Seattle Latte in Dubai

Last night, I watched a documentary that changed my life. The name: No Impact Man. I was so inspired by No Impact Man, Colin Beavan, and his wife Michelle Conlin, who went with created minimal garbage (waste), no coffee, no grocery stores, no Whole Foods, new clothes or shoes, composting, no automated electricity, eating only from the Farmer's market and six months without electricity, in my book, puts you on the level of sainthood.

I have always been inspired by change, and finding ways as an individual to be a good citizen, individual and do good. Although I am not an animal fanatic (like some of my friends) Skinny Bitch inspired me in November of 2008. I went totally Vegan (diet) for around 6-8 months until my boyfriend asked me to finish his eggs one morning. I caved. Needless to say, the treatment of the animals and the knowledge of all of the chemicals inserted into milk, dairy, animals, etc. put a huge damper on my year. Although no tears were shed, it forced me to further question my impact on this earth. Beef from New Zealand, cereal from Washington State, etc. The carbon footprint was astounding when it comes to food and this marked the beginning of my interests in where food comes from and what I was eating.

When I finalized my contract, packed up to move to Dubai, I first stopped in Seattle to be with my family for a month. The best thing about Seattle is by far the coffee. I knew that I would miss the coffee the most. So I gulped as many lattes as possible before August 14, 2009. Since I knew there was no Whole Foods in Dubai, nor were there the same vitamins, alternative products, etc. I gave up the Vegan diet for awhile in Dubai. There is store here called The Organic Store but it is far from my house and expensive.

For the first half of the school year, I just ate take out a lot, actually I ate what ever was convenient but I felt bad. Awful knowing that so many products are shipped into Dubai from all around the world, never really enjoyed meet (except for the mean kebabs at Barbecue Delight). Then, things changed when I became engaged. I began thinking of the compliments I received when I ate vegan, and how healthy I felt. Since I knew my wedding was coming in a number of months, I tried to eat healthy again. That is what I am working on now (minus an occasional cupcake).

How does this connect to No Impact Man you ask? Well, today, since No Impact Man was on my mind, I went searching online for organic products that are grown here in the UAE. I am going to check out a few and try to begin buying locally, but I also found a really cool coffee company called RAW.

RAW is a Dubai based coffee roasting company that imports only organic coffee that is fair trade. How this company began, I am not sure? Who's idea it was, I dunno? But I am curious. Mostly No Impact Man made me realize that I like to buy locally, not only to feel good but also because I want to feel more like I am part of community. I think it is cool what RAW is trying to do. When I noticed their coffee is sold at Uptown Mirdif (the new mall half way between work and home) I went this afternoon. Sugar Daddy's, a cupcake bakery, sells their coffee. The man who helped me, Cliff, packed up three cupcakes and made me a latte for free when I told him that I had come to try RAW's coffee. I was floored, absolutely astounded as to how this sweet east asian guy, Cliff, had made a coffee that tasted like it was from Seattle. Then he shared with me the fact that his trainer or the "Chef" was from Seattle. I was shocked and I must add a little jealous that I had not thought up the idea of bringing the real latte to Dubai from Seattle. Next time!

Regardless, I plan on getting a hold of the RAW people and visiting their plant. Actually No Impact Man has inspired me to visit farms and learn as much about my coffee and food as I can. I may not be as brave as No Impact Man's wife Michelle Conlin, who gave up coffee, but maybe I will do something once I settle back in Houston. I know there are farmer's markets back in Houston and I'm really looking forward to getting a bike. (Adnan and I will live in the Medical Center so we may be able to bike downtown to the farmer's market?)

For now, I highly recommend the documentary No Impact Man. It may just inspire you to make a change, or learn about something that interests you: food, cupcakes, coffee and maybe, just maybe, you will be led to the best damn Seattle latte in Dubai or maybe someplace even better. Good luck!