CafeList Blog - Coffee/Tea News, Events, Resources

2009-05-27T21:56:00.000-04:00

ATTENTION HOT CHOCOLATE LOVERS!!

2008-12-06T16:55:00.000-05:00

I had the divine privilege of experiencing the most amazing cup-o-hot chocolate EVER!!

Was a typical chilly night in NYC yesterday. I was down in Chelsea shopping for portfolio supplies and got a craving for hot chocolate. I've had some good ones in my days...For example, Jacques Torres in TriBeCa or even Dabid Burke...but I wasn't near wither one so I was gonna just play it easy and head to Starbucks on 23rd and Park Ave South.

On my way I walked past the City bakery at 3 West 18th Street and thought...Hey, they have amazing iced coffee in the summer...lemme see if they have hot chocolate. Sure enough, they have hand-crafted hot chocolate towards the back that they make to order right in front of you, complete with a over-sized homemade marshmallow.

It was divinely decadent!! Thick, rich and PURE chocolate and cream!! You're gonna want to get a large but trust me, a small is more than enough.

The City bakery will be having a HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL beginning February 1st that will last the entire month. Each day, you can experience flavors like: Ginger, Black Pepper, Lemon, Banana Peel, even BEER!

Go, GO NOW and get yours

On the web: http://www.hot-chocolate-festival.com/

Starbucks Honey Latte: Opinions??

2008-03-13T10:47:00.000-04:00

I always wondered if it was acceptable to put honey in coffee? I always thought it would be a good alternative to sugar. I would ask people only to get a weird look.

I can't believe now Starbucks is carrying a honey latte. I coulda' been rich! haha

Has anyone had a chance to try it yet? I had a few and find that I'm not really impressed. It's very similar to a Holiday Gingerbread taste and the actual honey floats to the top like olive oil...My advice, keep that lid on when drinking,

Starbucks described the honey latte as: a blend of honey and a touch of warm spice flavors combined with espresso and freshly steamed milk. Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of pure, golden honey.

I wonder Starbucks will think of next? Perhaps, maple or brown sugar?

New Product Review: Delonghi Latissima Espresso Machine

2007-11-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

For the ultimate lattes and cappuccinos at the touch of a button, this state-of-the-art espresso maker combines Nespresso’s renowned capsule brewing system with DeLonghi’s patented milk frothing technology. Just pop in a capsule and select your favorite coffee beverage.

One of the many perks of being a Williams-Sonoma associate is you get you use all the fun, new machine and let me tell you...This is definately something you'll want to find under the tree this year.

This new kid on the block features a 19-bar pressure pump and automatic cleaning system. What the heck does that mean you ask? Well, the bars of pressure are what extracts the coffee from the bean and creates that beautiful "crema" on your espresso. Other houshold espresso machines only have 15 bars of pressure. The Latissima is the only one on the market with restaurant-quality pressure.

Works exclusively with Nespresso’s premium coffee capsules.
Includes a 17-oz.-cap. milk pitcher.
40-oz. cap.; 13" x 8" x 10 1/4" high.

Visit www.williams-sonoma.com to pick up yours.

Coffee Medium Rare

2007-06-06T13:29:00.000-04:00

We all know how versatile coffee can be. We find it in our cups, our coffee, even in most deserts but on the grill?

That's right! Williams-Sonoma has introduded a Coffee and Spice Rub to perk up yoru summer BBQs. Applied just before grilling, this steak rub creates a light crust that's sure to make your mouth water. Finely ground dark-roasted espresso beans, smoky chipotle peppers, premium herbs and spices, and a touch of brown sugar infuse the rub with real fireside flavor – and bring out your steak’s savory best.

This 4 oz. can sells for $9 and can be purchased onlne at www.Williams-Sonoma.com

free-hotspot.com inks cafe deal

2006-11-17T10:44:00.000-05:00

free-hotspot.com has announced its collaboration with “Bert’s Café Contemporain”.

This chain of high-end self-service restaurants will now provide FREE Wi-Fi access to meet the needs of their trendy urban consumers.

Established in 2002, “Bert’s Contemporary Cafés” offer a truly sophisticated eating experience, providing nutritious and wholesome food in a refined setting. “Thanks to free-hotspot.com, we can bring a new service to respond to the needs of our clients keen to connect to their professional environment or the rest of the world,” said François Caffray, Marketing Project Manager for Bert’s. From now on the company also recommends that its franchises adopt the service of free-hotspot.com in all of its outlets.

“We are pleased to be associated with “Bert’s Café Contemporain”, a chain of restaurants known for its quality, innovation and creativity,” said Joe Brunoli, Vice President HotSpot Market Development for free-hotspot.com. “The adoption of our services by a marketing-savvy group attests to the fact that our FREE HotSpot programme builds customer loyalty while attracting more customers.”

Source: Internet Travel News

The Perfect Cup of Coffee

2006-10-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

Ok kids...this is m first post so listen up...haha j/k

Alot of people I know seem to always store their coffee incorrectly (my roomate being one of them). The second a coffee bean has finished roasting, time, temperature, and the air around us work against it to compromise its quality; a perfect bean becomes less so with every passing hour, losing flavor and character the longer it’s stored.

