Meridian Coffee House

The U.S. Barista Championship will be held this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center. At the event, each of 60 contestants who have qualified by placing in regional competitions must prepare and serve a total of 12 espressos, cappuccinos and signature drinks to a panel of four “sensory” judges, all in 15 minutes or less. They will be critiqued on taste, texture and temperature. At the same time, two technical judges will follow the contestants  every move, docking points for “inconsistent tamping and dosing,” excess coffee waste or insufficient cleanup. A head judge presides over the whole nerve-racking process.

Because they have to drink 18 shots of espresso in 90 minutes, judges are rotated out in groups to avoid caffeine overload.

The barista challenge is part of an annual conference held by the Specialty Coffee Growers Association. The winner will go on to be one of 45 baristas competing in the world championship in Copenhagen.

The competition isn’t open to the public, but you can watch live blogging at: conference.scaa.org

If I don’t get up in the morning and have my coffee - forget it for the rest of the day.  And, that’s not including the treats of coffee I like while I’m in work mode throughout the day.  Yes, I see the dentist regularly, just to make sure my teeth stay white. 

But, recently, I’ve been having major issues with my coffee.  I decided to get the ‘cheap kind’ from the store, just to save an extra couple of bucks.  Not to complain about the best drink in the universe, but coffee is getting expensive to buy, and it is getting hard to afford.

My warning to you - never get the cheap stuff.  It’s bland, it doesn’t have a strength to it, and there are rings around my cup of coffee that didn’t turn into coffee.  I’ve never tasted anything so awful!  I have some friends that call it brown water… and I definitely agree.  Not only with it being brown water, but also with all of the implications that come with it being brown water.

If you ever get stuck in a traumatic situation, such as having bad coffee, you can brace yourself until you get through the can and try to make it a little better.  The first thing you have to do is get a stirring spoon - the big kind.  For 6 cups of coffee, put at least 4 of the spoons in.  That will make it taste normal.  The second thing to do is make sure that your sugar is super good - and your creamer. It will make up for the bland taste and will allow the coffee to ‘pretend’ that it is okay.

But really, your best bet is to pay the extra #2 in order to get something that is worth drinking.  It could save you from a bad morning situation.

When it comes to coffee, only one thing is certain. Almost everyone drinks it. The moment you step into college, get your first hang over or start going to work is the moment you get to know this popular drink. Whether as a tool for unnerving, for staying up late or merely keeping someone company, a cup of coffee surely goes a long way. This is especially the case when you have it a la gourmet.

Gourmet coffee is obtained from special kinds of beans which can only be found in certain places in the world. These are variants are often unavailable in common grocery stores or local shopping centers. They come in more than thirty popular variants ranging from elegant espresso to exotic Costa Rican. Whichever you pick will surely bring a sense of delight. However, their numerous variant do not make them in any way common. In fact, you may only get to taste some kinds of gourmet coffee through ordering beans from very specific suppliers, or visiting really posh bistros or coffee shops.

Unlike the common ground coffee bean or the instant coffee, gourmet coffee possesses a far more distinct flavor. Each kind of gourmet coffee bean is known for special sweetness, extra bitterness or surprising earthiness which can only come from a specific variant alone. What’s more, gourmet coffee exudes a far more intoxicating aroma. In fact, you will feel the difference right under your nose, once a cup of gourmet coffee is presented to you. You can readily tell which one is ordinary and which one is gourmet, without even having to take a sip.

Most gourmet coffee beans are cultured in unique places. These uncanny natural environments act on the extra flavor and aroma that these high end coffee beans possess. For example, some variants are cultivated at a height of 2,800 to 7,200 feet. These mountain bred coffee bean may even be planted in volcanic slopes which results to a far more refined and smoothened texture of the coffee bean when ground.

