Meridian Coffee House

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.

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.

Coffee is not just for drinking!  Here is a delicious recipe that uses coffee as one of the ingredients.  Enjoy!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 package of Jell-O® brand vanilla instant pudding (2.5 oz.)
• 1 package of Jell-O® brand chocolate instant pudding (2.5 oz.)
• 3 ½ cups of milk.
• 1 cup of drip coffee, chilled. (Any house blend will do, just don’t use a flavored coffee.)
• Whipped cream in a can for garnish.
• Three bowls, and serving dishes for the pudding.

How To Make :

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. Layer in cups or parfait glasses. Refrigerate for five minutes. Garnish with whipped cream before serving.

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.

This is an interesting story.  Seems there was a person with a StarBuck’s coupon good for any StarBuck drink ordered.  This happened in Manhattan, so prices are already somewhat higher there then other places.  The idea was to figure out the most expensive drink they could order, and use the afore mentioned coupon.
The  first item called for was the Venti  white mocha.  The next step was to add as many shots as possible. The end result was a 13 shot venti soy hazelnut vanilla cinnamon white mocha with extra white mocha and caramel. It cost a total of $13.76 (with tax).

According to the holder of the coupon, the drink was ok once stirred, but very sweet and strong (bringing on the shakes strong!).  Wisely  enough, only a portion of the beverage was actually drank so sleep would be possible that night.

Here is a copy of the receipt, showing 11 of the shots as two shots came with the drink.

The other day I stopped at the mind-boggling Starbucks for a cup of coffee.  I asked the barista for a Café Valencia, my all-time favorite Starbucks treat.  I knew full-well the specialty flavor was discontinued sometime in 2006.  Even so, if you are lucky, Starbucks will have left over Valencia syrup in one of their cafes.

I wasn’t surprised to hear SBux couldn’t make my coffee.  The next best thing would be an orange mocha, but they were out of orange as well.  That is when I began to wonder, “What is Starbucks thinking?”   They hook you onto their coffee like an addict, then phase out your favorite blends and flavors for something snappier and more hip.  For some, change can be looked at as a refreshing new start.  But for others, such as me, change can be disconcerting.

With gloomy eyes I searched the monster-sized menu board and couldn’t find anything appealing.  I wanted a plain coffee with a little bit of zip.  Something you would find at a gas station.  Of course they had their house blend which tastes like burnt leaves, but that wasn’t what I needed.  I needed something simple.

On impulse I decided to get a green tea latte.  It can’t be too bad, I thought.  Waiting for my drink I got excited.  I am a big fan of green tea.  I got hooked on it while living in Japan.  If Starbuck’s green tea latte was anything like regular green tea I was bound to love it.  Or was I?

The first thing I noticed was the smell.  I could smell my drink even before it was presented at the pick-up counter.  The aroma was that of a dirty foot.  It took five minutes before I dared to take a sip.  The taste was even worse.  It tasted like a sour piece of grass.  I consider myself unusually accepting of new tastes and flavors, but this was way over the top.  It was disgusting.

Starbucks should stick to what Starbucks does best.  Coffee. 

The Olsen twins, Asley and Mary Kate are venturing into the coffee world, the coffee table book  world, that is!  — The twins, who have   an  estimated fortune of $40 million each — are publishing a coffee table book, Influence, through Penguin Young Readers Group.

It will feature “the most interesting, challenging, creative people we know — the ones who helped pave the way for us and our generation,” Ashley said in a statement.

Among them: shoe guru Christian Louboutin, actress Lauren Hutton, photographer Terry Richardson and writer Bob Colacello.

“Ashley and I interviewed the people who have inspired us, with the hope that they will inspire and teach others,” Mary-Kate said.

The book — due this fall — will also feature exclusive photos of the Olsen and never-before-seen interviews with the two.
Will you be buying one for your coffee table?