Are you Interested in knowing how to make the perfect cup of coffee, or select the perfect bottle of wine. Or, maybe you would rather find the perfect coffee shop or wine bar. In either case, this is the place for you. So welcome and come on in to the coffee and wine lovers international blog.
Friday, April 4, 2025
The TOP 5 Must-Have Remote Tools for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers Discover the ultimate toolkit to enhance your remote work lifestyle! In this video, "Unlock Your Potential: 5 Must-Have Remote Work Tools for Digital Nomads," we dive into essential tools that will transform how you work while traveling the globe. From project management with Trello to seamless communication via Microsoft Teams, these tools ensure you stay productive and connected, no matter where your adventures take you. We also explore time management with RescueTime, file storage with Google Drive, and creative organization through Evernote. Get ready to elevate your remote work game—don’t forget to like and share this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJbh34nUxsQ
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Clearwater, Florida: A Sip of Paradise for Wine and Coffee Lovers Greetings, my fellow sippers—it’s Johnny Ray from Johnny Ray’s Digital Nomadic Lifestyle, pouring out a treat for all you wine and coffee lovers out there. My latest video, “Clearwater, Florida: A Nomad’s Paradise Unveiled,” just dropped on YouTube, and it’s your ticket to Clearwater, Florida—a Gulf Coast haven where every glass tells a story. Whether you’re a wandering oenophile, a caffeine-craving nomad, or just someone who lives for that perfect pour, Clearwater’s calling. Watch it here, and let’s savor this gem together. Clearwater Beach sets the scene—white sands and Gulf breezes that pair like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with sunset views. It’s your spot to sip and unwind, glass in hand, as dolphins glide by. Pier 60’s nightly festivals are a buzz—imagine a bold espresso in the afternoon, then a Pinot Noir as jugglers and musicians turn dusk into a party. It’s a flavor-filled escape for the senses. Downtown’s your tasting room—Kahwa Coffee’s strong brews fuel your morning grind, while spots like Clear Sky on Cleveland serve seafood that begs for a buttery Chardonnay. The farmers’ market’s a treasure trove—grab local beans or sip a craft cold brew, then pair it with a Gulf sunset. Wine flows too—Crabby’s Dockside offers cocktails and coastal vibes, but BYO bottle dreams come alive at beachside haunts. My video dives into these delights, with tips for nomads to live and sip here affordably. For us wine and coffee roamers, Clearwater’s a pourfect fit—cheap rentals, fast Wi-Fi, and Tampa’s airports keep you globetrotting. It’s more than a stop; it’s a lifestyle where every sip sparks joy. Love this blend? Like and share—join me at Wine and Coffee Lovers International on www.sirjohn.us, where we chase the world’s best brews and vintages, one adventure at a time. #YouTube #WineLovers #ClearwaterFL
Monday, January 20, 2025
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
What to see and do while traveling the world starts with finding the perfect coffee shop and wine bar.
If you love traveling as we do, then be sure to check out our new affiliate links.
We use Expedia for booking flights, lodging, and cruises and love their services and hope you do as well.
We also love Viator for booking tours as they have a massive number all over the world and hope they'll serve you well also. We are also glad to be ambassadors to SafetyWing which is built to provide travel and health insurance for nomads. Check it out and see if it fits your needs.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Is Proffee, a blend of protein shake and coffee, a fad, or a trend
When you see these the first time at your local coffee bar, it will make you stop and wonder what it is. For coffee shops adopting it early they are seeing a big increase in sales.
Imagine getting your coffee for energy and your protein to rebuild all in one drink. It makes for the perfect combination to grab on the way to a gym. Many drink companies have adopted to this earlier such as coffee coke, just mentioning one. Social media has a way of instigating fads, but some of them like this one, just might be around long enough to be a trend. I hope to do more research on this and will post phots of places I can find this in Greece, where I am currently living, so be sure to check back later for more insights.
Also, be sure to follow this blog by subscribing by e-mail in the right side panel.
