himself enjoying meeting new customers. “Especially the "mysterious" people who sat at the counter with their laptops out. I mean... what are they writing about?! It could've been the next bestselling novel!” he says. The coffee lover weighed in on his favorites off the menu, and insisted that students try Anodyne at least once. “My favorite drink is the Iced Bee Sting with Oat Milk. I know a lot of Homestead students love getting Starbucks, but they should definitely try Anodyne at least once! While there is no drive-thru, the service is so much more intimate and it is fulfilling to be able to support a small business like Anodyne. So why not try it out? It might be your new favorite!”