Consider us dirty chai experts

We tried a dirty chai at six local coffee shops

A hand holds a paper cup with a Piecewise sleeve around it, backdropped by a counter with plants and patrons drinking coffee at tables.

There’s great chai and plenty of spaces to work at Piecewise. | Photo by COLAtoday

We issued ourselves a challenge: Try the same drink at six different local coffee shops. We decided to take it a step further and issue some Soda City java superlatives.

For our control drink in this experiment, we picked a dirty chai — we love a classic chai latte, but add a shot of espresso to it? To chai for.

And the roastery recognition goes to…

Make it spicy

Curiosity Coffee Bar, 2327 Main St. | If you love your latte spicy, this is the spot for you. Order the dirty chai cold brew coffee and pop in before the holidays to snag local and niche gifts.

Or keep it sweet

Drip, 729 Saluda Ave. | Sweet but not too sweet. Pop in here for a dirty chai and shop around Five Points for the boutique lovers in your family.

heyamandajaye_124810896_1295186994161581_3546710191920188531_n — It’s easy to enjoy Indah. | Photo via @heyamandajaye

For the tea lover

Indah Coffee, 2238 Sumter St. | Indah’s chai is very tea-forward, so you can still taste the chai through the espresso. Plus there’s a wide range of seasonal drinks to enjoy.

Stay awhile

Piecewise Coffee Co., 2001 State St., Cayce | Easy parking and tons of space make this a great place to meet friends or hunker down with some work.

Chai with heart

Oliver Gospel Roastery, 1120 Taylor St. | This bustling cafe benefits the Oliver Gospel Mission with each cup supporting those experiencing homelessness.

Nuts for hazelnuts

Azalea Coffee, 2700 Devine St. | This woman-owned coffee shop has its own spin on a dirty chai — the “Talk Show” latte is made with hazelnut chai and cinnamon. Plus it offers events like the Holiday Market on Sun., Dec. 11.

We only visited six shops for this story — the human body can only drink so much espresso + chai. Let us know if we missed your favorite place in Columbia. We’d love to swing by for a sip. ☕️

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Friday, Nov. 11

Art Show at Irmo Library | Friday, Nov. 11-Friday, Nov. 25 | 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St Andrews Rd., Columbia | Free | Library patrons will have the opportunity to vote for The People’s Choice Award, and most pieces will be available for sale with 10 percent of each sale going to the “Friends” to help with library projects.
The NoMa Flea | Friday, Nov. 11-Friday, Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St, Columbia | Free | The Friday market features vintage curators, candle makers, fine artists, herbal healers, fashion designers, local jewelers, and expert collectors with beverages + foods available.

Saturday, Nov. 12

2022 Christmas Craft Show & Holiday Market @ The SC State Farmers Market | Saturday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 13 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | South Carolina State, Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Hwy, West, Columbia | Free | Over 150 crafters and vendors from all over the Midlands will be showcasing their talents and creations.

Sunday, Nov. 13

Colonial Life Arena 20th Anniversary Treasure Hunt | Sunday, Nov. 13-Wednesday, Nov. 30 | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia | Free | As Colonial Life Arena prepares to commemorate 20 years, fans are encouraged to sign-up for the Treasure Hunt Escape Room for the chance to win a golden ticket.
Freeman Sundays @3 | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 3 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St, Columbia | $15 | The ticket sales raise money for student scholarships.
Duane Betts | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Senate, 1022 Senate St, Columbia | $23 | Enjoy music from this American guitarist and singer-songwriter.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Take your supply chain management skills to the next level 📈

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CSCP certification can drive improvement in your organization and maximize the efficiency of planning and operations. | Photo provided by USC Office of Continuing Education and Conferences

Hey, Columbia, meet USC’s newest continuing education offering: the Certified Supply Chain Professional Certificate Program. 👋

This CSCP certificate preparation course utilizes the APICS CSCP Learning System and provides access to the latest and most comprehensive industry information, making it a great next step for Soda Citizens wanting to deepen their knowledge of the most up-to-date supply chain management best practices.

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After earning CSCP certification, professionals will be able to:

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Weather

74º | Rain | 80% chance of rain
Be prepared for the effects of Tropical Storm Nicole. SC may experience heavy rains, tornadoes, and storm surges. Download the app from South Carolina Emergency Management Department to stay informed and build your emergency plan. 🌀 (Cola Daily)

Today Is

Veterans Day, a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Expect various closures related to the holiday and be aware that the City of Columbia’s Veterans Day parade has been canceled due to inclement weather. (WIS)

Number

700. The number of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates that will occupy the upcoming Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center currently being constructed at the Riverbanks Zoo. The center is slated for completion by the beginning of next year. 🦎 (WLTX)

Festival

eSTEAM Sumter — a free family festival celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math — returns on Sat., Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. after being rescheduled due to Hurricane Ian. Head to Main Street in downtown Sumter for interactive exhibits, displays, and hands-on activities. (WLTX)

Eat

Ambrosia Taverna — a new Greek restaurant located at 1734 Main St. — is now accepting reservations for private parties. Enjoy taverna classics like kebabs and lamb shanks, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Make your reservations here.

Cause

As a part of the Fireflies Holiday Lights, the team will host the inaugural Six Weeks of Giving — a series of six holiday drives, each benefitting a different local community organization (think: Oliver Gospel Mission, Harvest Hope, and Pawmetto Lifeline). Learn more about the drive schedule + items needed here. ⚾
Speaking of toy drives… Vista Lights will have a new feature this year — a toy drive hosted by Dumpster Mule. On your way to the tree lighting + performances on Thurs., Nov. 17, drop off new, unwrapped toys at a festively decorated dumpster located in the Kids Zone on Lincoln Street. 🎄

Stat

3.2 million. The number of annual deaths the World Health Organization attributes to insufficient physical activity. Hear from MUSC Health’s Michael Sole, MS, ATC, CSCS, how exercise is the greatest form of preventative medicine — plus, seven tips for an active lifestyle. 👟*

Travel

Dreaming up a trip to the Bahamas? This Spanish Wells private cottage might just be your new happy place. It’s steps from the turquoise water, fully air conditioned, and is rated five stars. Book it as a January getaway or the best holiday gift ever for $299 avg/night. 🌊*

Correction

Our heart was in the right place... but linked to the wrong organization. The 38th annual “Blood Bowl,” where The Blood Connection encourages Clemson University and USC students and fans to see who can donate the most blood from Nov. 14-18. Want to donate? Find a place to support USC here + Clemson here.

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Unbox the best holiday gift of all: A smile you’re proud of 🎁

You’ll receive regular virtual Smile Check-ins™ to touch base on your progress. | Photo by Smile Direct Club

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Jessalin.

Editor’s pick: Needing to cancel the Veterans Day parade is a bummer, but it looks like the USC Veterans Day 5k is still on. Head to 700 Lincoln St. on Sun., Nov 13 to celebrate our veterans. Register here.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about plans to redevelop Richland Mall here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Lindsey Rhinesmith | Advertise with us.

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