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Election results... to date...

Posted by Alun Evans on November 4, 2008 at 2:15pm

We opened this morning and pulled our regular espresso blend to offer the "Obama" Bland and the "McCain" Blend. To date (2 hours into vote counting) we have Obama ahead 72% to McCains 28%. This is based on Espresso Based Drinks sold as well as 250gm coffee packs. It has been a CRAZY morning with a good % of South Jakarta's expat community coming through the cafe and crowding around CNN. Exciting stuff.!

It's Election day!

Posted by Holly on November 4, 2008 at 5:42am

That's right! If you're undecided- write it in!The party of Awesome

US Presidential Elections

Posted by Alun Evans on November 3, 2008 at 7:02pm

(For anyone in the Indonesia area)Later tonight the US makes its choice about who will become President. Ithas been a long campaign, going back to the conventions of 2007 when thepotential candidates began canvasing their respective parties.Tomorrow from 6am we will have coverage of the results as they come in atthe cafe in Kemang Villa. We will also be selling two special coffees-which will be roasted tonight. These will only be available for the nextfew days until stock run.The "Obama" Blend is a mix of fresh new origins- Flores, West Timor andsome Java. Funky, new school with a touch of the new world and the old.Drinks well early or lateThe "McCain" blend is an old warhorse- robust, unbreakable but with agentle soul buried inside. A darker roast to exhibit worldly experienceand a dry ense of humor.We are not picking a winner, so both coffees will have equal braggingrights on the shelf.We have a new 49inch flat screen TV which will be showing a "neutral"broadcast of results as they come in.Look forward to seeing you tomorrow,

Gators Rule!

Posted by judy f mccabe on November 2, 2008 at 8:25am

So....Florida Gators chomped Dawg again! Halloween was fun too. My nephew walked the neighborhood untill he was dragging. Got a bag full of treats. Tomarrow starts a new work week, onward to the next holiday.Thanksgiving Day. I'll be starting christmas shopping soon. I want to be finished with it before the holdays start.....that way I can kick back and enjoy them.

Training Lab Blowout Sale!

Posted by Espresso Parts on November 1, 2008 at 4:32pm

The Espressoparts.com Training Lab is packed full of some of the coolest coffee gear available. We have a large selection of equipment that we are making available at great prices. All of this equipment has been used in the capacity of a training lab and is in excellent condition. In some instances the machine may have only been used for photo purposes only, and is in an open box. All items are as-is, and some may include warranties. If you are interested in any of these items please contact customer service @ 800-459-5594 or info@espressoparts.com• Dalla Corte Mini Espresso Machines(3) Total two open box models and one showroom display $2795.00• Anfim Ciamano Grinder DoserThis grinder was used on bar for 1 year. When we pulled this grinder, we upgraded the timer module to a Delta CTA timer. High polish finish with some minor scuffing. NEW burr set. For more info on this model $1595.00• La Marzocco GS3A showroom demo machine in great condition. Two small nicks in the top of the side panels, and minor scuffing, in the drain tray area. Really though, if your looking for a machine, and want to save a few bucks, these are easy to ignore. 5750.00 with 6 month Warranty• Astoria Gloria 2 Group Espresso MachineDemo model in excellent condition. This machine is the top of the line machine offered by Astoria. A nice addition to any espresso bar. Get this deal now! 4950.00 with 6 month warranty• Rancilio Class 8, 2 Group Espresso MachineDemo Model in excellent condition. An awesome machine, at an awesome price. Only 6450.00 For more inf• La Marzocco Linea 2 Group EE CustomThis Machine has been a test bed for Espressoparts for many years. Final modifications include anti-siphon steam wands, externally mounted Fuji PXR PID conversion, Piero / FB group caps, .06 ruby Gigluers, and more. Final mods were made just over a year ago and machine uses has been in test situations and a recent Latte Art Smackdown at Seattle Coffeefest. Own a piece of Espressoparts history. $8500.00 with 6 month warranty.• Lots of Grinders!A select number of grinders will be released from our training lab. These grinders, are in excellent condition and in many cases have been used as training tools, and tradeshow displays. Mazzer, Mahlkoenig, Macap, Anfim and more. A limited number of Mazzer E grinders are available as well! You must call and speak with Brian to get the deals 1-800-459-5594 x 111These deals will not last long, and it is a great opportunity to get some excellent equipment at fair prices. Call Espressoparts.com today!

