Friday, December 4, 2009

Attention, fine people of Sacramento!

So, I grew up in Nevada County. I'm pretty accustomed for seasons. 110 degree summers and 3 feet of snow in the winters... I fuckin live for that shit. Now, Sacramento doesn't have that huge swing. It gets butt fuckin hot in the summer, and gets to like 30 degrees, WITH CLEAR BLUE SKIES AND NO RAIN, in the winter. But, there is still about 3 weeks each of spring and autumn mixed in.
This last week has been glorious. Extreme fog and moisture in the morning, warms up to about 65, then clear nights with a lowslung moon. Its quite enjoyable. And what I have to hear, being cackled at me from the other side of my bar, is the inccesant whine of people complaining that "it's too cold." I understand people have different tolerences for temperatures, and people have preferences for seasons, but these are THE EXACT SAME PEOPLE that complain that "it's too hot" when the thermometer creeps above 80.

It's at this time that I propose a rather bold, but refreshing idea that these people can dig:

Shut the fuck up, or just fuckin move.

I understand this notion is certainly nothing new. But check it:

That's so awesome. There is absolutely nothing keeping you in Sacramento. Last time I checked, you have the right to pretty much do whatever the hell you want. I fail to understand and comprehend how people that live in a place that they hate.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Old soul


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Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography
That's my boy!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

new addition

I'll be posting mine and Kenny's "L.A. Takedown" regional practice over the next few months, but for now, I want to introduce a new addition to mine and Teddie's pack.

HIGGINS!
Part Pitbull and Bloodhound. Only 3 months, and he's a little fatty. Gonna be a big dawg.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Edible Sacramento photoshoot


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Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography
One of my favorite coffees (and favorite bags I've tagged)

Edible Sacramento photoshoot


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Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography
Harrison the T2 Mascot, shouting out "Hey, we got Fince Vista Hermosa on press all day, SON!"

Flight of the Continents


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Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography
Flight of the Continents @ Chocolate Fish 11.14.09

Edible Sacramento photoshoot


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Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography
Pouring some sick tulips @ Temple II, sometime in October.

Flight of the Continents


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Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography
Flight of the Continents @ Chocolate Fish, 11.14.09

Flickr

This is a test post from flickr, a fancy photo sharing thing.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

woah shit

Yeah.
Lots of crazy shit. Lemme just say that the last year of my life has been the most topsey turvey, insanely awesome clusterfuck of events ever, pretty much ending with the recent break in of my house.
Yes.
My house got broken into.
And, I'm sort of thankful. Let me explain why.
I'm a simple man. I don't need much. Really. Coffee consumes a good portion of my life. Almost.... all of it. Its a true passion of mine, and something that I wouldn't trade in for the world. Few people know that in my spare time, I like to play videogames. Well, one game, really. And thats PS2 baseball. Baseball is also a passion of mine. I can't play anymore (shoulder and knees), and I miss it dearly. So when my PS2, and all my games were stolen, I was initially bummed hardcore. But given a few days to think about it, I realized this is the golden opportunity to get back into another passion of mine:



I miss making music... well, I didn't really understand to what extent I've missed it. I've played with some amazing musicians in my years, and I'm getting back into it. I'm pouring what used to be "PS2" energy back into something more productive, and hopefully something that I enjoy listening to afterwards. The "basement" is being turned into a music room, with the garage being the "auxilery music room". I'll keep ya posted.
-BZA

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

French Press Phun

Yeah!
I was doing some random coffee-interweb-research the other day, and stumbled upon an article on Coffeegeek about the "Tim Wendelboe" method of doing french presses. I was extremely interested to see how, if at all, this would effect the flavor and other variables. It was hella slow the other day at work, so I decided to make a little gauntlet, if you will, of different french press preparations with the same coffee. That coffee was the ever-so-tasty Hermosa Reserva, from Finca Vista Hermosa, curtosy of my boys down at Barefoot.
From left to right, we have.
1. Regular French Press. 4 min steeping time.
2. Wendelboe method. Initially saturate the grounds, cover with a saucer, and let it steep for 3:30 mins. Then scoop the crust off, then press.
3. French Press, with another filtertration after initial brewing. 4 min steep time.
4. Wendelboe method without scooping off of crust. 3:30 steep time.

