National Barista Championship
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
The Worst Coffee I’ve Ever Tasted
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.
Cafe Central in Vienna
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.
Where Coffee Houses Comes From
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.
Boulder Coffee House and Bookstore
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
![cup[1].jpg](http://meridiancoffeehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/cup[1].jpg)
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.
Finding Ways to Roast Your Brew
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.
Coffee Barbeque Sauce…Yes, ReallY!
I came across this recipe a while back, and gave it a try. It is delicious. Summer is almost upon us and that means barbeque’s will be getting fired up in backyards everywhere! Try mixing this coffee enhanced sauce to add a new twist on to your favorite BBQ selections this season!
These are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong, dark coffee
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped, about 1 cup
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 3 fresh hot chili peppers, such as jalapeno, or hotter if desired, seeded
- 2 Tablespoons hot dry mustard mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
Place the the ingredients in a pot, and blend well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.. Be sure to stir frequently so as to blend the flavors.
Lower the heat, and let the barbeque sauce simmer for about twenty minutes or so…keeping a close eye on the pot to prevent boiling or burning.
Remove the pot with the sauce from the heat, and let mixture cool.
To assure the best blended flavor, pour cooled sauce into a food processor or blender and mix for about 2-3 minutes.
This barbeque sauce can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for about a week and a half.
Recipe For Cafe Au Lait Pudding
Coffee is not just for drinking! Here is a delicious recipe that uses coffee as one of the ingredients. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need:
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1 package of Jell-O® brand vanilla instant pudding (2.5 oz.)
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1 package of Jell-O® brand chocolate instant pudding (2.5 oz.)
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3 ½ cups of milk.
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1 cup of drip coffee, chilled. (Any house blend will do, just don’t use a flavored coffee.)
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Whipped cream in a can for garnish.
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Three bowls, and serving dishes for the pudding.
How To Make :
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Follow the directions on the package for preparing the vanilla pudding: add 2 cups of cold milk and pudding mix in a bowl and whisk for two minutes.
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In a separate bowl, prepare the chocolate pudding. The directions call for 2 cups of milk. Instead, put in 1½ cups of milk and ½ cup of chilled coffee and pudding mix in a bowl and whisk for two minutes.
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Transfer about 4 tablespoons of the vanilla and 4 tablespoons of the chocolate pudding to a third bowl. Add 2 more tablespoons of coffee to this batch. Whisk this batch. It should appear a few shades lighter than the chocolate pudding’s color. Discard the remainder of the coffee (or drink it).
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Layer in cups or parfait glasses. Refrigerate for five minutes. Garnish with whipped cream before serving.
Coffee and Your Health
Current research reveals that moderate coffee drinking can benefit your health. The contents of your average morning wake up call can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, liver and gallstone disease. Drinking coffee also reduces the risk of certain types of cancer and is anti-diabetic. Its natural ingredients naturally improves the body’s insulin production and glucose metabolism.
Coffee’s caffeine content improves alertness, concentration, cognitive performance and mood. Java is filled with antioxidants, and antioxidants reduce the risk of cell damage and disease. The caffeine inside coffee is also an analgesic. It enhances the working properties of pain and headache medicine. Pain relievers like Excedrin include caffeine for this very purpose. Simply put, coffee makes your body feel better. No wonder some people can’t live without it!
The popular drink is also known to prevent cavities. Trigonelline, the ingredient which makes coffee taste tart, is an antibacterial anti-adhesive. Bacteria are less likely to stick to teeth of coffee drinkers than non-coffee drinkers. The acids and minerals aide digestion and prevent constipation.
Despite its natural health benefits, coffee has some downsides as well. It is known to enhance anxiety and disrupt sleep patterns. It can also cause increased blood pressure with negative affects on the cardiovascular system. But in moderation, coffee is good for your health. The pros outweigh the cons. So enjoy your coffee without guilt. A few cups of java per day can do the body good.
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