What am I roasting today?

Posted by FinerGrind on November 1, 2008 at 2:04pm

- Brazil FVA Natural Dry- Uganda Bugisu AA (Crop to Cup)- Sumatra Blue Batak- Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere- Bolivia Cafe Kantati, Villanueva Farm

I cannot figure out how to change the tittle of my page. Happy Holloween Suckaz!

Posted by Rotsko on October 31, 2008 at 4:00pm

I cannot figure out how to change the tittle of my page. Happy Holloween Suckaz!

What happens when the Dog does Gator hunting?

Posted by judy f mccabe on October 31, 2008 at 10:16am

YYYYEEEEHHHHAAAAWWWW Yawl! It's Halloween , Fair time , and Florida/Georgia weekend!!!!! this town is wilder than the Swamp could ever be!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, for those who don't know the answer to the question......CHOMP-CHOMP, Gators favorite snack is DAWG!!! I'm taking my nephew Dan trick or treating, then home to lay low and stay out of trouble....Hope everyone has a spooked time tonight....

MARCUS BONI JOINS STAFF AT SCAA

Posted by Mike Ferguson on October 31, 2008 at 7:06am

MARCUS BONI JOINS SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAAS SENIOR EVENTS MANAGERLong Beach, CA. U.S.A. (October 31 2008) – The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is pleased to announce the addition of Marcus Boni to its executive team as Senior Events Manager. Boni will be responsible for managing the SCAA’s extensive training programs as well as the United States Barista Championship (USBC) regional and national competitions. He will also play an important role in further development of the SCAA’s internal coffee education and palate training initiatives.Boni comes to SCAA with seven years experience in the coffee industry, beginning at Chicago based Intelligentsia in 2002 where he joined the company as a Barista. During his 7 years at Intelligentsia he served as Business Operations Manager and quickly became Vice President of Retail Operations. “At Intelligentsia I learned that a real passion for coffee is as inherent to operational excellence as creating a dynamic and supportive environment,” says Boni. “I’m elated to be given the opportunity to bring that experience to the continued development of emerging programs at the SCAA.”SCAA Executive Director, Ric Rhinehart, said “We are very fortunate to have Marcus joining us. He played a key role in the organization and expansion of the USBC as a volunteer and he is highly respected in the coffee industry for his skill as an operations executive and his integrity.”About the SCAACelebrating 26 years of success, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to recognize, develop and promote specialty coffee. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA's annual Symposium and Exposition is held in a different U.S. city each year and is the coffee industry's largest gathering and exhibition.For Immediate ReleaseContact: Mike Ferguson on behalf of SCAAPhone: (562) 624-4192Email: SCAA at freshgroundconsulting dot com

Mmm... Hario.

Posted by Jonathan Meadows on October 31, 2008 at 3:19am

I want one. That is all.

Bitter Espresso Face

Posted by Amanda Latham on October 30, 2008 at 10:58am

I had this guy come in yesterday and basically ask me to make him the crappiest espresso shot I could muster. "Double espresso, extra long pour." I showed him how big our espresso shots are and asked him if he wanted me to make an additional 2 shots so that he would have more espresso but it would be a better quality. He ok'd the idea and I started pulling 4 shots. One side was coming out too blonde so i stopped it and was refilling the basket when he pointed to the shots and said "What's this?" I explained what happened and said that the blonde shots would be bitter and flavorless, so I was making him new ones. "I know! I want it to be bitter! Let me have those." I said, "Espresso is bitter, but these will be more bitter than they should be and you won't be able to taste the other flavors in the bean.""I know! This is the way I like it!" He says, getting irritated. Then he takes a sip and says "Mmm. Perfect!""I'm glad you like it." I say politely."I'm sorry you had to ruin your shot, but espresso has been my drink of choice forever."

