DATE: Friday, May 23, 1997                  TAG: 9705210168

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 25   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY SUSAN SMITH, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   80 lines

JIM'S BEANS COFFEE SPECIALTY SHOP OPENS IN GREAT BRIDGE

IF YOU ARE looking for a cup of Joe or mug of hot Java, you can probably go anywhere in Chesapeake. But if you are in the mood for a cappuccino, espresso or cup of mocha, Jim's Beans recently opened in Great Bridge.

``It's about time we had a real coffee shop,'' said Mary Lou Lundholm as she sipped her iced cappuccino.

James H. and Karen L. Schrader, the owners, opened Jim's Beans on Johnstown Road to cater to those who would like something more varied than a cup of decaf.

The Schraders, who also are brokers for restaurant supplies, said they studied, researched and followed the coffee trend for about three years before venturing into their own coffee business.

``We like working with people, and we love our community,'' said James, 45. ``So we decided to offer a variety of exceptional coffee and drinks at convenience-store prices and to keep our business in the neighborhood.''

James Schrader and associate William Doxey, 35, open the doors and start the brews weekdays at 6:30 a.m and 8 a.m. on Saturdays.

Although the coffee shop has only two tables, there are more than a dozen kinds of coffee and a supply of muffins, bagels, Italian cookies and tea biscuits.

``We've only been here for two weeks, and we already have regulars requesting their favorites like French vanilla or praline roast,'' said Karen, 39. ``And others experiment by sampling Amaretto Royale, chocolate carmel or hot chocolate with hazelnut syrup.''

The Schraders also make special requests. For example, one customer requested an Alexander. Although Karen Schrader did not know the recipe, she followed the customer's directions and served a latte, a steamed milk and espresso drink, with a dash of vanilla.

Karen Schrader said they also want to give back to the area by offering a discount to medical personal and teachers on Mondays and to police or fire officials on Tuesdays.

Also, the Schraders are eager to pass on some of their coffee secrets and some basic coffee facts.

Jim's Beans uses only spring water and Arabica coffee beans, which are premier beans, instead of robusto beans, which are beans of average quality. James Schrader recommends Hawaiian Kona, made from beans grown in rich soil and a tropical climate, as one of the best blends. It sells for $8.95 per pound.

The couple enjoys helping customers make coffee selections.

They suggest a French roast or Colombian blend for a darker, more full bodied coffee with a flavorful, bittersweet taste, or they point out beans grown in North or Central America that do not have a sharp taste. For those who like a sweet coffee, Amaretto Royale has an almond flavor.

James Schrader said the order in which cream, syrup or sugar are stirred into a cup of coffee can also affect the taste.

For those who don't want to ask, there's a wall mural illustrating the recipe and the difference in a cup of espresso, latte or cappuccino.

An espresso is a straight shot of juice from dark, roasted coffee beans with creama or coffee oils that float to the top. Doxey prefers a Scandinavian espresso.

The Schraders suggest Cafe Americano or Cafe Mocha for those who want something not as potent. Cafe Americano is an espresso made with hot spring water. Cafe Mocha, made with steamed milk, cocoa powder and chocolate syrup, is an espresso topped with whipped cream.

Cappuccino is an espresso with foamed and steamed milk added, and a latte has the same ingredients but more milk. English toffee latte is one of James' favorite choices.

Recently, Linda Melvin enjoyed a cup of hazelnut coffee while her daughter Samantha, had an iced, cafe latte.

``We used to drive to Greenbrier Mall to meet to make our plans.'' said Linda as they waited for some friends. ``Now meet here.''

``We do not want to be stuffy or yuppy or pretentious. We want to be a friendly place,'' said Karen. ``We encourage people to meet here, stop by to read the paper or just sit and relax.''

``And to try one of our coffees,'' added James Schrader. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN

James H. and Karen L. Schrader, the owners of Jim's Beans on

Johnstown Road, say their shop caters to those who would like

something more varied than a cup of decaf. The menu includes

cappuccino, espresso and mocha.

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