You’ve probably heard me lament about my warehouse special that wasn’t so special. After sampling some of the best coffees, I found this bargain to be bitter and oily. Sometimes finances dictate your choices and since I am the only coffee drinker here, I needed to sacrifice.

Today I decided enough was enough. I deserve better and decided I could find something reasonable without compromising taste. So I went to a place where I expect to find great bargains--Wal-Mart. It was there I spied an old friend; Chock Full o’Nuts Original. I was skeptical, especially after my recent experience. I wondered if I would still find this the joy I remember or at the very least palatable.

Lo and behold, it was pretty darn good. Smooth, nutty flavor, full-bodied and goes well with my favorite whitener, evaporated milk. I was excited that I could look forward to my morning cup once again.

In my neighborhood Wal-Mart, the 39 ounce can of Chock Full o’Nuts Original Coffee ran for a bit over seven dollars. It will be a welcome fill-in for days when I am not trying out some of the most delicious coffees in the world.

I may even go back to my little pinch of cinnamon. That was not a great combination with the other coffee. It only seemed to add to the bitter and oily taste.

Chock Full o’Nuts comes in a few roast levels: Medium-Original & Hazelnut; Medium Dark-100% Columbian and French Roast; and Dark-New York Roast.

History Associated with Chock Full o’Nuts

“The chain was founded by William Black (1903-1983), a Russian immigrant who sold nuts in Times Square to theater-goers. In 1926, he opened a store on Broadway and 43rd Street, and began selling coffee and sandwiches. By the 1960s, the chain had approximately 80 restaurants in the New York City area. Their signature "nutted cheese" sandwich, made of cream cheese and chopped nuts on dark raisin bread, cost a nickel with a cup of coffee when the company was founded."

The legendary baseball player, Jackie Robinson, worked with Chock Full o’Nuts for a time after retiring from baseball. I find this amazing because his son, David Robinson, now heads a coffee coop called Sweet Unity Farms representing over 700 coffee farmers in Tanzania.