The purchase date of your coffee isn’t nearly as important as the roasting date, so when buying coffee, look to be sure it was recently roasted. Jerry recommends buying beans in small quantities to prevent them from sitting for too long in storage. Many people will tell you to put your coffee in the refrigerator but when I was employed at Starbucks, they said just the opposite. I would suggest keeping it in an air-tight container in a dark spot (such as a cabinet) and be sure you kep it away from dampness. Coffee beans have a shelf live of about 6 months after they are roasted and about a life span of about two weeks once ground.

To achieve the freshest flavor, grind your coffee just before you brew it. Small grinders are inexpensive and easy to find—just be sure to wipe them out with a paper towel after each use. When grinding the beans, gently rotate the grinder to ensure that the beans are evenly ground.

Using the best water available is essential when making coffee; if your tap water has an unpleasant taste, you can purchase a purifying filter. One problem inherent in many coffeemakers is that the temperature of the water isn’t hot enough when it pours over the ground beans; what results is a blander, far less interesting brew. For best results, I recommend using a French press, instead of an electric coffeemaker.

In a kettle, bring water to a boil, then let it stand for about a minute. Use two level tablespoons of ground coffee for each six ounces of water, or two ounces per quart. (Follow the same instructions if you’re brewing decaffeinated coffee, but increase the ratio slightly to enhance the flavor. If the brewed coffee is too strong, you can add a bit more water to dilute it.) Place the coffee in the press pot, and pour the water over it. If it bubbles, this is another sign of its freshness; fresh coffee releases gas as it comes into contact with hot water, a process called blooming. Gently slosh the water in the pot to saturate all the grounds, and allow them to steep for two to three minutes. Carefully push the press pot’s top (which contains the filter) to the bottom of the pot, and pour the coffee into heated mugs.

That my friend's is your way to the perfect cup of coffee. =)

Coffeehouses are 21st century malt shops

2006-10-16T17:11:00.000-04:00

Jack Vaughn munched on a ham sandwich and sipped a café latte Monday afternoon at Java Jaay coffee shop on Sixth Avenue Southeast.

Vaughn, who moved to Decatur in April, lives only five minutes from Java Jaay, which offers books, meeting rooms, wireless Internet and cozy corners with couches. The coffee aroma-filled café has become his second home.

"You walk in the door, they call you by name," he said. "These are the only people who call me Jack."

Along with other Java Jaay franchises, several other area coffee shops have sprung up in the past five years, as the trend has spread from coffee-obsessed Seattle to northern Alabama. The coffee shop culture is fueled by consumers like Vaughn who love going somewhere — other than on a TV set in Boston — where everybody knows your name.

The trend is so strong that from 1999 to 2004, the number of coffeehouses nationwide increased from 12,000 to 19,000, according to the New York-based National Coffee Association. The NCA has tracked detailed coffee consumption statistics for more than 50 years.

Source: The Decatur Daily

Early or latte, cafe can be workplace

2006-10-13T17:59:00.000-04:00

A news article discusses how today, all you need to create a workplace is a cup of Joe and an Internet connection. And of course your neighborhood provides the perfect solution. The articles further states "Fitness trainer Terrence Thomas, 32, regularly stakes out a spot in Borders, or Starbucks. On this day, Thomas wears his polo shirt emblazoned with his company logo, a free billboard for his upstart business. He checks his e-mail, zips off a few, too. His new office in Hallandale Beach will be ready soon. In the meantime, the Aventura Borders suits him fine.

"I’ll probably come here even when I have an office," Thomas said. "You know, for a change of pace."

Could this be a new avenue for business incubators? I think it's definately something to look into. I know many freelancers who chooses the local coffee house for their office or at least to meet clients for lack of one.

What are your thoughts?

Get a teamaker & teashirt

2006-09-15T17:35:00.000-04:00

I just stumbled upon this very cool looking tea brewer and cover made by eva solo. I really like it and would purchase it just because it looks different.

They even have a video presentation.

Would you like Intel with your latte?

2006-09-14T17:08:00.000-04:00

Elitegroup Computer System Co yesterday said that it will start supplying motherboards to chip giant Intel Corp in a deal designed to tap into China's massive Internet cafe market. "Intel has chosen us to supply motherboards. The deal is simple as Intel wants a supplier with ample supplies to forge a long-term relationship," said an Elitegroup official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The paper quoted industry sources who said that because rival AMD's processors have acquired a 70 percent share of China's Internet cafe market, Intel is now aggressively striving to make up lost ground and increase its share to at least 50 percent. Intel has been pushing its Platform Administration Technology, which is a platform solution for small-sized and medium-sized network environments such as Internet cafes. It hopes its solution will become the standard platform for Internet cafes in China. But instead of using its own brand of motherboards this time, Intel has opted to use products made by Elitegroup to lower costs and boost competitiveness,

From Taipei Times

Coffee shop adds art to menu

2006-09-01T13:32:00.000-04:00

The coffee shop that claims to put the universe on University Avenue is coming down to Earth for an art show.

Mars Cafe will hold an art opening tonight featuring three local artists. The show will showcase the artists and their work, said Kari Heath, assistant manager for the cafe at 2318 University Ave.

"It's a young, hip group," said Heath, describing the artists.

Mars Cafe opened this spring just a stone's throw from Drake University. Every Friday, the coffee shop and wine bar holds a wine and beer tasting.

But every four to six weeks, the event also allows people to sample some art. Phil James, co-owner of the business, has said he's looking for events that will set Mars Cafe apart from other coffee shops.

Continue...

Coffee, Tea or Me?

