Coffee That’s Best Enjoyed With “Friends”

I don't even have to tell you whose saying this is, do I?
I don’t even have to tell you whose saying this is, do I?

For original (yours truly) and newbie fans of the hilarious ensemble sitcom, “Friends,” you’ll be happy to know you can now experience a taste of everyone’s favorite Central Perk, the hangout coffee shop of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Joey, and Chandler.

Central Perk Coffee Company has debuted with three different artisanal coffee varieties, available ground or in whole beans or in single-serve pods.

None other than acclaimed chef-restaurateur and “Top Chef” head judge, Tom Colicchio, is one of the industry experts behind this new line.

The coffee varieties take their names from iconic “Friends” sayings that have been ingrained into the lexicon: “Pivot Blend” (medium/dark roast), “We Were On A Coffee Break” (dark roast), and “How You Doin’?” (medium roast).

When asked which of the three I most wanted to sample, you know I had to have the “How You Doin’?,” coined from the immortal Joey Tribbiani pick-up line.

After all, it’s Colicchio’s favorite, too, as evidenced by his quote on the web site: “I love all three blends, but the subtle chocolatey and honey flavors of the ‘How You Doin’?’ blend is the one I really like to wake up to!”

I’m usually a dark-roast kind of gal, but this medium roast blend of Colombian and Brazilian Arabicas actually had a balanced smoothness, with a subtle berry fruitiness and caramel note, plus a robust enough depth to get you going in the morning.

My sample of the medium roast variety.
My sample of the medium roast variety.

The coffees are available for one-time purchase or as a subscription service. They sell for $16.99 for a 10-ounce bag of whole or ground beans or for a 12-count box of single-serve pods.

New subscribers will receive a bonus of a complimentary can of the “How You Doin’?,” a limited-edition numbered collectible.

“Friends” fans will also be thrilled to learn that the company plans on opening a real-life Central Perk coffeehouse “in a neighborhood near you” in 2023. For where and when, you’ll have to sign up on the Central Perk email list for future updates.

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