I think I’m supposed to say something about National Coffee Day. Isn’t every day a coffee day? Why today? What makes today special?
Why not a Monday morning? One of those days when it’s raining, you left the windows open on your car last night, and you have a 8:00 am meeting and woke up late. That’s a coffee day.
And, if it were that significant, Google would have a custom logo — and they do not.
Calling all Arizona baristas: show us your best latte artwork.
Send in a photo, and I’ll do a post here sharing all of them. This isn’t a competition, just a fun show-and-tell experience. If it works out, maybe we’ll have an online contest for Arizona baristas in the future.
Send your best latte art photo to chris@arizonacoffee.com (or tweet it to @arizonacoffee or post on the Arizona Coffee Facebook wall) and include any notes, your name, and where you work.
Arizona Coffee sponsor Service Associates is hiring in Tucson and Phoenix. They’re looking for service techs to install and repair coffee and espresso equipment. Get in touch if you are interested, and ask for Stephen Bourque.
What do you think? Will adding beer make Cartel Coffee Lab a better place? Apparently they rented the suite next door to the Tempe location so they’ll have more room (that’s cool).
Considering I live in Arizona, I’m amazed I have never seen a latte art indian chief design before. Check out this YouTube clip showing some examples. Here is another clip with some additional details.
Check out brewmethods.com, it’s a simple site devoted to sharing links to cool coffee brewing methods.
What makes a great coffee shop interior? Is it ambiance, quality furnishings, noise-level, cleanliness? Or something else?
What is most important to you?
Also, for those companies and individuals that specialize in interior design / architecture / exterior signage – feel free to leave a constructive comment along with your contact information. Maybe this post can become a resource for those in Arizona who are looking for someone to help them design their coffee shop.
The Coffee Plantation has opened a new location in Scottsdale. They had their grand opening party on September 16th.
The new location is on the corner of Mountain View Rd. and Via Linda, in Scottsdale. They have a few photos up on Facebook.
This is the third location for the new owner of The Coffee Plantation. They have a store on Shea and Scottsdale as well as one on Frank Lloyd Wright.
On my way to the office on Thursday morning I stopped at Lux to have a cappuccino and experience the new shop. Just about a month ago is when Lux moved from their old location a few feet away to the larger and more expansive building next door.
My first impressions when entering was that the shop was amazingly detailed inside. It is apparent that a lot of attention and care has been invested into every corner of the store.
It’s unlike any other coffee shop I have ever visited.
My cappuccino was dry (the foam was airy), and that’s not how I like mine (To me, it seems like a waste of a perfect chance to make some frothy, creamy milk). But, I did enjoy a shot of espresso, thanks to ​Jeff Fischer, which was delicious.
Reading this top 5 list… the comments were interesting. One commenter claims that Lux has the most “hipster” baristas, and thus to avoid it.
Which coffee shop has the most hipster baristas? And, do you avoid it for that reason? I also asked on Twitter.
On October 21st Urban Beans will be hosting a latte art throwdown at their store. The event is being organized by Daniel Suh and more information will be posted as it becomes available.
The event begins at 7 pm.
Urban Beans
3508 N. 7th Street
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: (602) 595-2244
Twitter: @urbanbeans
Here is a video I shot on Friday night at the grand opening of Cartel Coffee Lab – Old Town Scottsdale put to some old ragtime silent movie music.
Cartel Coffee Lab Scottsdale
7124 E 5th Avenue
Scottsdale 85251
I found this great video from the SWLAC featuring Steve Kraus (of Press Coffee Roasters) explaining the difficulties in pouring latte art. Several valley baristas make appearances.
Video credit: Angela Muniz
A couple of photos from the Cartel Coffee Lab Scottsdale grand opening party, held last night. It was a good time with lots of food and coffee – I’m guessing over 100 people were there. In case you missed the news, Cartel Coffee Lab has taken over the old Sola Coffee Bar which was in the same building.
Joe Johnston has a new coffee concept that is sure to be controversial. Think raw food meets coffee. I always love a nice joke.