We used a standard 20 oz press, with each press having 43 grams of coffee, with a starting water temperature of 197 F.

The results ranged from typical to outstanding. In a regular french press preparation, the coffee was as I've always tasted it: extremely balanced, clear acidity, notes of meyer lemon, subtle strawberries, hints of chocolate. The Wendelboe method had much of the same, but clean in a way that I can only describe as "Clover-esque". Obviously, no sediment whatsoever, and tasting between a regular press and the Wendelboe was akin to chewing gum with the wrapper still on, and having the best artisinal gum you've ever had. The double filter press was somewhat in between, and the un-scooped Wendelboe tasted like somebody fucked up your press on purpose.

In my opinion, it does take relatively little effort to transport the delicious french press to new flavor territory. Next up to bat is the Wendelboe method with different brew times, gram amounts, and water temps.

-bza

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

LIKE A 10,000 POUND.... FIST!

Hey.
Sacramento drivers who don't stop at stop lights: I ask you, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU THINKING?! Seriously, do you think the rules dont fuckin apply?
Let me lay out a scenario:
I'm rolling down 26th St, going under the 1-80/Highway 50 underpass, pretty much. I've had the green for more than a few seconds. I'm doin near full speed. As I'm quite familiar with Sacramento drivers, I get as far left as I can, to peak at the oneway traffic coming from the right. I'm leaned forward to get a good look (bad decision). I'm 15-20 feet from entering the intersection at my designated time, when I spot out of the corner of my eye, a truck going full speed, entering from the right. Instincs kick in, and I throw on the brakes. Well, I end up doing a full gainer over my handlebars. Luckily (or, unluckily), my feet fly out of my cages. I land face first in the middle of W St, and skid a good few feet. I hastily look around for more traffic, and more importantly, my bike. Half a second later it comes crashing down on the back of my head, giving me a nice 5 inch gash. The light turns, and traffic doesn't stop: Oh no, these cars simply GO AROUND me. I'm laying in the intersection, bleeding from the back AND front of my head, BOTH arms torn down, hobbling with my bike to get out of their way. The only person who ever thought to stop and ask if I was ok was... yeah, you guessed it, another person on a bike. I waved them on.
So, long story short: Not only did some complete fucking dickless retard run a blatant red light, but other drivers, atleast a handful, passed by a bleeding man in the street.
Man, I can't believe that I belong to this race sometimes.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Updates much?

Fuckin A I've been busy.
Anyway, on the coffee front, T2 is barreling forward like a wayward locamotive powered by the energy of the collective coffee consciousness. In short, its going really well. Over the next few months, I personally have a few things that are pretty cool:
1. I will be partaking, once again, in the Millrock Latte Art Competition up in Seattle at Coffeefest, which happens the end of this month. It will also coincide with the NWRBC, so I can scope out what everyone is doing this year, and try to get a feel at who (albeit a small sample) I will be facing off against at the USBC next year.
2. Oh yeah, I'm competing again this year. I'm currently talking with my boy Rudy (Rotsko at Barefoot) to see if we can come up with a "so-sick-that-it-will-knock-the-poop-outta-yer-butt-then-it-will-flush-itself" SO light/dark profile blend with the Amaro Gayo, which should be fucking dope.
3. I might (more than likely, actually!) be going to Uganda in November, to, you know, go to FUCKIN AFRICA and visit coffee's actual home!
I've included pics of some practice pours I did the other night. I'm feeling pretty good. Any thoughts or insights, or constructive criticism from the two people that read this blog is always much appreciated.


Pace!
-bza

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Getting the farts pounded out of you.




Hey yall.
We had a great Sacramento Barista event on Saturday. It included an awesome cupping flight of Barefoot, Ritual, Old Soul, Verve, and Ecco. All was tasty, with the Guat Finca El Injerto from the Padre standing out in my mind. This month's event was all of the representing cafes (Temple, Old Soul, Chocolate Fish, Bloom) pulling espresso and generally just fucking around.

And yes, I've been hella fuckin busy (270 hours within the past 4 weeks), so thats why the updates have been few and far between, but here are some pictures from this past weeks event.