Certain types of gourmet coffee beans may also be found in tropical rain forests. Often known as connoisseur’s delight, these tropical coffee beans are cultivated in the forest regions of the Caribbean and Central America, specifically Costa Rica. These kinds of beans are like the perfumes of the caffeine world. Their aromas are subtle but very distinct. Each sip taken from cups filled with these kinds of coffee can never be complete without the tropical aroma it releases when ground. This is the effect of the tropical climate’s humidity. The rain forest’s well rounded ecosystem also contributes to the characteristics of the beans.

Specifically speaking, there have been quite a few gourmet coffee variants have made a mark in the minds of coffee lovers all over the world. Costa Rica coffee for example has been around for quite a time now. The best adjectives to describe this gourmet bean are light, clean-flavored and fragrant. This is an example of Volcanic grown coffee beans. This world class coffee is often served in high end hotels and five star restaurants. It has an ultra silky flavor and undeniably buttery taste.

Ironically, a gourmet coffee variant of the exact opposite characteristics is also taking the world by storm. Kona coffee is a bean variant which may lack in aroma but has the rich bold ness many people want with every cup. This kind of bean is often cultivated on the slopes of Mauna Loa. This is perfect for staying up late, entertaining guests and even getting rid of hangovers.

As of the moment, the most expensive gourmet coffee variant is the Blue Mountain Coffee. Also known as the Rolls Royce of coffee, this is the most sought after variant in the world. It is often in short supply due to its rarity. It is made from the most flavorful blue green beans. Its full flavor is capable of balancing prominent fruit flavors, acidity and intense aroma. It is one of the sweetest coffee bean variants in the world.

With all these gourmet choices opened up to you, it’s time for you to pick a cup of perfect brew. Sip it. Share it. Enjoy it. Any variant you pick will surely bring whole new experience for the caffeine-craver you.

A tribute to a really great coffee house is always in need.  In relation to the Viennese Coffee Houses, Cafe Central is definitely in order when describing atmosphere and great coffee houses that have led the way of the coffee culture.

This coffee house has been opened since 1860, in which it gained a quick reputation for politicians, writers and philosophers.  It was not only known as one of the meeting places to discuss ideas, but was also known for things such as chess tournaments and games, which led a large majority of individuals into the scene.

In 1986, the entire cafe was renovated, after taking some time off after World War II.  Today, it is once again a popular spot for those in Vienna.

What is great about this cafe is the way in which the atmosphere allows you to enjoy almost a luxurious time while drinking your coffee.  This includes pillars with arched ceilings and low hanging lights.  The exterior is in the old Viennese style, with the decor and arched windows.  A definite archaeological site that can be enjoyed.  The entire build is of the old gothic style, which has been renovated nicely in order to keep the old style atmosphere with the cafe.

This, of course, is combined with the typical coffee house culture, including waiters to serve you, extra food on the side, live music in the evening and the intellectual atmosphere that has always kept this cafe renowned.
If you don’t do anything else in Vienna, stop for a cup of coffee at the Cafe Central.  It is the most popular coffee house there and contains a wide variety of history for you to glance at.

It seems that the connection between coffee and pregnancy may not be as simple as most people have always believed. A few recent studies show that drinking moderate amounts of coffee during late pregnancy may not be as bad for you as we’d thought. On the other hand, there seems to be a definite link between coffee and infertility.

Drinking coffee during pregnancy has been one of those automatic no-nos for a very long time, so a study released in January by the British Medical Journal may come as a surprise. Researchers studying the effects of drinking coffee during pregnancy found that “coffee in moderation is safe during pregnancy”. But is it really?

The effects of coffee during pregnancy is extensively researched - and the results of the various studies into the effects of caffeine and coffee on pregnant women, fertility and the development of the growing baby are contradictory at best. This latest study suggests that women who take in less than 300 mgs of caffeine per day are not endangering their babies. That’s widely been reported as ‘about the same amount of caffeine as three cups of coffee’ - and that’s where things get sticky. Is that a cup of home brewed drip coffee? An espresso at your favorite coffee bar? A sixteen ounce latte? A cup of instant? Each of those has a different amount of caffeine - and it’s not always easy to guess which coffee drinks are the most loaded with caffeine.

