Great Coffee in Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey

I travel around New Jersey almost every day, and when I see a coffee shop I usually stop and give it a try. I seldom order espresso because it's almost always awful. If I can watch espresso being made and they seem to know what they're doing, then I will order it.

I had heard about a good shop in Avon-By-The-Sea, so I looked for it the next time I was near. The shop is Coffees and Teas of Yesteryear, and is owned and operated by Bob Peters. It was hard to find, but well worth the search.

Ths shop is small, about the size of your living room, and is about half filled with his 1974 Sivetz roaster. There's not much room to sit or stand, since the roaster and bags of coffee fill most of the floor space. He uses a beautiful 1950 Gaggia hand pump espresso machine, and he really knows how to use it. The machine is copper and brass and Bob says he has become very good at keeping it running over the years.

I had the best espresso I have ever had in a coffee shop. He used an Australian coffee and it was very smooth and good tasting. Bob is a real coffee man and I enjoyed talking coffee with him. He has lots of coffee stories to tell and maybe one day I'll get him to put one on this website.

If you're ever on the Garden State Parkway near exit 100, take a short trip to see Bob. Be sure to order espresso, and as his sign says, "Order espresso and you will love it, and you will love me."

Get onto Route 71, and turn east on Lincoln in Avon, Turn left at the first alley and the shop is on the left. Call ahead (732 500-7377) because he's not open all day. His website is Coffees and Teas of Yesteryear for more information.