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 hav ejust found the most amazing site I wanted to share with everyone Half Hour Meals I hope you enjoy it.
Johnny Ray

Thursday, July 30, 2009

World Garden Coffee

With only a few coffee roasters in North West Arkansas, World Garden is raising the bar on what a great coffee establishment should be. Not only do they roast 100% organic Arabica beans but they support the coffee farmers by engaging in Fairtrade. Their beans come from 18 origins and results in many different flavors. If you think you are a coffee connoisseur then try to identify them at one of their competitions. Yes, that sounds like a lot of fun to me.

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

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 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.

About the Author:
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

Sometimes learning to make great coffee is learning how to avoid making 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

Monday morning coffee

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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