Another study in Denmark back in 2003 found that women who drank more than eight daily cups of coffee during pregnancy increased their risk of miscarriage or stillbirth by as much as 300%. The researchers suspected that the reason may be that caffeine constricts the blood vessels, meaning that less blood gets through the placenta to the developing baby. They also suggested that the caffeine in coffee may directly affect the baby, whose developing system is far more sensitive to caffeine than the mother’s. Other studies suggest that up to five daily cups of coffee during pregnancy is safe for your baby.

According to most medical experts, the bottom line on drinking coffee during pregnancy is this: pregnant women should reduce their intake of caffeine during pregnancy to about the amount found in 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day.

What about decaffeinated coffee and pregnancy?

There’s far less research into decaffeinated coffee and pregnancy. Since caffeine is the major culprit in the ill effects of drinking coffee during pregnancy, it stands to reason that during pregnancy decaf coffee is fine. There’s no suggestion that decaf has any ill effects on pregnancy at all. In other words, if you must drink coffee during pregnancy decaf coffee is the way to go. Caffeinated coffee should be limited to no more than one to two cups of coffee per day.

The Good News About Coffee in Late Pregnancy

The Danish study reported in January studied the intake of coffee in late pregnancy - the last trimester. It showed that in over 1200 women, those who drank no more than 300 mgs of caffeine a day showed no difference in birth weight or premature births with women who drank strictly decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy. If you really need that shot of caffeine, you might try replacing a few cups of coffee a day with decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy.

Related studies:

A new study of 5,144 pregnant women by scientists at the State Department of Health, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and UCSF turned up some surprising results. The study found no significant increased risk for spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, associated with caffeine consumption. Even among women considered heavy caffeine consumers (300 milligrams or three cups of coffee a day) miscarriage risk increased only slightly — about 1.3 times the risk as noncaffeine users. The Study also found that women who drank three or more cups of decaffeinated coffee a day in the first trimester had 2.4 times the risk of miscarriage as those who did not drink decaf.

The mix of chocolate and roasted coffee is great in a drink, and even better in a dessert treat like chocolate covered coffee beans. These are really easy to make, and are a favorite amongst coffee-lovers. Here are a couple of recipes for you to try.

Recipe #1

• 1/3 cup roasted coffee beans
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler until liquid and smooth. Drop in a handful of beans, and stir them around. Scoop them out with a spoon, and set them out on waxed paper. Keep them separate. Continue until all the beans are covered. They will harden overnight, or if you are in a hurry, you can freeze them for about half an hour. Once hard, they won’t stick together and can be stored in any air-tight container.

Recipe #2

• 1 cup roasted coffee beans
• 4 oz chocolate pieces
• 3 tbs cocoa powder

Melt the chocolate and cover the beans, using the technique in Recipe #1. Let them harden a little, but not completely. Roll the chocolate beans in the cocoa powder, and then let them finish hardening.I don’t normally recommend flavored coffees, but they can add a tasty twist to these treats. Try hazelnut or vanilla.

For those who love to write, read or hang out in coffee shops, tribute should be paid to the first splurge of coffee houses.  Of course, this starts with the Viennese Coffee culture.

The concept of coffee houses started in Vienna in the 19th century - yes that long ago.  During this time, these were a mixture of restaurants and cafes.  A glass of water always came along with the coffee, and pastries, food dishes and desserts were always offered as items to help you enjoy your stay.

It wasn’t just the cafes that began to rise during this time.  It was also the modern culture of what a cafe could become.  Many would use the Viennese Coffee houses to stay at and talk with friends, write their novels and hang out for hours at a time.

In fact, so much of this happened, that everything in modern cafes is simply a mimic of this original culture.  This includes everything from poetry readings, writers and business men meeting and writing in these areas and music being played in the houses on certain nights.  This also included the “ever present newspaper,” something in which individuals could stay and read and pass to the next person for the daily news. It even included the ability to sit outside during the warm months.

