Blogs
Fad or Legitimate Coffee Category?
While in Seattle, Washington for the Re:co Symposium and Specialty Coffee Association Expo last month, I toured two coffee shops — two radically different coffee shops: Starbucks’ new Reserve store and Bulletproof’s newest café.
Bad Reporting = Wrong Coffee Consumption Message
I planned to write about the Re:co Symposium and SCA Expo, both of which I attended last week in Seattle, Washington, until I came across this headline in a local newspaper: “Kids and coffee: The true price of caffeine.”
Prop 65 Ruling Causes Confusion and Fear
On 29 March, a judge in California issued a proposed ruling against the coffee industry in a long-standing case involving the state’s Proposition 65, potentially leading to coffee carrying “cancer warning” labels.
Growing Desire for Functional Coffee
As spring rolls in (although almost unnoticed given the number of snowstorms in the US on the actual first day of spring), consumers start thinking about “form and function.”
Coffee and Chocolate: A Perfect Pairing
I had the opportunity to attend the Barista Guild of America’s Bloom Event that took place in Providence, Rhode Island on 6 March.
Tea’s “Cheesy” New Topping
While not an avid tea drinker, I am a purist – I do not add any milk or sugar to my tea – nor do I like boba (bubble) teas so learning about the latest tea trend – cheese teas – caused me to cringe.
Coffee, The New Romantic Gift?
As I am writing this on Valentine’s Day – the holiday of love and romance – I’m reminded of an unusual, yet fascinating study on global coffee and travel habits of frequent travellers.
Twists on Traditional Afternoon Teas
I previously mentioned that I started the new year in New Orleans. While in the city, one of my favourite things to do is have afternoon tea at Le Salon at the Windsor Court Hotel, particularly during the Christmas holidays when it is festively decorated.
Not Such a Winter Wonderland This Year…
I love wintertime — the cold and snow (but not the wind), wearing my ridiculously warm hat, boots, colourful scarves, and a coat that makes me look like an Eskimo or the Michelin woman, as well as the excuse to over use my French Press making coffee all day long.
Coffee Fuels Fitness (Yeah!)
I am still in “holiday” mode (hence my holiday-themed headshot) because as I write this, Christmas decorations are still ubiquitous in my current – albeit temporary – suburban location.
The Joy (and Key Tactic) of the Season Is…Sampling
Christmastime is my favourite time of year, and it has nothing to do with gifts. The chill in the air, the lights and decorations, the holiday pop-up stores, the many seasonal events, and of course, the food and festive beverages, I enjoy it all!
SCA Acknowledges Mistakes and is Working to Improve
I’m not one to beat the proverbial “dead horse,” but sometimes coverage of a specific topic bears repeating, or follow up in this case.
Deferment Policy Creates Disappointment and Uncertainty
I was going to discuss aspects of Sintercafé (9-12 November), this week as I have just returned, but during the conference the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) released its long-awaited decision regarding the World Championships in Dubai in 2018.
An Educating and Enlightening Experience in Brazil
I know in my previous blog I said I would discuss Host Milan in my next blog, but I’ll have to cover it another time as I must talk about my recent trip – my first – to Brazil.