Sactown Sprodown

So check it.

2010-05-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, I've not only been really busy with work, competing, planning, but I've also been sort of despondent on Sacramento coffee. I've come to realize it's not the coffee scene, per se: its the people behind it.
Let me explain.
In the early part of the 00's, Naked Coffee opened in Sacramento. At the time, it wasn't revolutionary, but it certainly turned the Sac coffee scene on its head. We were a town accustomed to Java City, coz well, it's from here. Naked offered an opportunity to have better coffee, and a helluva better atmosphere. Years later, two of Naked's employees would leave to start Temple and Old Soul, respectively. Both of these places strived to better the coffee, moreso than Naked did. And they both acheived this, Old Soul roasting its own, and Temple using Barefoot Coffee Roasters, out of San Jose. What all three of these companies did, though, is cut off themselves from one another, so to speak (yes, I know Temple uses Old Soul pastries, but I'm talking coffee). All of these places find themselves to be in competition. For a decently sized metropolitan city, Sacramento can certainly sustain more than 3 coffee houses. Chocolate Fish came along and has done the best job, hands down. Not only are they using a superior product, utilizing Ecco and Ritual Roasters for their beans, but they are the only coffee house that runs a transparent business, and employs, hands down, the most coffee-driven baristas in Sacramento. But, everybody can't ever seem to meet on the same level.
And this is really offputing.
Finally, we're at a time in Sacramento coffee that we have enough business' and people to make something really cool happen. We can keep progressing together, and really putting Sacramento on the map. What we have, instead, is a bunch of knuckleheads convinced they're the King Turd, and instead of helping each other out, or even CUPPING THE OTHER DUDES COFFEES, they limit themselves to a self-inclosed bubble of closedmindeness, one that lacks integrity. For repping a product that is such a community oriented item, such as coffee, too see all of these people being so closed off about it is disgusting.
The big problem is the way these business' are set up: Sans Chocolate Fish, all of the three aforementioned Sacramento coffeehouses are built around this 1950's type of plan where you get good, not great, product, charge as much as you can while keeping all of your overhead low (mostly sacrificing your employees), and skim as much as you can off the top. I don't understand this, because it's been shown this works for a bit, and then ultimately you'll end up still searching for more profits when your business has plateaued. I also don't understand whey you would rather have 13 so-so people on your staff at minimum wage, instead of 8 awesome baristas at a higher wage. Yes, it comes about the same, but the quality is that much more. For example, Chocolate Fish: all of their employees can cup all of their coffees blind, and nail EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. No other place in Sacramento can boast that.
What I'm trying to say is that, the scene here needs quite a bit of work. The next few years, with Chocolate Fish, Temple, Old Soul, and now Bloom up in closeby Roseville, the scene is gonna keep turning, and I'm gonna do my damnedest to make sure we dont plateau for a good long while.

Attention, fine people of Sacramento!

2009-12-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

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.

Old soul

2009-12-03T11:17:00.001-08:00

_DSC3434
Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography

That's my boy!

new addition

2009-11-28T06:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Edible Sacramento photoshoot

2009-11-15T20:24:00.001-08:00

_DSC1303
Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography

One of my favorite coffees (and favorite bags I've tagged)

Edible Sacramento photoshoot

2009-11-15T20:23:00.001-08:00

_DSC1298
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

2009-11-15T20:14:00.001-08:00

_DSC3326
Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography

Flight of the Continents @ Chocolate Fish 11.14.09

Edible Sacramento photoshoot

2009-11-15T20:12:00.003-08:00

_DSC1309
Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography

Pouring some sick tulips @ Temple II, sometime in October.

Flight of the Continents

2009-11-15T20:12:00.001-08:00

_DSC3307
Originally uploaded by DonahuePhotography

Flight of the Continents @ Chocolate Fish, 11.14.09

Flickr

2009-11-15T20:11:00.001-08:00

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

woah shit

2009-11-14T20:47:00.001-08:00

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

French Press Phun

2009-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-09-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Updates much?

2009-09-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

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

Getting the farts pounded out of you.

2009-08-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

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

The same damn Lewinsky jokes over and over

2009-07-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Diarrhea Mustache

2009-07-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

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

First Day

2009-06-29T11:30:00.001-07:00

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

Woo Hoo! I feel heavy metal

2009-06-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

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!"

Some updates

2009-05-26T19:37:00.001-07:00

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.

Squirt

2009-05-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Ouchie

2009-05-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

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...

Dead pigeons are awesome!

2009-04-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

Its on like Donkey Kong

2009-03-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

Big ol, floppy rabbit tits

2009-03-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

Long story short, Lucky almost died twice today.

Rustic
-bza

Get your Irish up

2009-03-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

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

On a completely unrelated sidenote

2009-03-11T20:09:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-03-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

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

A truck full of boners

2009-03-05T09:26:00.001-08:00

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

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar

2009-02-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

I cant wait.