Holla
-bza

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The same damn Lewinsky jokes over and over


HEY!
This week, I threw Papua New Guinea on bar. The Tribal Aromas is a goddamn amazing coffee on its own, with a heavy yet mellow body, sweet notes of papaya, banana, and other tropical fruit, and slight spice in the finish. As an espresso, its more of the same, and pairs well with milk.
As far as our party on Saturday goes, it was off the hook! Two kegs, 13 bottles of wine, lots of whiskey, and lots of pizza. Thanks for everybody that showed up and chilled with us.
Also, the big boss and I finalized the training schedule for the next 6 weeks. Almost every single day until Sept 3rd, there will be training of some sorts. We will have 10 staff members with less than two months experience out of a total staff of 20... damn.
Finally, I've added some links to some people you should check out. Local shit, coffee folks, and just randomness as well.
One love
benza

ps. plus a smokey pic from the training bar.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Diarrhea Mustache




So,
In case you haven't noticed, I've been pretty damn BUSY since we opened the doors on the new Temple. The response thus far has been great... considering we did a soft open in the middle of a Sacramento Summer. Soon, new baristas will be trained, the hours will expand from 6-6 to 6-11, and we'll start roasting.
Before I forget, we bought a car last night! 97 Subaru Outback Sport. Pretty low miles, some cosmetic damage, but hey, it works like a fuckin dream. 2900 out THE DOOR!
Anywho, there has been some awesome Sacramento coffee community shit happening the past few months: Old Soul and Chocolate Fish have been holding cuppings. Everything considered (new location, new house, etc), I haven't been able to go... UNTIL THIS LAST SATURDAY. And lemme tell you, I think the wait was worth it.
Not only was Andy and Edie (chocolate fish) there (along with several staff members whose names I unfortunately forgot already), but Andrew Barnett and Drew Cattlin from Ecco came up to represent, Sarah and Lucas from Bloom also partook... along with 15+ other Sacramentans that just love coffee!!!
The cupping also included four brewing demonstrations: Lucky on the Mellitta Pour Over, Drew on the Siphon, Lucas on the Eva Solo, and yours truly on (what else) the French Press.

It was a huge fuckin blast, but damn it, my camera ran out after I took all of THREE FUCKIN PICTURES.

Stay tuned for Temple Classes, new training, and possibly me going to LA to do shit with the SCAA/BGA.
Wacky

Monday, June 29, 2009

First Day

Word.
Finally opened the doors on this beast, and have gotten non-stop people since 6am. Here's some pics.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Woo Hoo! I feel heavy metal



Hey kids
Yup.
Its official.
June 29th is going to be the first day we open that front door and go "Pull up those adult Huggies", and start slingin sweet spro all down S Street. Its going to be fuckin awesome (just got the GB/5 up 10 minutes ago).
July 18th is going to be our Grand Opening party. Beer, pizza, dj's, you know, typical Sactown shit.
Ya heard?!


Plus, we might be doin another "Ride On!"

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Some updates

Hopefully within three weeks time, we will be opening the second location for Temple. Its going to be pretty sick: Just within the past few days the cafe is completely changed, with concrete being poured and everything (as soon as tomorrow) being painted, we're waiting on me finishing my barista training overhaul (3 months? Gimme 2 weeks, son) and then we're throwing the, tentatively titled, "T2 Amazing Grand Opening Blowout Extravaganza!" Featuring beer (Rubicon), pizza (Original Pete's), music (my homebody Cory starring as DJ Ginga), and maybe some darts.
Yes.
Darts.
Anyway, I'll post some pics when I get some (camera died!), and my cell phone camera doesn't do our hard work justice.
Well, fine. To tide you over, here's our Probatino.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Squirt

Ya know.
Like the soda!
Anyway, this next month is craziness. Listen to this shit, brotha:
1. T2
2. New house
3. MAYBE A NEW DOG?!
either way, the first two are kickin my ass.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Ouchie

So, its been quite a while since I've posted. Lots of shit has been happening, mainly the hiring of four new staff, and the promotion of another to barista. This involved training all of those cats, which took up most of my time. This week, I'm finishing our "secondary barista training", after which I'm almost solely going to be at "S Street" (the new location) helping with the buildout. I'm also nursing a super bad sunburn that actually graduated to a 2nd degree burn on the back of my left shoulder... its been a while since I've woken up middle-of-the-night in pain, but last night was a good reminder why to wear sunscreen. Fuck dude.



