Half week in review 9-24-08

Hey!

1. In preparation for competition, I have deemed my comp spro: Ethiopian Illili Daratu Harrar! This coffee is absolutely fantastic across the board in a variety of preparations, most notably (imo) as an espresso. Big blueberry and cherry notes atop a milk chocolate genache, with slight characteristics of Cinnamon and yogurt-like tartness. I have a few signature drink ideas underway, which I will be hammering out and experimenting with within the next 4-5 weeks, as to give plenty of time to practice that routine.

2. This years "Best of..." issue of Sacramento News and Review was just released, and Temple Coffee placed/won a few categories!

Best Coffeehouse

Best sober sipping spot

Best overall service (!)

Best restaurant architecture (3rd place)

Best casual ambiance (3rd place)

Needless to say, the entire staff is fairly stoked, and I couldn't be happier! To take "best overall service" over such establishments as Biba, Waterboy, etc, 4 star dining that are known for their immaculate service, is an honor and a fuggin half.

Thats all for now. Keep it real kiddos.

-the bza

oh hey!

new photos up on the flickr. long weekend with my Barefoot Crew!

faaawwwk

Well, my weekend in Seattle was a goddamn trip and a half.

Firstly, it took me 12 hours flying standby to get up there from Sac. Then my bag was lost... we're talking they had no record of me checking a bag. THEN, I get my bag back, only to find out my fucking laptop was ganked out of it. I know I shouldn't have checked my laptop, and I take full responsibility for that, but at the same time, someone went into my bag, left my $200 Italian loafers, iPod hookups, clothes, goodies, etc., and just took my laptop. They even left the AC wall adaptor for it! Fuckin jokes on them though, as the unit only holds about 20 mins worth of juice in the battery, so they know have a big grey paperweight. Cheap fucks.

As for the rest of the weekend, it was a blast! Got the meet Edwin Martinez, which was a trip! I'm actually planning on going down to the Finca Vista Hermosa farm in Huehuetenango within the next few months to check that shit out. Also got to meet a few cats that I have been told not to mention online, as its sort of taboo... but lets say some heavy hitters in the espresso machine world.

Thanks to everyone for showin Tony Serrano, Jared Foreman, Nick Minton, and myself a great time in Seattle, Olympia, Portland, Medford, and Ashland, and hopefully I can make it back up there before to long!

-The BZA

ah dammit

I published that last one before I was done!!

Also, Ill be taking way to many pictures when I'm up in the Emerald City. I'll be linking my Flickr account so you can keep track of the action!

NEWS 9-7-08

Thats right.

News coming from the Valley:

- We gots a new single o espresso down at Temple right now: Ethiopia Illili Daratu Harrar. This thing is kickin my d**k in the dirt right now! Big berry and cherry notes, combined with a yogurt-like tartness, poured over semi-sweet chocolate. In two words: The Business. Absolutely awesome, and right now its the forerunner for my competition espresso.

- I'll be up in Seattle from Thursday Sept 11 through Tuesday Sept 16, hanging out at CoffeeFest and competing in the Millrock Latte Art challenge. Gimme a ring if you wanna grab some grub and beers!