Slate is for the flavor fiends. Do you like your coffee brutalized into dark-roasted submission of burnt flavor à la Starbucks' French Roast? Slate is not for you. This roaster and coffee shop seems to find a way to roast their beans as lightly as possible, creating coffees that show incredible nuance. Did I just taste green tea? Soy? Wood and almonds? Slate coffees invite you to think and consider each shade of flavor. Especially if you opt for one of their natural washed roasts, which they seem to be experts at creating. This young roastery has quickly spread from one location in Ballard to an empire of discerning outposts featuring cold and clean interior design in the U-District and Pioneer Square. LESTER BLACK