This has been a year of change on Arizona Coffee. In all of that, one thing remains consistent. The coffee scene in Arizona is maturing. There’s still a long ways to go however and in 2008 I have the following 3 goals for this web site. Increase efforts to attract readers, especially consumers of coffee. This will help us balance our strong showing of industry professionals. This means getting posters, business cards, and other collateral pieces in the hands of coffee shops. Start a Readers Voice Awards Program. This will be a way for Arizona Coffee to get both press attention on an annual basis and award coffee shops in Arizona for excellence. We’ll create several categories and readers will have a chance to vote online. Example categories will include: “Best Latte,” “Best Mocha,” “Best Latte Art,” and others. The votes will be tallied and certificates presented to each coffee house which will be framed for display. Solid Content: More reviews, more interviews, more focus on readers and building community. It’s easy to look at the archives and say “it’s all been done” but the truth is harder: It’s all about the coffee and the people NOW. I’m hoping to interview more baristas and those influencing coffee in AZ (especially those with significant experience). What would you like to see on Arizona Coffee in 2008?
Victor In addition to Best Latte, Mocha and Latte Art, it would be nice to see a Best Espresso category. Truly great espresso is the most difficult to make, and if a cafe can make it consistently, then they are most likely truly a great cafe. 0 Reply December 29, 2007
Chris Tingom That’s a good idea Victor. I can see having quite a number of criteria. 0 Reply December 29, 2007
Chris Tingom I’ll come up with a partial list and we can perhaps get some feedback using a poll. 0 Reply December 29, 2007
Vinney “Truly great espresso is the most difficult to make, and if a cafe can make it consistently, then they are most likely truly a great cafe.” I couldn’t agree more. If Arizona cafes focused more on espresso, more customers would become enlightened to what coffee Nirvana is all about. 0 Reply December 29, 2007