2006-08-30T18:10:00.000-04:00

I found an interesting article that was the cover story for the latest issue of Radar.

It starts with "Every woman I know has a crush on her coffee guy", then goes into detail about women who in infactuated with the guy who makes theire latte. It also gives 9 tips on how to get him. They are:

1. Make eyes CBD barista Tristan Chan recommends lingering eye contact with minimal conversation: "It's very intriguing."

2. Know your coffee Don’t order a skim soy decaf cappuccino with extra froth and no chocolate. It screams indecisiveness.

3. Down time Come in when the barista's not busy — usually mid- afternoon.

4. Less is more. Surry Hills barista Cameron recommends walking into the cafe wearing nothing but a trench coat, or to bring in photos of you in lingerie with a phone number on the back: "I would like to see that happen more often."

5. Love hearts The love heart on top of your coffee is always good fuel for jokes. "If you’re interested, make a little jest about it and if the barista wants, he can continue it on," suggests Ed Cutcliffe.

6. Be cool. Psychologist Alex Jenkins advises against coming on too strong. "If baristas had a lot of people gushing over them, playing hard to get would be more irresistible."

If anything, take advantage of your power as the customer by waiting for them to initiate conversation.

7. Be a regular. Baristas love routine and will more likely remember you if you come in at the same time every day.

8. Be strategic. Go with a friend and have a loud conversation about where you're going that night. 'But don't ask him what time he finishes unless you’re sure he’s interested,' Ed recommends.

9. Don't cross the line. The thrill of the crush lies in the possibility of something happening, not in the certainty that it won't.

Anamorphic Cups

2006-08-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

These anamorphic cups from Lazybones UK create an interesting design opportunity. The abstract word on the saucer is only legible in the mirrored surface of the accompanying cup—and you can have them custom made with the word or logo of your choice.

These are pretty cool to have in a cafe. Add a bit of randomness to the brew.

Kudos to Graphic Design Bar

CRD shih tzu'd dog coffee shop

2006-08-28T13:56:00.000-04:00

Only a day after its grand opening Aug. 1, Pup N Cup Doggie Boutique Cafe, a dog and human-friendly kibble and coffee-shop on Hillside Avenue, shut its doors to its two-footed customers.

Pup N Cup would serve humans a caffeine fix and their leashed companions treats, dog food, toys and high canine fashion in the same cafe but for the misfortune that would befall cafe owners James Luker and Dean Schwind.

Thanks to publicity from the grand opening, the two received a visit the next day from Maxine Marchenski, senior environmental health officer with the Vancouver Island Health Authority. They say that Marchenski told them they'd be shut down for possible health hazards and that other people had tried the same idea before and failed.

"Right off the hop, they not only sent a health inspector but they sent a senior health inspector," saud Luker, who has owned and operated second-hand stores and restaurants. "We're feeling picked on as a result because the story gets worse."

On Aug. 3 the two men received a phone call from the city explaining that their business licence had been revoked. They had filled out their business application online and outlined the nature of their business idea in the appropriate box.

"We told them exactly what we were going to do. We told them we were going to offer dog services, we were going to be a dog store, we were a doggy boutique specializing in high-end clothing, foods, that kind of thing for dogs and coffee for humans," Luker said. "And that's what we put on our application."

Source

New shop serves up unique coffee, tea

2006-08-23T18:01:00.000-04:00

ohn Currie could tell you the name of his top-secret roaster. But then he'd have to shoot you.

That they live in North Carolina is about as much as you get out of him. Drawn to his custom-roasted coffee, employees of nearby businesses and day spa visitors have formed a solid, if confined, customer base for J. Currie Coffee & Tea, 522-B Broadway St., Myrtle Beach.

"Oh no," said the longtime Myrtle Beach local, laughing. "I don't want anyone else to start using him."

With a scant 264 square feet in his shop, Currie began offering takeout lunch about two weeks ago.

In addition to his custom private-label coffee blends and imported teas, Currie offers sandwiches stuffed with cranberry-parsley-pecan-spiked chicken salad or shrimp salad. He also has a club, a grilled three-cheese trio, and a vegetarian. He even bakes Toll House chocolate chip cookies. All have chic names - the "Downtown" and the "Broadway" are among them - and the business has steadily become a local standby in the rebuilt section of Broadway Street often called "Historic Downtown Myrtle Beach."

Source: The Sun News

Internet Cafe Franchises - More Than Froth

2006-08-01T15:07:00.000-04:00

Investing in an Internet cafe franchise could prove an extremely wise business move.

Over the past decade the Internet has become an integral part of most people's lives with easy and affordable access, wherever they are a necessity for many. That's why investing in an Internet cafe franchise could prove an extremely wise business move.

For over ten years the Internet cafe industry has flourished as more and more people look to get online while stopping for a coffee or meeting friends for lunch.

But while it may be a well-established industry, it is by no means without new possibilities. Indeed the constant launching of new Internet services, such as online banking, shopping and gaming, means there is an ever greater demand for Internet access wherever and whenever.

With no set rules on how to start up and run an Internet cafe, there are many options to consider. An Internet cafe can focus on serving good food and drink, and simply have a few PCs in the corner for visitors to check their email, or it can concentrate solely on web-based gaming, providing users with powerful computers and graphic cards as well as all the latest gaming software for a small fee per hour of use.

The most important thing is to provide the right atmosphere, equipment or food to cater for a specific audience, whether it be corporate coffee drinkers keeping on top of their emails, students using chat rooms while catching up on homework, or gaming fanatics eager to take part in the latest web-based adventures.