I was sitting at Temple last night, about 8ish, hanging out with my boys. Absolutely gorgeous night, perfect temperature, drinking some good liquor (Brasil Daterra Monte Cristo), and listening to the chirping of bats, who were just waking up. In this idealistic setting, I came to the conclusion that my coffee "fire", the spirit that keeps me going, has dwindled. I attribute this to mostly training and lack of doing "coffee related" activities. Coming to the realization that training takes it so much outta me (maybe it was the 5 people back to back situation...), I came to the conclusion that I have to relight and keep that drive going myself. I'm not sure exactly what I'll do, but needless to say its got to happen quick.

Until next time...

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Dead pigeons are awesome!




Pretty much, Christian Rotsko is one of my most favorite people ever.
Dig.
Plus Teddie took her pants off.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Its on like Donkey Kong


My good buddy Tony Serrano came up yesterday to chill and check out the new location for a few hours. While up here, we did a cuppin with Papa Luckles, Yanni, Dex, and Kitty.


Not gonna lie, it was pretty damn rad. Nahuala cuppin like a beast, as is per the usual. The other coffee that really stood out to me was a Papua New Guinea "X" grade, from Kimel. Huge and thick, tobacco molasses syrup.
My ninja.
-bza

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Big ol, floppy rabbit tits

Long story short, Lucky almost died twice today.


Rustic
-bza

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Get your Irish up


Well, as it turns out, there's only one good picture from last nights festivities.
No, we didnt go out.
No, we didnt drink Guinness.
Yes, there was plenty of green around (mr d, youre my boy!)
Yes, Kelly "BONES" Q was over.
Yes, we watched what was pretty much a porn with an indepth storyline.
Thats all.
More coffee to come.
-Bza

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

On a completely unrelated sidenote



8 OUNCES OF FURY! Holy fuckin shit, not only is it the awesome "mex" Coke (they use actual sugar... it just tastes better), its only 8 damn ounces, which is perfect. America is starting to think small on beverages again... hmmm.
-bza
ps. DAMN TASTY

Dont you love it when Stumpies results in chubbies?

I fuckin do, man.
Fuck.
Seriously.
Dig it: Papa Lucky went up to the USBC without me... I'm guessing its because, deep down inside that little body of his, he's a bastard. To get back on my good side, he brought back 6 Stumptown coffees for us to cup.
Annnnndddd... go:
-Ethiopia Wondo
-Kenya Gaturiri Reserve
-Sumatra Blue Batak
-Colombia El Porvenir
-Guatemala Finca el Injerto
-El Salvador Aida's Grand Reserve.




... whew.
Needless to say, all of these coffee's rocked. On dry aroma, the Blue Batak was reminiscent of a fresh rain in the middle of a cedar forest; Wondo won, hands down, on the fruity side, with sweet key lime, blueberry, and dry cherry; the el Injerto was divinely sweet, slightly butterscotch-ish.


Flavorwise, the Kenya won it for me. Heavenly sweet, light body. Caramel, toasted peanut notes, with a short, snappy lemon zest finish. The Blue Batak was fuckin HUGE. I mean, 3D. Crunchy celery and mint. Crazy.
Hands down one of the best cuppings I've done, as the coffees really range across the board in every way possible. I snagged some of that Kenya to throw on the siphon at home...


-bza

Thursday, March 5, 2009

A truck full of boners

Well, not really.

We're currently spending the morning watching the court hearings on Prop 8. You all remember what happened: A whole bunch of retards decided to try (and finally did) to overturn the right for all people to get married. This just doesn't make any sense to me what so ever. Really, think about it. In a time of a huge economic, ethical, and historic time in our country's history, to legally prohibit our fellow citizen's from fulfilling their desire to marry each other, not based on their sexual persuasion, but just to show their love, is a bunch of bullshit. Here's a few good reasons WHY they should be allowed:

1. It would stimulate our economy:
Think about it. 10% of the population is gay. THAT many marriages = a whole bunch of money poured back into the economy. They know how to party, and I wanna be a part of it.
2. You don't want to make an entire demographic of people happy?
I didnt know we were living in China, you fuckers. I didnt know we still liked to oppress people in America. Guess I was wrong.
3. Think of how many cute girl couples will be making out EVERYWHERE
... should I really have to explain this further?

