Mamas, there’s a new-ish bar in the town of Fairfield that you must try. Come alone, come with kids, come with friends, whoever. Just come to Fairfield County Moms Blog sponsor, Shearwater Coffee Bar. This lounge meets work-space, meets art gallery, meets hang out spot is a perfect spot for us moms. Why, you ask? Because as founder and owner, Ed Freedman, proudly states, “There’s nothing like it in Fairfield County.” It serves the drink that keeps our bodies and minds running on a daily basis. Before my first visit to Shearwater Coffee Bar, I didn’t realize that drinking coffee should be treated with the same respect as drinking wine.
Shearwater Coffee Bar only opened a few months ago in June, but Ed Freedman has made a career out of his love for coffee. After decades of experimenting as a home roaster, he created Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters in 2013, located in Trumbull. His artisanal blends, made from 100% organic beans hailing from Africa, Indonesia, Central and South America, quickly gained recognition. They have been sold and served in several supermarkets and restaurants throughout Fairfield County. (He even collaborated with Two Roads Brewing Co!). In 2017, he was ready for a new adventure: opening his first coffee shop. Like the long-winged migratory shearwater bird that inspired his brand, Ed was drawn back to his hometown of Fairfield. He teamed up with his daughter, Amber, who is an architect to design the perfect spot.
Ed’s vision was to create a family-friendly space where patrons could relax and learn as they watched knowledgeable, trained baristas work their magic. The expertly prepared espresso, pour-over coffee, cold brew, and nitro-coffee is all 100% organic. Coffee, he believes, should speak for itself, and the soft and subtle flavors should be refined. The experience of drinking coffee should be similar to wine-tasting. You should not only understand the process behind the product, but also take time to appreciate the distinct profiles in your cup or glass.
I first visited Shearwater Coffee Bar on a rainy Sunday morning when it opened at 9 a.m. Parking was simple since it is situated in the Brick Walk Promenade (right next to MilkCraft). As I walked up the wide ramp, hand in hand with my daughter, I imagined how easy it would be for mamas to maneuver even the bulkiest of strollers. When I opened the door, I could tell this coffee place was like no other.
There is an open floor plan with tables tucked away and stools nestled under counters. One wooden counter was along the tall windows and another granite counter right beside the baristas. There are two comfy chairs beneath a wall of beach inspired paintings by a local artist. Wherever I looked, there was more decor to admire. Hanging plants, Spanish tiles, globe lights. Everything about the vibe is calm, inviting you to partake in the wonder of the coffee-drinking experience.
Ed warmly introduced himself and walked me through the menu. I admitted that my daily coffee is never black. He smiled, saying most of his first-time customers only convert after trying his coffee. I first tried samples of the Running Rapids cold brew served from their kegerator. (it’s actually made in a five gallon Toddy and transferred to the kegs in the kegerator). It was refreshing without any bitterness. Since it was a cool fall day, I opted for the pour-over Colombia Hacienda La Pradera Estate. I savored it (in a beautiful cup), without my usual cream and sugar, enjoying the hints of naturally sweet vanilla, raspberry, and chocolate.
For the next hour and a half, my daughter and I enjoyed sitting at a low table beside the window. There was a live musician, playing mellow songs by Jack Johnson, Elton John, The Beatles, and James Taylor. We nibbled on pastries, a brownie and a buttermilk biscuit, that came from Huckleberries Artisan Pastries. (They are massive and will last multiple servings). Families strolled in and out, friends chatted to each other, and people typed on their laptops.
I liked it so much that I couldn’t wait to go back (and I live 17 minutes away from it in Norwalk). I returned solo the following Saturday. That time, I sat at the window counter, typing away and enjoying the Toasty Hearth Blend and a salted chocolate chunk cookie. I recognized some of the same faces from six days before.
Whether you’re finishing up a class at the nearby My Gym, a dinner date at Mecha Noodle, or just looking for a place to meet up with fellow mamas before the rest of your busy day, this is the place to go. Every cup is affordable, with most under $4. Whether you are loyal to one blend or mix it up each time you visit, you’ll rack up points with the electronic rewards program, working toward a free cup!
You always need coffee, so why not savor it? Get yourself to Shearwater Coffee Bar now! Located at 1215 Post Road – Brick Walk Promenade, Fairfield, CT 06824 they are open daily.