New toys!

2009-02-09T14:10:00.001-08:00

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

Gayer than 9 guys suckin off 10 guys

2009-02-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

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

Well

2009-01-23T00:08:00.000-08:00

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

holla

2009-01-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

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

400 is a long drive inside a car.

2009-01-21T20:14:00.000-08:00

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

WRB 09 bitches

2009-01-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

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

Why I fuckin love Sacramento

2009-01-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

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

Papa Lucky and the Works

2009-01-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

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...?

Bloom Grand Opening!

2009-01-02T22:07:00.000-08:00

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

Boredom at work.

2009-01-01T22:16:00.001-08:00

Hella bored at work the other day. So... I sorta just busted some badass shit out. One word: Reppin. And GPD.

-bza

2009: Year of the Monkiatto

2009-01-01T22:10:00.001-08:00

So it begins...

Milfs are fuckin awesome.

2008-12-22T15:35:00.001-08:00

So dude.

A few weeks ago, Teddie and I had to go to this xmas party for her work. I went solely for

1. free food

2. possibly free liquor (it was a White Elephant party and Tedd works with raging alcoholics)

3. My date was, quite possibly, THE hottest woman ever: A Fijian milf. Oh yes brother, they do exist. BEHOLD! SO MUCH HOTTNESS IN ONE PICTURE!

Some more beeeer fun.

2008-12-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

Last night.

Nick "The Pepper" Minton: Newly returned.

Tav "Hefer" Byerhoff: Newly finished with school.

Bobby "Stallion" Mull: New haircut.

Teddie "The Squid" Cox: New job.

Ben "The Business" Lance: ... well, I'm just straight gangsta. Ya mark.

We celebrated all of this with some damn fine beer.

One the table was Rubicon's IPA, which is a fuckin delicious, pretty classic hoppy ale. Super tasty. Orvall's Trapist Ale, made by real monks! Nice cacao undertones wrapped with spicy blood orange. Shit.

And for some reason, I can't upload more pics. So... go to my Flickr. There's a link to the right. Jawsome.

-Bza

Beer of the week 12-14

2008-12-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

So, a big, enthusiastic congrats to my man Bobby "the Bobsicle" Mull, for giving me a few tasty beers, while his next batch of homebrew gets ready for consumption. This week, I have been enjoying a seasonal ale by Sierra Nevada. Its called "Harvest: 12th Release Wet Hop Ale."

Apparently with this brew, they overnight shipped the hops, so they stay "wet", as in they aren't dried or baked or anything. This effects the flavour in a fairly wonderful way.

Its resoundingly well balanced, with a cardamon and corriandor apple pie body, with an extremely fine pear-cirtus sugar cane glaze on top. Because of the wet hops, I would definately classify this closer to a traditional IPA than an Ale, but who am I to complain? I fuckin love hops, and this beer has it in spades. Super smooth goin down. My ninja. In a few days, hopefully I can have something fun to report.

Ta ta.

-Bza

Ugh. The "overworked benji" blues

2008-11-28T18:43:00.000-08:00

Fuckin A.

Pullin a ton of shifts and shots at the Temp this week. Talkin to the Big Kat about future work stuffs. I just want to say, to the few that read this, the blog won't be updated regularly until I can get my own computer, so probably around Jan.

shiiiiizzz.

Say, uh, say whaaaatt?

2008-11-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is bringing me some good shit.

Nick Minton, I'm fuckin talking to you.

My good buddy "Papa" Lucky is going to be cold chillin in the Temple basement lab, or as I have renamed it, "The Spank Bank". We'll be pulling some of his "Lucky's Chicarones" blend that he's doing for Old Soul. I'm pretty stoked.

Plus I'm goin to a tasting of Monday with Brad "the B.A.T." Terry, ... a tasting held by one Willem Boot.

Truck full of boners.

-Benza

Jambalaya rama!

2008-11-16T20:23:00.001-08:00

Goddamn!

The lovely Lori and her friend Eric came over last night, and we had a killer evening. Homemade jambalaya and GDP. Dont get much more better than that!

... unfortunately, all of the pictures are super blurry, because apparently, my motor function goes downhill after a few glasses of wine. BUT, some exciting news... NEW ESPRESSO TOMORROW!!!

Sweet Sassy Molassy, the Ethiopian Sidamo is hittin the streets hard tomorrow morning. You'll get a full fuggin review, including the shoe size of the guy that picked this batch (size 7).

-Bza

Holy fuckin shitballs.

2008-11-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

Shitty, shitty balls.

And shitty chicken.

Anyways, whats going to be goin on over the next couple months goes like so:

1. I will be doing a weekly (most likely Fridays for now) where I review a coffee, and pretty much say how tasty it is. This feature will be called TWAT (totally, whorishly, awesome tastiness). Now, the Twat for this week will have to wait, but there are some delicious coffee's comin through.