Saturday, August 21, 2021
French coffee house music video
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Coffee, the untold story from beginning to end
From Bean to Cup: the Battle Between Starbucks and Ethiopian Coffee Farmers
By: Selome Araya
Every day in the early hours of the morning, the farmers of the Oromia region head out to the coffee plantations in the Ethiopian highlands for a day’s work. Often walking barefoot for miles to arrive, the farmers use their bare hands to pick the coffee beans off of steep mountains in high altitudes and a blazing sun. For these farmers and their families, coffee farming is the only means to earn a living in one of the poorest countries in the world. They earn less than a dollar a day.
Halfway across the world, sleepy office workers line up at the Starbucks on 14th St. in New York City, ready to pay three dollars for their first jolt of caffeine. Starbucks, with over 11,000 stores worldwide and annual earnings of over $7 billion, receives much of its coffees from countries like Ethiopia.
Since its founding in 1985, the company has promoted fair trade as part of its corporate image. Starbucks has courted its politically correct customers with “Fair Trade” Ethiopian coffee in lovely cut out packaging. But the relationship between the corporation and the farmers is more complicated than it appears. Recently, there has been a growing controversy over whether or not Ethiopian farmers and the Ethiopian economy are receiving fair treatment from the multinational corporation. This debate has sparked a fervent campaign by fair trade organizations, workers’ unions, and the Ethiopian government, who are publicly challenging the ethics of the company.
Conducting Business Responsibly
Starbucks maintains that it enjoys a positive relationship with coffee farmers. With their “commitment to social responsibility”, Starbucks developed an integrated approach to coffee sourcing with C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices), a set of socially responsible coffee-buying guidelines. This sustainable strategy is said to improve working conditions for farmers, helping them earn more while protecting the environment.
Starbuck commits itself to paying premium prices for all of its coffee and attempts to purchase coffee that is certified as Fair Trade Coffee. “Starbucks global purchases of Fair Trade Certified coffee totaled 11.5 million pounds in fiscal 2005, making it the largest purchaser of Fair Trade Certified coffee in North America” the company stated in a brochure. “In addition to paying premium prices for all of our coffees, our investment in social development projects and providing access to affordable loans in coffee growing regions has been recognized for its leadership within the industry,” Starbucks said in a press release statement in October 2006.
Trademark Blocking
However, Ethiopian farmers believe they are receiving the short end of the stick in this relationship. While Starbucks continues to generate billions of dollars each year, Ethiopian farmers and their supporters believe that Starbucks does not wish to see them or their country, reap comparable profits.
Oxfam International, a British human rights organization, claims that Starbucks tried to block the Ethiopian governments’ attempt to trademark the names of coffees grown in its Harar, Yirgacheffe, and Sidamo regions, denying the impoverished country possible revenues of up to $80 million. The U.S. National Coffee Association (NCA) attempted to block trademark efforts, and Oxfam accused Starbucks of being behind these efforts. Although Starbucks denies this claim, Oxfam spokeswoman Jo Leadbetter says there is validity in their claim. “We have heard from a number of sources that actually Starbucks was involved in alerting the U.S. coffee association to block these applications and that it ‘stinks of corporate bullying,’” Leadbetter said.
According to Oxfam, for every cup of coffee sold at Starbucks, farmers in Ethiopia only early about $.03, receiving a very small portion of the profits that their coffee generates from consumers. “Ethiopian coffee farmers often collect about 10 percent of the profits from these coffees. The rest goes to the coffee industry players that can control the retail price, the international importers, distributors— and roasters like Starbucks,” Oxfam stated on its Make Trade Fair website. In response, OXFAM has launched a fair trade campaign to support farmers like the ones in the Ethiopian highlands. “Starbucks has engaged in some positive initial steps in helping coffee farmers living in poverty. I don’t understand why they won’t take the next step and come to the table to discuss Ethiopia’s proposal in good faith,” stated Seth Petchers, Oxfam America’s coffee program manager.
Ethiopia coffee industry
Ethiopia, known as the birthplace of Arabica coffee from its Kaffe region, depends on the production of coffee for its economy. Coffee production is so important to the agriculture-based Ethiopian economy that 50-60% of its export trade comes from coffee income. The industry employs one out of every four people. An estimated 15 million coffee farmers and their families depend on coffee for their survival.