So, if you are ever thinking that a concept or cafe is “unique,” think again.  Most likely, it has already been done through the Viennese Coffee houses.

Yes, I’m a coffee house fanatic.  I’ve been to every single coffee shop within a 50 mile radius of my home, and plan on searching some more.  Some I love, some I hate.  But, when it comes to bookstore coffee houses, there is one that is what I would consider ‘a smart investment made.’

The location of this bookstore is in Boulder, CO, and is just known as the Boulder Book Store.  It’s in a quaint little area in downtown Boulder.  You can’t miss it on the corner of the street.

In retrospect, I find that the problem with this bookstore coffee house is that it doesn’t pose an atmosphere, which I’m picky about.  However, it has the most books and most lounge areas I’ve ever seen.  For those that are thinking of starting a bookstore coffee house or are interested in ideas about them, this is a good plan.

The way that this coffee house is built is that it has two sections.  One is the actual bookstore and the other is the coffee house, which is almost like a separate building, with only one entrance way from the book store.  You can also go to the coffee house from the outside, where it doesn’t look like it is attached.  A definite smart attraction for those that don’t read anymore.

Moving along… the bookstore is huge.  It’s three floors full of fiction, non-fiction and kids books.  Not only can you lounge in their cafe with your newly bought book, but you can also lounge in the ‘rooms’ they have built, each with sitting areas and different types of books in each room.  It’s a combination of a place to buy and a place to enjoy yourself.  Just don’t spill your coffee.

So, if any of you are ever in Boulder, Colorado, or want a great idea for a bookstore cafe, definitely look at the Boulder Bookstore.

Kona coffee is gown on the Hawaiian hillsides of Mount Hualalai and Mount Mauna Loa.  The Hawaiian climate and volcanic soil is perfect for growing the rare and expensive coffee bean.  In late August the bright red fruit (characteristic of the Kona coffee tree) are ready for harvest.  After harvesting, the beans go through a rigorous pulping, drying and roasting process.

Approximately 600 farmers grow coffee on The Big Island’s Kona district.  Originally Japanese immigrants worked the fields, but in recent years, coffee farmers include a wide diversity of growers.  Because of its fragile and unique cherry-like fruit, the bean can only be cultivated by hand and not by machine.  Great pride is taken in producing the unique coffee.

When brewed, Kona coffee has is a wonderful mix of delicate yet rich flavor.  It is one of the best coffees in the world not just because of its rarity, but the detail in which the farmers produce the beans.  Kona is the only coffee produced in the United States.  When purchasing, make sure you are buying the real deal.  If the product says “blend” it only contains approximately 10% pure Kona coffee.  Authentic, pure product can be found at specialty coffee shops and online.

If you want to start a coffee shop, there are a lot of options that you need to consider with the equipment, upkeep and gradual success towards the shop.  Often times, jumping into starting a corner cafe can cost a large investment and can be slow on return.  If you need a boost to get you started, there are several resources that will help you to get your coffee shop started.

The first evaluation to make is exactly how much money you will need.  This will help you to analyze what is best, and will also provide you with funding options.  Not only will you want to start with a business and marketing plan, but also estimated costs.  These costs should include things like:

- equipment

- rent / location

- advertising

- hired help

- food and coffee needs

Depending on your vision and what you need to work, having these different parts towards your funding determined is your first step towards getting started.

Once you have this in mind, you can start working towards finding different options for funding.  This will depend on your locality, as well as the availability for finances.  For example, if there is a small business development center in your area, you can receive help for funding as well as getting set up with everything that you need for your coffee location.

Another option is to look into business grants that are given from the government or specialized funding areas, such as angel investors.  These will allow you to get the boost you need to get started, without having to ask for a return for the shop.  All you will need to do is put a proposal and presentation together so that you can work with the investors in finding the best solution.

If you are passionate about your coffee, you can find ways to get started and into the community with your coffee shop with help from the investment that you need.  Finding your best options and beginning to pursue the order will allow you to put your best roast out there.