Potential franchisees should make sure they conduct some thorough and extensive research into the franchise opportunities available in their chosen area and do some work to determine whether there is a market for their preferred type of Internet cafe.

In order to run a flourishing Internet cafe business in today's world, entrepreneurs must be able to implement ideas that will set them apart from the competition, whilst also maintaining the principle objective of providing easy, affordable access to the web.

The advantage of going the franchise way is that franchisees will purchase a trademark and a proven business model, allowing them to concentrate on the smaller but potentially more important aspects of the business, such as making sure the customers are satisfied.

They also acquire the expertise of the franchiser's organization, both commercial and technical, allowing even the least technologically literate to get into the business. Assistance and support will include marketing and management help, but it may also include full technical support such as troubleshooting, 24-hour emergency support and equipment maintenance and upgrades.

One of the disadvantages of entering a franchise Internet cafe business is that the franchise fee could be rather considerable. Computers and Internet software do not come cheap and for franchises that serve food and drink as well there will be extra costs.

But with an Internet cafe business sure to perform well, the returns could soon cover the initial start-up costs.

One other disadvantage is that franchisees have to follow the franchise rules in order to continue using the franchise brand. This may be a down side for the more creative and aspiring business minds, but it could equally prove advantageous for those looking for a structured set of rules to follow.

To stay at the top in the Internet cafe franchises business requires dedication, perseverance, and a clean vision. Starting a cafe hub is easy, but what is rather more difficult to maintain is its ongoing popularity. But by offering the customers a friendly atmosphere in which to mix both business and pleasure, franchisees could soon find themselves running a very successful and lucrative business.

Source: Franchise UK

Jackie Chan To Visit The Philippines To Promote Coffee Shop

2006-08-01T15:04:00.000-04:00

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Martial arts superstar Jackie Chan will arrive Friday in Manila, Philippines, in an effort to attract investors for a coffee shop that he plans to put up in the region.

In a statement, Arlene Alano of Campaigns and Grey, an advertising agency that is handling advertisement for the planned shop says the one day visit is a road show to attract investors' interest.

She said, "It's for a road show to get investors for the 'Jackie Chan's Java Coffee.'"

On his arrival, the popular kung fu actor will hold a press conference and attend meetings with prospected local investors.

Last year, Chan said making movies was still his priority and biggest source of income despite a growing business that includes clothing label, fitness clubs, restaurants, and a line of cookies.

Tea Vs. Tea Beverages

2006-07-13T11:18:00.000-04:00

Because the health benefits of tea has become more recognized by the public,
some manufacturers are putting a small amount of it in a product, then
adding ingredients that are bad for you, such as sugar. For instance, a Snapple
Green Tea has 46 grams of sugar in it, the equivalent of about 11 sugar cubes.
That's more than twice as much sugar as you get in a Hershey chocolate bar,
which as 22 grams of sugar. Just because the label says white tea doesn't make
it a healthy drink.

Source: ABC News

This is makes me think twice about Snapples Green and White Teas. I am really getting hooked on them.

Chinese Tea Term Translator

2006-07-02T04:13:00.000-04:00

You like Chinese teas but you're baffled by the terminology. You've got the name of a Chinese tea in front of you and it's not in Chinese ideograms, but the sequences of English letters it's been transliterated into mean nothing to you.

So who you gonna call? Babelcarp! Just type that phrase into the blank in the form, submit it, and hope the Carp knows at least some of the words.

World's Fastest Internet Cafe

2006-07-01T10:35:00.000-04:00

An internet cafe offering connections 50 times faster than typical broadband services has opened in Cornwall. Computers at Goonhilly satellite station, on the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall, are connected to BT's global internet protocol network. That means users can download data at speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps). It is thought to be the first time such high speeds have been seen at a UK internet cafe. The service will be free to visitors.

Read On:
http://www.networkworld.com/community/?q=node/6241
http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/news/2159160/bt-lopens-world-fastest
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cornwall/5123118.stm
Manchester Evening News

JavaVino - Coffe & Winehouse

2006-06-22T12:20:00.000-04:00

What exactly is JavaVino? JavaVino breaks down very simply as Java "coffee" and Vino "wine". They're a coffee and wine house, located in the Poncey-Highlands neighborhood of Atlanta, GA.; offerring a plethora of coffees and wines from around the world. Their favorites are Latin American, mostly because that's where their background is. JavaVino's house coffee, Selva Negra Estate Coffee, comes from Nicaragua and is produced by the family of one of JavaVino owners. It's incredible, you sincerely get the seed-to-cup experience at JavaVino. The Kuhl Family picks the coffee beans, exports it, imports it, roasts it and brews it right there for you at JavaVino.

Read the reviews

Kiss Gives Name To Coffee Shop

2006-06-22T12:09:00.000-04:00

Kiss has made it a little easier for fans to be able to rock 'n' roll all night and party every day.

The 70s band Kiss, you know the guys in the makeup with lead singer Gene Simmons, who claims he has one of the biggest tongues in the world, will be giving their name to a coffee shop in South Carolina, Billboard magazine reports.

The deal was brokered through Signature Networks, the band's exclusive merchandising company.