Coffee is also a central element of Ethiopian culture, with traditions that date back to the 10th century, when the first tree was domesticated in the south-western highlands of the country. Coffee is so important to the daily routine of life in Ethiopia that “coffee ceremonies” happen daily throughout the country. A third of the national production is consumed domestically.
Starbucks’ potential impact on the Ethiopian market
Should Ethiopia be successful in trade marking its beans, it will enable the country to control the use of its beans in the market, giving its farmers a larger portion of the retail price. "Securing the trademark for its Sidamo, Harar and Yirgacheffe coffee beans could have allowed the country to increase its negotiation leverage through control of the names and ultimately (derive) a greater share of the retail price in the global market," Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The potential benefits for the Ethiopian market are enormous, according to Hailu Fitsum, the Second Secretary of Trade Investment at the Ethiopian Embassy. “When producers can grow and prosper by not only improving production and quality but also by building up the value of their intellectual property portfolios, then everybody in the coffee industry – including partners in retail and distribution as well as consumers – reap benefits.” Fitsum adds that in a case like Ethiopia’s, “Stronger negotiating power would enable millions of coffee farmers and traders to prosper and invest in the future of these fine coffees.”
Ethiopia’s Position
Tadesse Meskela, the representative for the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union in Ethiopia, agrees with Fitsum. According to Meskela, Starbucks sells the coffee for $14.00 per pound, but only pays $1.20 per pound, which does not even cover the cost of production.
However, Mr. Meskela explained that the coffee farmers’ issue is also with the World Trade Organization, not only with Starbucks. In a telephone interview, he said, “The WTO controls a huge amount of the profit trade and a change needs to be made in international trade laws. The price we [farmers] receive is very low and it’s lower because of unfair trade laws.”
Meskela is working hard to save his 74,000 impoverished coffee farmers, and he is on a mission to find buyers who are willing to pay a fair price for their coffee. Meskela is also the main character in Black Gold, a documentary that juxtaposes the experiences of the coffee farmers with that of the consumers who purchase the product on the other side of the world. “This film highlights the vulnerability of coffee farmers and the disconnect that exists between poor farmers and huge profits. Oxfam seeks to correct the imbalances of power at the root of unfair trade,” stated Petchers.
Starbucks’ Position
In response to Oxfam’s campaign, Starbucks has launched a counter-attack. “We have never filed an opposition to the Ethiopian government’s trademark application, nor claimed ownership to any regional names used to describe the origin of our coffees,” the company said. Dub Hay, Starbucks Senior Vice President of Coffee and Global Procurement told BBC radio, "We have not been involved in trying to block Ethiopia's attempts. We did not get the NCA involved; in fact it was the other way around. They were the ones who contacted us on this.”
While Starbucks denies being behind the trademark-blocking process, the company doesn’t think that trade marking is in the best interest of the farmers and the Ethiopian economy. “Were trademarks to be implemented -- roasters might shy away from buying the coffees for fear of becoming embroiled in complicated legal disputes. Or worse, they may buy the coffees and just market them without the trademarked names. Letting the high quality beans go to market without a geographic identification would completely undermine the value of the brand,” Starbucks said in a statement.
The Ethiopian government also asked Starbucks to sign an agreement that would enable Ethiopia to have ownership of its coffees. However, Starbucks refused to sign such an agreement, as the company believes that if Ethiopia were to trademark its products it would be excluding itself from the market. According to Hailu, this is grossly offensive. “The only way this statement could be accurate is if Ethiopia completely mismanages the trademarks once they have been acquired, and I would hope that Starbucks is not assuming that Ethiopia is not capable of managing the Intellectual Property assets related to one of its most important exports,” Hailu says.
As an alternative to trademarking products, Starbucks suggests the development of geographic certification programs. Through the certification programs, a country can be identified as the origin of a product. Starbucks says these systems are more effective than registering trademarks for geographically specific names, such as the regional names the Ethiopian government is trying to trademark. The trademark signifies the manufacturer of a good or product while certification identifies that the product meets quality product standards. Alain Poncelet, Starbucks’ head of Green Coffee Purchasing told Spiegel Online, the German online newspaper, that his company “is all for Ethiopia ‘protecting its regional names,’ just not through trademark.”
