Slowing Down at Scott Paul Wines and Stumptown Coffee (Plus an Exciting Opening!)

Of all the experiences we had on our trip to Seattle and Oregon earlier this month, one theme rang true: the importance of slowing down. Being a New Yorker, I tend to rush from here to there, focusing more on the schedule and less on the moment. I think this transcends a lot of Metropolitan area East Coasters. The truth is, great things can happen when you pause, think, and let the juices flow.

One of the most eye-opening (and hilarious) experiences was on a morning when we were leaving Portland for an appointment at Scott Paul Wines. We were already running late, but had to taste some real Portland coffee before departing. We had heard about the Portland chain, Stumptown, and decided to check it out. This is, essentially, a transcript of what occurred in our coffee-ordering-process:

Stumptown Barista: Hey guys, how’s it going?
Me/E: Good and you?
Stumptown Barista: Good, good. What are you guys up to? You from here? (still hasn’t taken our order)
Me/E: No, we’re from New York, just visiting.
Stumptown Barista: Rad. You staying with some people out here?
Me/E: No, we’re staying at a hotel. We are here on vacation. (confusion building in my head)
Stumptown Barista: Whoa! Foreal? A real legit vacation with hotels? That is pretty rad. (a line builds behind us)
Me/E: Yea, we’re having a great time.
Stumptown Barista: Nice, nice. So, what else is up guys?
Me/E: Um, nothing much, we’re headed to Willamette Valley.
Stumptown Barista: Rad, so what would you guys like?

We eventually placed our order, but the tiny exchange we had prior to that felt like an eternity as the line was building and we were becoming more and more late for our appointment. Nevertheless, the guy cracked us up, and nothing horrible happened as a result of slowing down, and sharing a few words with a stranger. He wasn’t the most efficient guy, but he sure put a smile on our face that morning. Maybe there is a lesson to learn.

After experiencing the Portland attitude at Stumptown we headed to Scott Paul. The painting above is called “Rabbit Receiving His Own Information” , which was the inspiration for the Scott Paul logo. We learned the story of the rabbit from Scott, which is that people often have to be forced to slow down so they can receive their own inner wisdom. You see, Scott was previously in the music industry and was grappling with the idea of leaving to start the winery. He became sick with stress until uncovering the meaning of the painting he had purchased. Getting sick actually forced him to slow down and choose his path in life. The tiny-production, Scott Paul Audrey 2007 Pinot Noir was the standout Pinot of the trip, so I’m glad Scott decided to slow down and receive his own information. Imagine what might happen if we learned to slow down once in a while, without being forced by sickness!

Now, I’m excited to announce that New York has recently gotten a little bit of Oregon charm, with the opening of Stumptown coffee in the Ace Hotel! Stumptown Coffee was previously sold at Cafe Pedlar, with locations in Cobble Hill and the Lower East Side, but this W 29th Street location is the first full-on Stumpton Cafe. E visited today and can attest to the awesomeness of their espresso. I doubt you’ll get anybody to say “What’s Up?” before placing your drink order, but it’s a start.

Do you ever let yourself slow down?

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