The Kiss Café is set to open June 27 in Myrtle Beach, with Kiss band mates Paul Stanley and Simmons on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Source: andPOP.com

Coffee & Tea Market Research Reports

2006-06-15T11:34:00.000-04:00

For all you industry nuts, here is a link to find the information you need on the Coffee & Tea Industry. This collection of market research reports provides insights into product and market trends, analyses, opportunities, projections, sales, and marketing strategies. Specifics on market share, segmentation, size, and growth in the US and global markets are also featured.

Tons of information and registration is free.

Chocolate & Coffee

2006-06-15T11:15:00.000-04:00

Another extremely rising trend is combining the favorite desert with the favorite beverage. As one article begins: "I couldn't take my eyes off the floor. No matter which way the light hit it, it looked delicious - like a giant slab of coconut-flecked chocolate. Had I not been in a place called the Chocolate Cafe, such a distraction might've seemed unusual. Here, however, it was perfectly tasteful."

Besure to also check out cocoa bar in New York. Which has been called "The Perfect Combination" by callalillie

Coffee shop puts together sandwiches worth a stop

2006-06-15T11:11:00.000-04:00

I've noticed that alot of coffee shops serve a variety of sandwiches to their customers. It seems to be a rising trend.
Ponder this article.

Tea Report Says Industry Is Very 'Hot'

2006-06-06T11:03:00.000-04:00

There is an interesting press release that came out today about the rise in the tea industry...

The Specialty Tea Is "Hot" Report has become the single most important specialized business guidebook for the emerging global specialty tea industry. The new 6th edition of the Specialty Tea Is “Hot” Report presents detailed analysis of the emerging specialty tea industry including key information such as, strategic value propositions, market catalysts, and other critical factors energizing this ultra-hot market. Report contributor SPINS features category-level sales data for tea types and packaging formats sold through natural foods supermarkets and mass-market distribution channels. Additionally, Mintel contributes important coverage of new beverage and non-beverage consumer tea product introductions. The Specialty Tea Is "Hot" Report was the first tea trade report to identify, analyze and quantify chai, organic, white, functional teas, among many other segments within the specialty tea industry.

Seattle-based Sage Group® International, a self-described "specialty tea think tank" has just released the all-new sixth edition of the Specialty Tea Is "Hot" Report™. Sage Group founder Brian Keating notes the increase in consumer interest in health and wellness creates a broad opportunity for the expanding tea market. "America’s 76 million baby boomers view tea as universally friendly for the entire family. This health-conscious demographic is starting to embrace specialty tea culture through brewed beverages, tea-based skincare products and neighborhood cafes. The billions of consumer dollars available for specialty tea purchases between now and 2010 remains significant." Sage Group was the first market analyst to forecast sales of tea will top $10 billion dollars in 2010.

Related Links:
Spins
Mintel
Actual Press Release

Coffee House Gets Wise to Tea

2006-05-31T14:06:00.000-04:00

Teas are “hot,” even at coffee shops across the nation. Tea sales grew from $1.84 billion to $6.16 billion between 1990 and 2005, partly as the result of scientific studies on the health benefits of tea. Coffee shops and grocery stores are increasingly stocking their shelves with tea products as consumers are becoming more sophisticated and educated about tea.

Read More...

Hansen Beverage Launches a Green Tea Soda Line

2006-05-31T14:03:00.000-04:00

Hansen Beverage Company recently announced the launch of Green Tea Soda, a new line of luxury sodas. According to the company’s promotional campaign, green tea’s taste and benefits are enhanced by natural flavors to create a drink without artificial coloring, preservatives, caffeine, sodium, sugar, carbohydrates, aspartame, or calories. The company is positioning itself to take advantage of the 17.6% dollar volume increase in the ready-to- drink tea category at grocery stores.

Read More...

Health-conscious Indians develop a new taste in tea

2006-05-31T14:02:00.000-04:00

Consumers in India are developing a taste for their neighbor’s products. Health conscious Indians are attracted to Chinese green tea’s purported medicinal benefits, resulting in leading restaurants to place the beverage as a top menu choice. A Japanese study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims that regular consumption may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. According to industry officials, Indian tea planters, who have been dealing with falling prices and exports, are beginning to shift production to Chinese tea varieties.

Read More...

FDA Rejects Petition Claiming Health Benefits of Green Tea

2006-05-31T13:59:00.000-04:00

After reviewing over 100 articles and other publications in support of the health benefits of green tea, the Food and Drug Administration found no evidence that regular consumption of the beverage reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Will this finding affect the tea drinking habits of the public? The article contains a link to a poll with some interesting results.

Read More...

Coffee Shop Privacy

2006-05-26T00:36:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like the smell of fresh coffee, the buzz of activity and hipster music (or your iPod) to cure those office blues. Being able to carry your laptop to the coffee house and still put in a day's work is one of the best things to come out of the Wi-Fi revolution.

Unfortunately, this can also set the stage for all sorts of trouble; like identity theft for starters.

Unlike a CAT5 connection, wireless cards shoot those ones and zeros shoot across the air letting anyone within range detect the signals. And as has been proven time and again, deciphering them isn't beyond the reach of even the most inexperienced hacker.

To make matters worse, a snooper may be right at the next table. Coffee shops aren't like an office park where you can ask security to check out that suspicious van.

Does that mean your traffic is all out there for everyone to see? Yes and no.

Your traffic is undeniably detectable, but you're in control of who is allowed to make heads or tails of it. Exerting that control is all up to you, however.