This position is not receiving much press, however. The company received over 70,000 phone calls and faxes from concerned consumers showing support for the farmers. But does such negative publicity have any affect on the house-hold name and billion dollar company? “Probably not,” says a Starbucks employee in New York City who spoke on condition of anonymity. “People are so hooked on coffee that they are not going to be affected by something that is happening so far away. The only people protesting Starbucks are a minority of activists. Everyone else just thinks about their own problems.” The employee also spoke highly of Starbucks treatment of its employees. “They treat their employees better than most corporate companies and they give a lot back to the community,” he said.
Power positioning
As Meskela pointed out, the struggle between the coffee farmers and Starbucks doesn’t just address the issue of trademark rights. It also highlights the way coffee farmers are almost entirely left out of the trading industry between governments and corporations. The issue addresses the reality that farmers in “developing” countries don’t have much bargaining power in the international trade sector.
Senait Assefa, a resident of New York from Ethiopia, believes that strengthening the position of coffee farmers in the international market should be the focus of the efforts, not Starbucks. “The coffee producers should band together to control the supply of coffee in the international market, thereby enabling themselves to dictate their own terms (similar to how oil producing countries manipulate the price of oil by reducing or increasing production & supply)”, said Assefa. However, Assefa admits that this might not work. “While oil is a resource only few countries are endowed with, almost anybody can grow coffee,” she added.
Although coffee is a crop that can grow in different regions, the high quality of Ethiopian coffee is what makes it so unique. As Ethiopian farmers continue to work hard to produce such fine quality coffee, their position in the international trade market is just beginning to receive worldwide attention, thanks to the tireless work of Meskela and others. While the battle to trademark their coffees continues, the coffee farmers are also left to struggle with trade laws that make them invisible in the chain of international players.
About the Author
(ArticlesBase SC #295718)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - From Bean to Cup: the Battle Between Starbucks and Ethiopian Coffee Farmers
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Novelist Johnny Ray's hunt fo the best coffee blog
Award Winning Novelist Johnny Ray's quest to find the best blogs and video promotions.
When it comes to coffee blogs which ones are you favorites? What does it take to become a great blog. What keeps you coming back? Today I will be surfing the web in the hunt for an answer. Please let me know what your thoughts are today. I will try to summarize all of the comments in a post in a few days. I have a list of my blogs here http://www.sirjoh.org/bloglist.
I'm also interested in blog videos as well. I love to know how people plan to brand their name or product to make it stand out.
Now, time for me to do some surfing, I hope you will help me on this web surfing Sunday.
Johnny Ray
Award Winning Novelist
Monday, February 15, 2010
Coffee shops
What I plan to discuss today is the various types that have been discovered recently. I want to know which new experiences you have discovered. I'm always on the hunt for a new more exotic brew.
Johnny Ray
http://www.sirjohn.org
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Why select organic coffee now
Organic Coffee Beans - Why You Should Make the Switch Now
Author: Damen Choy: the Coffee ExpertWe see a lot of organic coffee beans available in the market. Are they worth it? Here is a look at some of the reasons for making the switch to organic coffee beans.
The Future of Agriculture
From all indications, the future of agriculture lies with organic farming. For the consumer, this means healthier produce. Organic farmers make use of sustainable farming processes and avoid the use of dangerous chemical pesticides and fertilizers. These harmful substances are known carcinogens.
In order for produce to be certified as organic in the U.S., it must pass strict requirements by an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For organic coffee beans, these requirements include proof of being grown in an area that is proven to have no exposure to prohibited pesticides and chemicals for at least 3 years. Additional requirements for certification include a sustainable crop rotation plan which avoids soil depletion and pest control through non-chemical methods.
Try a New Organic Lifestyle
It's becoming easier these days to adopt an organic lifestyle, since organic products are now more common in the market. Your diet can now include all kinds of organic foods, from milk to meat to fruits and vegetables. There is no question that lowering your exposure to deadly chemicals and pesticides is vitally important to your health. It's only natural to make organic coffee beans part of your organic lifestyle.
Respect the Earth
Many farmers who grow organic coffee beans also make a commitment to protect the earth in other ways besides avoiding pesticides and chemicals. Many plant their coffee under trees in the rainforest, rather than clearing the trees. This helps preserve the diverse bird population that calls the rainforest home.