And before I get any stupid emails reminding me that the majority of Californian's voted this crap back in last November, let me remind YOU that, if the government actually does its job and lets all people marry, this will negatively affect absolutely nobody. And I will bite the weinnie if anybody can name 1 way in which it will.

-bza

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Monday, February 9, 2009

New toys!

Dudes.
Nick is letting me borrow his syphon, I think until he wants it back, which is going to be never. To really do it justice, I went searchin for a burr grinder, and lo and behold, I find one at the SPCA thrift (Goddamn, I love those guys!) for $12. 
Can't be beat.
Be warned: Syphon + Sidamo Dale Select?
I predict: tastiness.
-bza

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Gayer than 9 guys suckin off 10 guys

So, despite all of those filthy rumours, I'm not dead.
Even though it feels like it sometimes.
Since I've gotten back from the WRBC (by the by, judging was a fuckin BLAST!), its been nonstop barshifts, training, and doing paperwork/planning for the 2nd location. But, I was bored at work yesterday morning, and did this:
I hope to do my long awaited "day in the life of a barista" tomorrow, as well as some random updates. See ya soon!
-bza


Friday, January 23, 2009

Well


Courtesy of Tonx. Judges calibration. Over-caffinated freedom!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

holla

So,
After a grueling 10 hour day, I passed my certification and will be judging this entire weekend at the WRBC. I'll be splitting my time between tech and sensory. Yeah, you heard it: Sensory judge. Why did they let me do that? I dunno, but its going to be fuckin awesome.
Also, my girls (Le Kill and Mariebee) and boy (CHRIS G SAY WHAT?!) from the 'Foot are down here, so I'm pretty much kickin it with them and Baca Nation the entire weekend. Jealous?
-bza

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

400 is a long drive inside a car.

But yep.
I'm down in LA for the remainder of the weekend. Lemme just say I was here maybe two minutes before I saw some hoe's get into it in front of my hostel. You can take the boy out of Sacramento, but you can't take the Sac out of the boy. Dammit.
 By the way, fuck I-5. The only thing that got me through that horrendous interstate is Mendo and The Clash.
Oh, and I also forgot my camera. But I'll upload hella pictures when I get back, and still have some updates throughout.
Repp it.
-bza

Friday, January 16, 2009

WRB 09 bitches

Yes, all of the rumours that you've heard are true: I will be straight reppin Temple Coffee at this years WRBC... AS A JUDGE!
YA HEARD?!
Pretty much, this entails 4 luxurious days of nonstop photos and updates. From me... maybe from other people too. Probably Tonx.
More info as I get it.
-Bza

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Why I fuckin love Sacramento


In a hash-infused walk today, I decided that I needed to make peace with my surroundings and town, as I've been having gnarly bouts of social anxiety the past two weeks (damn you!). I've come to the conclusion, after scouring Sacramento, that I love it.


Yup, ya heard right.

Every week, I'll give you motherfuckin reason's why Sactown is awesome, and why people should stop hatin on the 916. All I'm gonna say is: Mess with the 916, get a 187. Motherfuck.

And since I missed last week, I have two this week. Huzzah.

#1 We have badass orange trees. AT THE FUCKIN CAPITOL. And yes, they're damn tasty.

#2 Random pieces of art. This one, for instance. Can you see him?

More to come. Oh yes. More.

-bza

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Papa Lucky and the Works




My bud Lucks and I went to go visit my boys at Barefoot Coffee the other day, at their Coffeeworks location. We pretty much hung out for 10 hours with Christian, who's my main dawg. Andy, Mama Kill, and Marista were in and out all day, with Andy being the only other person available for our killer flight of cupping, which included some fine ass Guatemala Nahuala and Intelli's Guatemala Itzamna. Oh, and yeah, we got vegan thai afterwards. Jealous much?
-bza
ps. ug12 on the way...?

Friday, January 2, 2009

Bloom Grand Opening!





Today, the Flying Elia Brothers of Roseville opened shop! Located off Eureka Road, let me present, Bloom Coffee. Tasty as hell Verve Coffee, with pastries from Old Soul (no duh). Really liked what the boy did with the place, especially the reused palate wood floors! Hit em up at bloomcoffee.com
-bza