Organic milk

Posted by ray peck on October 30, 2008 at 10:54am

Who uses certified organic milk? What, if any difference has it made in setting yourself apart from others, even from the customers view?

Coffee that will shift Paradigms

Posted by Wilson Hines on October 30, 2008 at 1:30am

I wrote about over a year ago and I still make references to it on this blog from time to time. Almost every single day somebody will say or write something that makes me think of it. It is currently the most searched words on my blog and the most overall viewed post in the year and a half history of this blog.

What am I talking about? Ethiopia Biloya.

Yesterday Jason Dominy and I were talking on the phone and he brought it up. It is just the darnedest thing you have had in your life. It is really indescribable.

Blueberry, chocolate, HONEY, and twenty nine other descriptors. Were we cupping coffee tainted with LSD?

Think about it for a moment: A coffee so special it was airlifted in airtight sealed bags strait from Ethiopia by FedEx! Then brought to the states and divided out amongst a few people who had literally paid the price and then for some reason a guy like George Holt to send it to me at no cost and just to see what I would say. Sharing the experience. Trying to blow peoples minds. What an incredible person George is to share something so special with complete strangers. He converted my wife from never wanting to touch "that nasty mess" to desiring it every morning and evening, as if it were "a walk with God." Don't get me wrong, she won't touch even the best mediocre coffee. Oh no, George started my wife on high grade crack and we can't have just any ol' coffee now. We have to have the Ethiopian Yirgs, Sidamo, Idido, Kenya Kongocho, and on and on. Cup of Excellence out of the Americas will do and if you say $B my wife will laugh at you harshly to your face. She is a snob! All because of, at the most, three cups of coffee that changed her entire concept of what coffee is and more importantly is not.

That is what I love about great coffee.

Ride On! Reno... Lookin' Back

Posted by Joey Trujillo on October 29, 2008 at 9:06am

I can't express fully how satisfied I am with the Ride On! Reno event we held at Walden's Coffeehouse this past Saturday. It was a beautiful day, sun was shinin' and temperatures were in the high 70's. Great people, both long-time friends and some newly-acquainted, all came out with one goal in mind: to raise some money for a phenomenal cause and some very deserving people.The Bikes to Rwanda cause had won the hearts and minds of Reno that day, and after a kick-ass poker-run into the heart of the biggest little city, a gigantic raffle full of wonderful coffee and bike-related goodies, and a couple donated kegs of some delicious brew, we were able to raise just over $1100!!!To put it all into perspective, I'm told that $200 amounts to one cargo bike. We raised enough for 5 cargo bikes, and then some. That's at least FIVE cargo bikes that can be used by FIVE different families. That's FIVE families that can transport well OVER TWICE the amount of green beans in a single load, in LESS THAN HALF the time it would take them on foot. That's FIVE families that can maintain higher quality and a greater quantity when it comes time to harvest. And that's FIVE families that can earn that higher dollar amount per bag of green beans to help ease their burdens.So after $1100 of fundraising on Saturday, I can honestly say that each and every person who helped in the organization and promotion of Ride On!, those who donated raffle prizes, time, and money, have something to be very proud of. Thank you again to all these people who made the day a huge success!Special shout out to my Barefoot people! and to the Tour de Nez organizers! for an exceptional helping hand in every aspect of the event! And Barefoot cats... y'all need to come back for another latte art throwdown, f'sho! Practice up Mr. Roastmaster General.KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR FUTURE RIDE ON! EVENTS!

Excuse me, you put chocolate in my pumpkin pie latte!