Are Organic Coffee Beans more Expensive?
If all the arguments for avoiding pesticides and helping to preserve the fragile rainforest haven't convinced you to buy organic coffee beans, you should give them a try because they taste great. You may think organic coffee beans are significantly more expensive, but this is not the case. You can find organic coffee with prices comparable to non-organic online and at many stores. You will feel good knowing that you are getting less exposure to harmful substances and helping to protect the planet at the same time.
Last but not the least, check if you are buying organic coffee beans from reputable third party. You want to be sure you're getting the real thing.
About the Author:Damen Choy, editor of Coffee Bean Direct Coffee-Bean-Direct.com provides timely information about the coffee market, as well as tips and ideas for coffee lovers and their friends, who can find great java-related gifts for the coffee enthusiasts in their lives. Visit bulk coffee bean to learn about the many benefits of buying coffee in bulk for yourself and your loved ones.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Organic Coffee Beans - Why You Should Make the Switch Now
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
It's all about the coffee bean.
Coffee Beans: A Guide for The Aspiring Gourmet
Author: Damian PapworthThere's more to drinking coffee than just walking into a shop and asking for a small, medium, or large cup of whatever the house blend is. The amount of time and effort it takes to grow and harvest coffee beans around the world deserves a little more respect from the average consumer, especially since the delicate taste you get has nothing to do with the barista at Starbucks, and more to do with faraway volcanic slopes and mountain ridges.
Yes, what really makes coffee taste great are the beans themselves, or the special regions in countries around the world where the weather gets together to create the perfect growing environment. To learn a little bit more about the world's different coffee producing regions, as well as the most popular beans, you needn't look any further than this handy guide, which will teach you how to make the best possible pot of coffee around just by learning which brands to select.
Sulawesi Toraja Kalossi
One of the most popular and rare varieties of Arabica coffee around, these coffee beans grow at extremely high altitudes on the island of Sulawesi. The coffee is full-bodied, slightly more acidic than the similar Sumatra blend, and known for its fruit and dark chocolate undertones. As far as Malaysian coffee goes, this is one of the finest beans coming out of the area, and it commands high prices.
Ethiopian Sidamo
Didn't know that one of the birthplaces of coffee was in Ethiopia? Well it was, where for hundreds of years, brewing the beans has been an important part of cultural and religious ceremony alike. Now, the different coffee producing regions in Ethiopia export their world-famous coffee, and no blend is quite as great as Ethiopian Sidamo, a single origin version of Arabica coffee grown in the Sidamo Province of Ethiopia. The beans themselves are small and grey in color, when unnroasted, but once prepared after the harvest, the flavor is unlike anything else. Deep, aromatic, and almost spicy, the coffee has a distinctive floral aroma and a taste that's not entirely different from fine red wine or dark chocolate.
Ethiopian Harrar
One of the oldest coffee beans used, Harrar coffee beans grow only in the eastern highlands of Ethiopia, and require sorting and processing done entirely by hand, due to the brittle nature of the bean. The bean itself is medium in size, but has a distinct flavor that most people compare to an expensive glass of fruity red wine. The aroma is equally pleasant, and Ethiopian Harrar beans are sold in many gourmet stores around the world.
Santos
Leave it to Brazil to make one of the most interesting coffee beans in the game. Instead of high acidity, like so many other varieties of Arabica coffee, this bean instead produces a light-bodied brew with surprisingly low acidity. The hot, humid climate in Brazil is what makes the beans so low in acidity, and the lower growing elevation means that harvests can be timed to when the fruit on the plant still smells sweet, which carries over into the beans once roasted.
It's important to realize how popular blends are within the world of coffee, too. Sometimes, one of these beans tastes even better if it's offset with another, perhaps one that compliments that aroma or allows for more complex undertones of flavor. Mixing beans to produce the perfect cup of coffee is nothing new, and if you're looking to really get into the intricate world of coffee beans and their distinctive flavors, go ahead and get a bean grinder, and start the experimentation process at home.
