Now this is what I call a Saturday.

After a long first week of work, I need to do some catching up on the stuff I have left for grad school… and hello? What better place than Java’s?

I have a terrible time making decisions, but there’s one thing you can count on: 98.549% of the time, if there’s a place to sit outside, I’m going to want to sit outside. And guess what? Today, because it’s a balmy 65º in the city of Rochester, I can! (Except I’m not wearing a coat, and the sun is on the other side of the street, so I’m a little chilly. whoops.)

Gibbs street is possibly the best place in WNY to sit and people watch, too, so I’m in writer’s heaven.

Also heavenly: My new favorite drink. Matcha. (Remember I told you it’d be making another appearance?)

Now, matcha is basically just super-concentrated green tea. It comes from Japan, where it grows in really special conditions for a very specific amount of time, after which they grind it up and you dissolve the whole leaf in your drink. Mine’s iced today… although hot may have been more helpful for my goosebumps. (The sun is coming!)

I’m not sure whether I like the way it tastes or the fact that it’s iridescently green better– I’m delighted every time I take a sip either way.

The only problem with my new fascination with matcha is that, because it’s so special and the demand for it in Japan is so high, this stuff is hella expensive. Of course it’s even pricier at a coffee shop–it’s $4 at Java’s–but if it’s a rare treat, then I think it’s okay.

On the other hand, it basically punches you in the face with all the nutrients associated with green tea (antioxidants, vitamins, caffeine, etc), because one cup of matcha is like 10 cups of green tea. And it has fiber, because you’re drinking the whole leaf!

Also, it tastes like how spring feels, and that is definitely okay with me. If you’ve got an adventurous palate and $4 to spare, hop on over to Java’s and try some! If not, well… there’s always coffee.