Posted by Mike McGinness on October 29, 2008 at 7:08am

Funniest comment I've had in quite some time, new customer wasn't accustomed to good tasting espresso! Her friend (who ordered an 8oz latte, no flavor) told her good espresso is supposed to taste chocolaty. For the record that bottle of pumpkin pie syrup was here when I bought the place a year ago and won't be replaced when it's empty...

Bosses 'should embrace Facebook er... BaristaExchange'

Posted by Matt Milletto on October 28, 2008 at 7:17pm

Thought this was a cool article talking about some of the benefits of social networking sites like Facebook or Barista Exchange. I realize that most of our "bosses" on this site, are also members. :) "Companies should not dismiss staff who use social networking sites such as Facebook and Bebo at work as merely time-wasters, a Demos study suggests. Attempts to control employees' use of such software could damage firms in the long run by limiting the way staff communicate, the think tank said. Social networking can encourage employees to build relationships with colleagues across a firm, it added. However, businesses are warned to be strict with those who abuse access. 'Intuitive interaction' Firms are increasingly using networking software to share documents and collaborate in ideas, the research found. And while more work-specific systems, such as LinkedIn or bespoke in-house software tended to be used for work matters, the likes of Facebook, Bebo and MySpace still had a place, said Peter Bradwell, a Demos researcher and the report's author. " Read the whole article here

Finally something worth writing about...Roasters Club!

Posted by Wilson Hines on October 28, 2008 at 12:20pm

Well ladies and gents, there is something I have had a cooking a couple of weeks and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.Please read the Roasters Club October Offering Review here!

The Awards Ceremony Pt 2

Posted by Brazil Fair Trade Certified Cupping Competition on October 28, 2008 at 3:56am

Once the announcement of the finalists began the atmosphere inside the auditorium became electric. As each winner took the stage their friends and families erupted in cheers and applause. The pride each of the producers' eyes was wonderful. Each producer was greeted on stage by the buyer of their lot, Silvio Leite, representatives of Pinhalense Agriculture Equipment, Cafe Bom Dia, and SEBRAE. The top three spots in each category also received cash prizes. After the awards ceremony, everyone headed upstairs for the reception where delicious Brazilian salgados, doces, and batidos were served. The judges had a chance to meet and talk with the finalists and discuss their coffees more in depth. The buyers also talked about how they would be selling the coffees in the USA and how the marketing materials would include information about the farmers themselves.

TransFair USA's Miguel Zamora congratulates Luiz Adalto de Oliveira of COOPFAM for taking 1rst place in the Naturals categoryPhoto: All rights Clay Enos

Francisco Braga who took 1rst place in the Semi-washed category is carried on stage by his fellow Pronova co-op members.Photo: All Rights Clay Enos

Oscar Gonzales of Sustainable Harvest Inc. with members of COOPERVITAE from Nova Rezende.Photo: All Rights Clay Enos

Darrin Daniel of Allegro Coffee, Beat Grueninger, and Andrew Miller of Cafe Imports pose with Jose Carlos de Paiva and his wife, who was very important to the drying and raking of the 3rd place natural coffee from COOPFAM.Photo: All Rights Clay EnosMore pictures to come! Stay tuned.

Silent Barista

Posted by judy f mccabe on October 28, 2008 at 1:02am

O.K. I've decided to ask The Barista's to help me solve a puzzling question" Why does an adult child suddenly stop communicating with their parents and siblings?" I am honestly trying to come up with answers. There was no abuse in childhood. We have a large supportive family. We are not rich, but manage to supply extra's that where asked for, that was within reason. We tought our children to be self sufficent, independent, which I believe parents are supposed to do for their children, but we didn't teach this adult to be cold, non-communicating,non-loving. That's NOT what our family is about........Puzzled in Gator Nation!!!!!!P.S. if this is embarassing to a certain Barister...then I am sorry, but I WILL NOT GIVE UP reaching out to my prodigal child.

Good Coffee on the Coast?

Posted by Tyler on October 27, 2008 at 12:18pm

Is there any good coffee on the Oregon coast (mainly around Coos Bay) that is worth noting?

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