Regardless of how or where you're shopping for your coffee, please take a moment to consider whether or not it is fair-trade. The world of coffee harvesting is tough stuff, and most of the people who do it never receive proper financial credit for the amount of time and effort they put in. With different fair-trade companies around the world, many of which are easy to buy (just walk into Whole Foods or Trader Joes and ask), it makes giving credit where credit is due a whole lot easier of a task.
About the Author:Damian Papworth recently tried an 8 cup coffee maker. It was an excellent way to end his dinner party. As such, he launched the One Cup Coffee Makers website.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Coffee Beans: A Guide for The Aspiring Gourmet
Monday, September 7, 2009
Discovering new places to drink coffee is one of life's greatest pleasures.
I made the trip to a festival near St.Pete the other day and loved to stop at all of the coffee shops. Yes, I drink lots of coffee. I especially like to be where they roast their own coffee. The small coffee shops have major competition in sheer numbers from the major houses, but it is the extra love they place in the cup that makes the difference. So, long live the small local coffee shop.
Johnny Ray
Friday, August 14, 2009
Half Hout Meals
I hope you enjoy it.Johnny Ray
Monday, August 3, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
World Garden Coffee
World Garden sends a portion of their revenue to feed the children around the world that need help. A portion of their coffee sales also go to improve the coffee farmer’s quality of life. They also provide a portion of their dessert sales to support local abuse/neglect shelters.
Knowing that you have such great owners that do the right thing makes you feel good in ordering from them. Their web site is https://www.worldgardensalads.com/Home_Page.html
And their address is
World Garden
2905 S. Walton Blvd
Metro Market, Suite 29
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-715-0535
Their coffee is fantastic. They know exactly how to roast the beans to bring out the oils giving it the full rich body taste you would expect in an espresso but with no burnt after taste. I have prepared the coffee many ways and it has not disappointed me yet. I prefer a dark deep espresso prepared Italian style on the stove and it is fantastic. Cuban style is also perfect with great foam. First thing this morning, the French press got me going. Yes, I drink a lot of coffee.
The coffee has a clean brisk taste with a slight aroma of chocolate. I can tell the caffeine is not too strong which is what you would expect of a dark roast. One of the ways you can tell it is a good organic coffee is the lack of an after taste that can ruin a good cup of coffee. This coffee is good—very good.
So, for great coffee and food the trip to this coffee shop is worth it. While I saw nothing on the site about shipping coffee, I think if you call the owner something can be worked out.
Johnny Ray
http://www.sirjohn.org/bloglist
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Mistakes many coffee lovers learn to watch for
For those that don't think it will happen to them, here is a list of the most common mistakes made at coffee shops. However, what is your experience?
Johnny Ray
http://www.sirjohn.org/bloglist
10 Common Mistakes Made In A Coffee House
Author: Gabriel Adams
The barista gives you the wrong drink.
This happens more than most people know especially during peak times. Imagine getting in your car after picking up a delicious mocha and heading in to work on your normal commute. Then feeling a bit tired and a little bored; you reach for that steaming hot cup of joe. You expect to be treated by a warm chocolate goodness but instead it takes like pumpkin. Even worse you do not like pumpkin. What a let down! If you turn around and go back and face that long line again you will be late for work. So you decide you will just try to drink as much of the drink as you can. Baristas often get in a hurry and give you the wrong drink or does not properly hear what beverage to make. This made one person in Georgia so upset; that in a few months he opened his own shop with a commitment to ensure that you always get what you order.
I ordered decaf why do I have the jitters?
This is one of the most widespread mistakes that baristas will admit they may have made on numerous occasions. If caffeine bothers your systems or affects you adverse be sure you watch the barista make your beverage. It is okay to ask when they hand you the drink this is decaf right?
I am a diabetic but I ordered sugar free right?
This mistake is not made a lot. But places where you can watch your hot and tasty beverage being made it is a good idea to keep an eye on the barista making your coffee.
Most all baristas surveyed said they may have made that mistake before but on rare occasions.
Your hot beverage is handed to you cold!
This may seem funny to you but almost all barista's surveyed said they have done this at least once. So when you are expecting a hot beverage to be hot and it's cold it is a different kind of wake up call.
My drink taste sweet but where the espresso?