This week we spotlight a tutorial that will help wireless users practice safe wireless browsing while reaching for another cup.

How to Remove Coffee Stains

2006-05-25T09:22:00.000-04:00

Here's a little helpful tip for those unforeseen coffee mishaps. Courtesy of simplehuman.

Unsightly coffee stains can be persistent and hard to clean. To remove a coffee stain from fabric or a rug, try one of these methods:

Dip a white cloth into a beaten egg yolk and rub the yolk into the stain. Then rinse with clear water.
Work denatured alcohol into the stain, then rinse with water.
Apply a solution of 1/2 teaspoon mild detergent in a pint of water. Blot with a white towel. If the stain remains, apply a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar and blot.

Did you know that used coffee grounds make a great fertilizer for houseplants? Just sprinkle them around the base of the plants.

The Emerging Tea Marketplace Getting Revved Up

2006-05-24T00:47:00.000-04:00

Exotic new tea drinks, expanding retail chains and fun packaging targeted at ever-expanding consumer demographics are attracting the youth market according to some experts. Tea imports into the USA continue to rise as the old fashioned image of tea is being replaced with a more hip, contemporary positioning in the global marketplace.

Read More...

Bigelow Signs Pro Football Stars

2006-05-24T00:41:00.000-04:00

Specialty tea brand Bigelow has signed former National Football League superstar Phil Simms and his son, Chris Simms, a quarterback playing for the NFL Tampa Bay franchise, to appear in new promotions for company green tea products. The celebrity duo and their Bigelow endorsements are going to appear in numerous high profile publications including major newspapers and magazines. Additional campaign highlights include radio coverage and point-of- purchase materials.

Read More...

Coffee shop tips fuel scholarships

2006-05-20T14:04:00.000-04:00

It was in 1987 when some of the volunteers at Meriter Hospital got the idea of using the tips collected in the coffee shop to fund scholarships for area high school students.

In those early years, the tips generated maybe $5,000 in scholarship money.

It's gotten better over the years.

This year, some $21,600 in scholarship money is going to 16 area high school students who are planning on studies in fields related to health care. That's $1,350 per student.

"It's just great," said Don Haugen, a longtime Madison principal who retired in 1987 and who has been working with the scholarship program for the last 15 years or so.

"With all you see on the front pages, you think the world is going to hell in a handbasket," he said. "Then you review all these scholarships and see what great kids there are."

Read more...

10 things baristas hate about you

2006-05-20T13:59:00.000-04:00

Here is an interesting (and rather funny) article coming from a barista's point of view of what they simply do not about like the coffee shop environment in general. The 10 things are:

10. Teenagers

9. Anything decaffeinated

8. Over three words to order?

7. Taking forever to order

6. The Macchiato

5. Live music

4. Anything from a blender

3. Being in a hurry

2. Tipping

1. Starbucks

Click here for a more detailed explanation.

Starbucks can't stop tiny coffee shop

2006-05-20T13:53:00.000-04:00

The owner of the Coffee Point drive-through in Ankeny was more than a little concerned when she heard a Starbucks with a drive-through was going to locate directly across the street from her coffee kiosk in August 2005.

"I was scared to death, but our roaster said a lot of times business picks up after a Starbucks has settled in," Mary Piltingsrud said.

She and her husband, Dean, bought Coffee Point - then a two-year-old business - at 1806 S.E. Delaware Ave. three years ago. They also opened a shop inside the Mercy North facility, 800 E. First St., one year ago.

Dean's philosophy was that having a Starbucks nearby might be good for business.

Read more...

NY1 Coffee Sleeves Available At Cafes In Three Boroughs

2006-05-17T14:33:00.000-04:00

NY1 is now at a coffee shop near you.

Free cups of coffee with the NY1 logo were given out Tuesday at Toasties' Coffee Shop in Union Square.

You'll find NY1 logos on coffee cups at your favorite coffee shops around the city. That's because 50,000 NY1 coffee sleeves have hit the shelves at cafes in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.

The sleeves will be available throughout the month.

Coffee Day parent brews plans to double presence

2006-05-17T14:18:00.000-04:00

The Amalgamated Bean Coffee Trading Company (ABCTC) is looking to double its retail presence in the country. With the expansion, the company, parent of the coffee chain Cafe Coffee Day, will enter the Rs 1,000 crore club.

Naresh Malhotra, director, ABCTC, said the expansion would take place over the next 18 months. The increased number of stores is expected to contribute by 50 per cent to the total turnover. At present, the company's revenue is just above Rs 350 crore.

The company has just opened its 300th outlet in Mumbai and will be opening another 3-4 shops a week to take the number to 500 by June 2007.

Malhotra added that in addition to the existing cafe in Vienna, the company would be opening another one there in that city this month. Besides it is looking at another 20 cafe's in and around Austria.

Read More

First Annual Coffee and Tea Festival (New York)

2006-05-17T14:14:00.000-04:00

New York City's First Annual Coffee and Tea Festival will be held on Saturday, July 15th from 11:00am to 7:30pm and Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Tickets to the event cost $15.00 at the door, or if purchased online at www.everything4coffeeandtea.com, tickets are $10.00. Children 12 and under are free.

The Coffee and Tea Festival will celebrate everything related to the world of coffee and tea by featuring over 80 vendors. Participants will be able to taste many different varieties of coffee and tea as well as view machines and other products used within the industry. Seminars, contests and demonstrations such as a Japanese tea ceremony and a Traditional English Afternoon Tea Ceremony will take place throughout the day.

