Coffee is a superstar. Coffeehouses are the rage.
But what about the humble coffee mug?
Often adorned with sayings, pictures or logos that can make you laugh or inspire, coffee mugs are the workhorse of the scene. The indispensable, but overlooked supporting actor in your Zoom call. The evocative vessel for the brew that is true.
My coffee mug collection is overgrown. Sometimes to mix things up, I’ll work through the tight gaps to the back of my kitchen cabinet, and with a bit of dramatic clankery, grab one brimming with Las Vegas memories.
The mugs we hang on to often carry a little more than the hot beverages we pour inside. They brim with recollections of places, times, and people. It’s nice to take a warm sip and remember.
Las Vegas Mercury
The Mercury (2001-2005) was an alternative weekly newspaper with heaping scoops of humor that were a reality check to the marketing madness our city mindlessly embraces. I wrote a food column there that only got threatened with a lawsuit once! The mug is super-sized and professes to be a container for radioactive re-animation fluid. Classic.
Ralston Reports
Before the Nevada Independent, our prime pundit for all things political, Jon Ralston, had a TV show. On occasion, I'd get to join as a guest. Positioned next to the master, the next few minutes was a broadcast peppering of tough questions, usually law-related. The straight-forward mug was part parting gift, more apology for a grueling interview.
KUNV
In its heyday, our university radio station was a lauded, community affair with diverse, local-based programming. I volunteered there as DJ (1994-1996) playing alternative music in the wee hours for the “Rock Avenue.” It was a foundation for lasting connections in the cultural scene. The stark black mug sports an iconic Southwestern Kokopelli.
Las Vegas Sands
Slated for implosion, my friends and I attended closing night. Revelry soon turned to larceny as we looked for keepsakes likely to be otherwise discarded. One friend snagged an actual disco ball from the lounge; another the liquor license from the storied Copa room. I took a coffee mug. Simple. Translucent. Old Vegas, eternal.
➕ Listen to our former newsletter editor discuss his favorite Vegas coffee joints with Dayvid. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