2. Bi-weekly reviews of Sacramento fooderies, complete with pictures of me eating that food. Its going to be nummers, and that feature will be called "Ben and Tedd's _____ noche". The blank will be filled with things like "24 mexican drive through", "sushi explosion in my mouth", and "Bobby's homebrew beer extravaganza".

3. The "day in the life of a barista" feature is coming up shortly.

PLUS ORIGIN TRIP TO GUATEMALA! SUCK ON IT.

-the bza

Geez

2008-10-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Fuck man.

Only weekly posts? Hella lame. Anyway, family business, and way to much green later, I'm finally updating this shit.

Pretty much:

-All the new lot Guatemala Huehue FVH's are in, and its awesome. In Barefoot's booklet for the Guats, you'll find yours truly trying in vain to get his mitt on some vacuumed sealed Edlyna. Sweet damn.

-New Java Estate Jampit A1-X. Damn. Smoothest and cleanest Indo coffee I've had! Sexy! I wanna pull a shot of it then take my pants off.

And later tonight... The "Rootbeer Diaries" begin.

-Bza

ANTS IN YOUR LANCE

2008-10-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

Here's some old pictures from this years CoffeeFest in Seattle! You know you can always go to the FLICKR account, but these are just priceless.

A. This was the pour that went over time by 2 sec at the Millrock. Motherfucker.

B. Tony and I looking like some straight up, gangsta ass, no nonsense, NorCal coffee slingin PIMPS, THATS RIGHT I SAID IT!

Plus some Bonn Lair pics when I find em.

2008-10-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday, now here's your F***IN CAKE!

2008-10-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, oh yes.

Today it is my birthday.

Last night was some Bonn Fair goodness. (Pics to come)

Now I'm eating garlic bread, and thanking my girlfriends dad that we don't have to pay him back $1200 we borrowed from him to move, in a bizarre turn of events.

good.

-benza

ps. hit me up on barista exchange. peace.

Its like a jungle sometimes

2008-10-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Man oh man.

Check it.

Tuesday, I spent all day hanging with the 'Footers down in San HO. Highlights include the new crop of Finca Vista Hermosa coffees, from Edwin Martinez' farm down in Guatemala. Vac sealed FVH and Edlyna?! THE PEABERRY IS BACK!?

Suffice to say, truck full of boners.

Then an awesome cupping with new and 'old' crop coffee's. Kenya Peaberry might just be my new bitch, cuz that coffee, just might be, perfect. At least right now... yeah, I guess thats more correct. Really great butterscotch sweetness, off-setted with rum cake?! Count it!

After a really, truly, very, gnarly 3 FUCKIN HOUR commute back home, Teddford and I met some friends at Bon Lair. This got my thinking (plus, Pepper brought this up the other day), this blog has been all sprodown, and very little Sactown. So, I'm going to start reppin Sac a bit more, and will be revealing various good places to get burritos, a good beer, and maybe some peyote.

But only if we have time.

Coffee Review! 13-10-08

2008-10-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

Ah yes. Some new crop coffee, from my boys down at Barefoot (west west, yall).

... Sorry, I had to do that.

Anyway, today was the day for the Ethiopian Sidamo Morodecofe. A very fine coffee, imo. Vanilla bean and subtle floral notes give way to enveloping tangerine and toasted cashews. Heavy milk chocolate bottom. Twas well balanced, extremely smooth (sun dried eth?!), with some awesome acidity. Tried it as both a french press and a spro, and works deliciously well in either prep. Jess is thinking of using this for competition, actually! I wouldn't second guess that, as this is so well balanced as a spro, it could do well on that score sheet.

More coffee tomorrow, plus some Barefoot craziness.

-Bza

Holy crazy week, Batman!

2008-10-12T14:31:00.001-07:00

Yeah, yeah, this week was, as the french saying goes, "Le fuckin' nuts". Between regular shifts, a last minute catering gig (featuring a gorgeous Faema E-61 !), competition training (sig drinks galore!), and regular man duties, I completely lost track of posting the coffee reviews! But, I shall be doing that this week, along with two new features, "A day in the life of a barista", plus some photos from a field trip down to see the Barefoot crew on Tuesday!

Once again, a crazy week kicks off!

-Bza

Catching the kitchen on fire!!!

2008-10-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Well, the last week has been full of surprises!!!

First, I finally got my christmas card from my Dad.... yeah, way to go USPS. My fuckin ass.

Secondly, I started work on that sig drink this week. Oh man, the idea's are flowing out of me! You know by now I have chosen, and absolutely love, the Ethiopian Illili Harrar. (By the by, it is NOT a "moka", despsite rumors floating around. Bugs the hell outta me.) I'll be posting pictures of my culinary adventure shortly. Lets just say Harrar + Sabayon = crazy delicious!!!

Keep it real, and keep truckin.

-benza

Half week in review 9-24-08

2008-09-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-19T10:53:00.001-07:00

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

faaawwwk

2008-09-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

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!