Information and updates on the Coffee and Tea Festival can be found at
www.everything4coffeeandtea.com and www.starfishjunction.com.

Women love coffee too...

2006-05-17T13:42:00.000-04:00

THE owner of a city coffee shop and wine bar targeted at women customers has announced ambitious plans to open another five shops in the Capital.

Graham Allen, of Espresso Mondo on Lothian Road, today claimed to be on target for a £400,000 turnover at the nine-month-old shop.

The businessman, who also owns a Morningside travel agency, said Espresso Mondo was set to make 15 per cent net profit by the year's end.

The coffee shop and wine bar is unashamedly chasing the female market, and Mr Allen claims women represent 80 per cent of his clientele. But success has followed some hard lessons for Mr Allen, whose combined travel agency and coffee shop outlet in the ERI was forced to close.

Read More...

Unannounced Hiatus

2006-05-17T13:34:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. We haven't posted in a while. Life got really hectic for us but we are back on track. Keep an eye out for more treats.

Interesting things to read...

2006-04-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

Find love while you sip: Three couples either met, fell in love or got engaged at the Coffee Grounds coffee shop in Falcon Heights.

Tea up the wazoo: The first museum in the world specializing in and devoted to the collection, study and display of tea ware, the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, a branch of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, was opened to the public on 27 January 1984.

Mad Tea Party: From a teapot museum to the World Toilet Summit, a new report shows that pork-barrel politics is worse than ever.

Coca-Cola Blak

2006-04-14T11:59:00.000-04:00

The latest beverage from the folks at Coca-Cola is described as a sophisticated, premium blend of Coca-Cola, natural flavors and coffee essence. The effervescence and rich flavor of Coca-Cola Blak provide the perfect pick-me-up for people looking for new ways to stay refreshed any time of the day or night.

Read on to learn more:
Coca-Cola Blak News Release
Coca-Cola Blak to hit shelves soon

In fact, they sell 14 varieties of tea and coffee around the world, including Fruitopia tea, Nestea Cool, and Nestea Ice in the US, ShiZen Plus in Thailand (Green tea
with Chrysanthemum Jasmine or Honey Lemongrass flavor), and Tian Yu Di/Heaven and Earth in Hong Kong and Singapore (with a mix of "Green tea and China Teas" in flavors like Honey Quince, Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Lime, and Unflavored). Look for yourself.

More that just a DoubleShot

2006-04-07T18:29:00.000-04:00

I have to say I've been seeing alot of articles about Barstucks sueing some small coffee shop somewhere because of the slightest similarity between the two. I'm starting to think that the similarity that Barstucks is primarily focused on is that the other business sells coffee.

Read on my friend, read on.

The owner of Doubleshot Coffee Company is steamed. Coffee giant Starbucks is threatening to sue Brian Franklin and his company over the name "Doubleshot". “When I first saw that it was from the lawyers of Starbucks, I was surprised. Then I started laughing, like, what? This is stupid."

Starbucks Doubleshot comes in a can. Then there is a doubleshot of espresso. Starbucks says customers might not be able to tell the difference between their product and two shots of espresso. Starbuck' lawyers say customers associate the word "doubleshot" with their product, the trademarked "Starbucks Doubleshot" beverage and that Brian's company "threatens to diminish the strong, positive associations between Starbucks and the genuine Starbucks Doubleshot trademark."

Yes, again read on.

A different kind of coffee shop

2006-04-07T18:27:00.000-04:00

Nikki Korkis used to hang out at coffee shops while she was a student at Oakland Community College and the University of Michigan-Dearborn in the 1990s.

But the 30-year-old Berkley resident says the shops she visited were often too small and did not offer anything warm to eat. That's why she wanted to try something different when she opened up her shop, Cafe Mocha, in Sterling Heights last April.

The shop, in the Monte Carlo shopping plaza on Ryan Road just north of 14 Mile, offers soups, sandwiches, desserts and, of course, coffee.

But the establishment also has big-screen televisions, wireless Internet, a hookah bar and a large room with multicolored sofas, chairs and tables that attracts a large clientele of young professionals, as well as college and high school students. Hookah is a fruit-flavored tobacco that is smoked out of a communal-style pipe. That area is only for people 18 and older.

Read Further

Should we watch out for Earl Grey?

2006-04-03T13:52:00.000-04:00

As quoted in a recent article: "Earl Grey tea is flavored with bergamot oil, from the citrus fruit bergamot. It contains a compound called bergapten that can block potassium channels. Potassium flow in and out of the cells is crucial for muscle function, and this presumably explains why too much Earl Grey tea could cause muscle cramps."

What do you think?

No Coffee at Coffee Shops?

2006-03-27T11:59:00.000-05:00

Is it really true that most people don't actually purchase coffee at coffee shops? That they are more likely to get someting with chai or mocha in the name? The reason I pose this question (it never made sense to ask before now), is that I just read an article that states this as truth of the coffee chains in Charlotte, NC. It does into detail about their top 4 coffee chains. Read on and leave a comments about what you think.

CoffeeShop wins award

2006-03-21T17:40:00.000-05:00

A coffee shop in Huddersfield has won an industry design award.

Caffe Latino in New Street, was recognised for the look of its literature - including privilege and voucher cards, customer comment cards and menus.

It drafted in Leeds-based marketing, design and print agency The Factory Partnership Ltd to devise its brand.

