Coffee Strong and Elite Cafe Featured In Book, "Coffee Spot Safari" Contest

Lakewood's Coffee Strong and Elite Cafe are two of 120 coffee shops featured in a new book from Tacoma artist Marsha Glazière.

Her book, "Eclectic Coffee Spots in Puget Sound," features paintings, photos and prose of 120 coffee spots with character in the Puget Sound. Here's an excerpt from the book about Coffee Strong:

Located within blocks of Joint Base Fort Lewis-McCord, Coffee Strong is a coffeehouse with a strong political anti-war, pro-GI agenda. The name is a deliberate turnabout of the ‘Army Strong’ maxim. Coffee Strong is operated by GI Voice, a non-profit organization made up of veterans and supportive civilians. Soldiers are invited to enjoy a free cup of drip coffee and to share their dire, often traumatic war and military experiences with each other in a neutral conducive environment. Cushy sofas, a foosball table, a piano and simple wood tables and chairs make the atmosphere very comfortable. On the walls are anti-war posters and expressionistic paintings by artist Justin Crawford.

Here's the excerpt on Elite Cafe:

There is no missing the adobe-colored coffee pot that sits along this well-traveled thoroughfare. Many cars drive through daily, but there is also an opportunity to sit and take a coffee break under an arbor surrounded by tall fir trees.

As part of the book's release, the book's publisher is holding a contest - Marsha's Coffee Spot Safari - that encourages readers to visit the featured shops. Full rules and details can be found by clicking here.

Here's the full press release:

Adventure to the most coffee purveyors showcased in Eclectic Coffee Spots in Puget Sound to discover new places and win Tacoma artist Marsha Glazière’s coffee related art, calendars and her new book featuring her paintings, photos and prose of 120 coffee spots with character in and around Puget Sound.

Marsha’s Coffee Spot Safari is a great way to unwind in a cozy corner during the holidays, meet up with friends and family around the region over a cup of coffee, find gifts, AND shop local.

The Coffee Spot Safari runs December 15, 2012 to January 31, 2013. Collect the most cash register receipts to win. Double credit for each receipt from any non-profit retailers listed in Eclectic Coffee Spots in Puget Sound. Quintuple credit for purchase of an e-book. Full details, rules and list of prizes at: www.marshaglaziere.com/eclectic-coffee-spot-safari.