For whatever reason most all baristas admit that on several occasions that they forgot to put the espresso in your beverage. Sure you still may have what is commonly called a steamer (steamed milk and syrup) but it is not the same. The espresso especially the caffeinated version is what many of us need to get to a great start to our day.
OOPS, the lid popped off and my white shirt is ruined!
Most all baristas insist they always put the lid on correctly. However I have been in many coffee shops where the lid pops off and coffee splashes all over a white dress or white shirt. This has all the makings of a very bad day.
My drink does not taste right.
Many baristas even at the same store makes drinks differently. This occurs even if there are strict guidelines at the store for consistency. A little less white chocolate in a 16oz drink has a totally different taste then a drink with the normal amount.
Too Strong!
Some barista put so much espresso in a drink it's like drinking out of a burnt tar pit. This is also caused by cheap, spoiled or over-roasted espresso. Make sure if you do not like how the drink taste to tell the barista.
Wrong Milk
The barista know I always order a vanilla soy latte. However today I take a sip and its half and half. This drink is known as a breve latte. It's almost a complete 180 from soy. This also can really set a bad tone for your day.
What's that in my coffee?
To me there nothing worse than ordering a brewed coffee to find out that it is full of grinds. This is usually caused when pressure and steamed has caused the filter in the brew basket to flip during the brewing process. Most good barista always check this. However almost all barista's surveyed said this has happened to them.
Get more control of your java like the guy in Georgia did. You might want to open your own shop. One of the best places to review coffee shop franchises is at Coffee Franchise Reviews (http://coffeefranchisereviews.com). If you open up your own shop just don't put grounds in anyones coffee.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 10 Common Mistakes Made In A Coffee House
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Bad Coffee
For someone that loves coffee the thoughts of drinking bad coffee is not a pleasant thought. It is like a wine lover drinking wine that has turned to vinegar. So, I thought it would be interesting to start a discussion on what makes a bad cup of coffee.
1) bad beans. Coffee beans are grown in many regions and some are worst than others. The picking of the bean at the wrong time can add to it greatly. the way the bean is handled and processed can also add to it as well as the wrong roasting process. Each bean has to be handled differently. But, for the consumer we simply purchased the wrong bean.
2)old beans Yes, beans go bad , especially if it has been stored for a while and is already ground. Usually a good smell will confirm how fresh it is. If bad throw away.
3)Wrong process) If you are using a French press and use the wrong grind, you will definitely know it for example. Or espresso in a drip machine for another example.
4)the coffee machine is not clean. This is so bad it is hard to talk about. Keep the machines clean.
5)coffee left on the stove for ever) Yes, people do this. Check to see when it was made before you pour.
6)Bad water) In some areas of the country the water out of the tap is terrible. It sure does not belong mixing with an eloquent coffee.
I am sure there are many more ways of screwing up God's gift of the perfect cup of coffee. So, the floor, or excuse me the site is open for your comments on how to avoid making bad coffee. Examples you want to share are welcome.
Johnny Ray
http://www.sirjohn.org/bloglist
Monday, July 20, 2009
What is it about Monday mornings and coffee? Just another day--right? Wrong! On Monday the whole week is depending on what you get done--like now. How does work pile up over the weekend? Why do all customers and clients want to be the first in line? Why oh Why?
And on Monday . . . well many people need a holiday to recover from the weekend to begin with. You know what I'm talking about: that nice little bike ride that turned into a marathon, the football game with friends that you thought like you until they smashed you while you were not looking. Or perhaps it was the honey do list that did you in. In any case, it is Monday and time to face the challenges ahead.
And to me the ultimate crime is becoming so busy that the coffee goes cold. There is nothing worst than cold coffee. Especially if there is nothing more available. You could heat it in the microwave, but yuck!
Having a coffee pot next to your desk is a very smart move. Having an espresso machine next to you even better. Yes, working for home is fantastic. I could just imagine having my espresso machine singing as I steam some milk or, for heaven forbid, grind some fresh coffee in an office full of people.
So, let me ask you how many cups do you drink on Monday before you tackle work? What is your favorite Monday brew?
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If you drink enough coffee a few of the common errors made at coffee shops are easy to spot. For those that don't think it will happen t...
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Proffee is popping up all over social media such as TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest. I know many are thinking, what the heck is a Proffe...