Read Full Story

New CafeList Writer!

2006-03-17T12:34:00.000-05:00

The CafeList team is growing. We have recently added Deardra Shuler to the roster. Deardra is a very talented journalist and we are glad to have her aboard.

Take a look at her latest article about the famous screenwriter, Michael Elliot. Learn how the mere act of going to coffee shops helped him acheive his goals.

Coffee Shop owners offer free Italian classes

2006-03-15T16:49:00.000-05:00

Some coffee shop owners may offer free coffee, free internet, or free music to their customers. But free Italian lessons? That's how some Jacksonville,TX owners are running things.

“Last Thursday we had six. The last (Thursday) before there were nine,” she said. “We have some who can’t always make it every Thursday, but we catch up. It’s a very informal class. They just sit down on the big, stuffed chairs and sip some coffee, and we really have fun.”

Read Full Story

New Green Tea Book

2006-03-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

GREEN TEA
50 Hot Drinks, Cool Quenchers, and Sweet and Savory Treats
by Mary Lou Heiss

Soothing and refreshing, classic and contemporary, green tea is the beverage of choice for more than half the world’s population. Enjoyed as a fragrant, hot beverage for over two millennia, it has evolved into a popular modern drink found in coffee shops, on supermarket shelves, and in homes all over the globe. In this new book, Mary Lou Heiss puts a hip new twist on this calming refreshment, offering up 50 recipes for hot and iced teas, smoothies, cocktails, entrées, and desserts, all showcasing the unique and timeless flavor of green tea.

Read More.

More Tea Websites

2006-03-13T11:30:00.000-05:00

I always come across more and more websites about coffee or tea. Here are a few on the latter.

http://www.teafromtaiwan.com/
http://www.thebestyerbamate.com/
http://www.kenshotea.com/
http://mymateworld.com/
http://www.ma-tea.com/
http://www.yerbamate.com/
http://www.yerbamatecafe.biz/
http://www.waterandleaves.com/

Happy Sipping!

Coffee shop owner raffling off business

2006-03-13T11:29:00.000-05:00

When the owner of a local coffee shop decided to devote more time to her advocacy organization, she came up with an innovative way to sell her business.

Gabby Derocher decided to hold a raffle in which the prize is her business, Gabby’s Table Top Cafe on Bear Valley Road.

This week Derocher will begin selling 500 raffle tickets at $200 a piece. Ten percent of the proceeds from the raffle will go towards her Mothers Against Predators organization.

Read Full Story

Coffee shop adds a new dimension

2006-03-13T11:28:00.000-05:00

In 1999, Shayne and Amy Yonce opened a business called Christian Dimension to provide people, businesses and churches with computers and Christian software.

Last month the owners took their business a step further by opening Christian Dimension Coffee and Internet Cafe.

Amy Yonce and event coordinator Kenny Underkofler wanted to provide a place where teenagers and young adults could have coffee and snacks, use the Internet and have discussions with other Christians.

Read Full Story

Teen's brainchild caffeinates student body

2006-03-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

Nicholas Mayne has found a way to perk up fellow students at Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts.

The entrepreneurial 12th-grader recently opened a student-run coffee shop, Common Ground: The Cafe at Vic, in an unused corner of the school selling a selection of java, tea and bottled water.

"It just developed from an idea in my head," said Mayne, 18, adding the cafe has been doing brisk business since it start brewing in mid-February.

Read Full Story

Coffee Shops are not just for bookstores

2006-03-10T16:38:00.000-05:00

A small cafe in Kansas, called Perks!, is making sure that libraries aren't just for reading anymore.

Read more to learn more.

Coffee shop offers DNA testing

2006-03-07T08:58:00.000-05:00

Maybe you guys should consider combining services? Small businesses in the city often embrace the diversification model. Camden City Wireless and Fishing Supply, for instance, sells cell phones and fishing tackle.

Learn more about this coffee shop.

Coffee shop is part of `the Force' of new flick

2006-03-04T15:52:00.000-05:00

On March 21, a top-secret team of people looking to break into George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch will meet at the Satellite Coffee shop.

The rendezvous at 2300 Central Ave. S.E. will shut down the shop for most of the day and turn away customers during one of its busiest times.

"We kind of wanted to bend over backward to make it happen," said Lindsay Lancaster, community relations and marketing manager for Satellite Coffee and Flying Star Cafe. "We really want to support film in Albuquerque."

From morning until afternoon, the coffee shop will host the production of "Fanboys," a film following a group of Star Wars fans who try to fulfill a dying friend's last wish. Their goal? Getting into George Lucas' production house for a peek at an unreleased Star Wars film.

The fans visit a coffee shop to meet with somebody who promises them access to Lucas' ranch.

"I've never worked on a show like this before," said William Coit, location manager for "Fanboys." "You've got people walking around in Darth Vader outfits. The other day, you've got Chewie in our production office."

Shooting for the $4 million film ends in early April, Coit said, and it could be in theaters as soon as a year after.

Lancaster noted that Satellite Coffee is being paid to turn its space into a fictional coffee shop known as "Java the Hutt," but she was bound to keep the amount under wraps.

"For us, quite frankly, it's being able to be a good community partners," she said. "Of course, it's the excitement of living a part of the arts."

By Mike Tumolillo
Tribune Reporter
The Albuquerque Tribune

Dos & Don'ts for Coffee Shop Internet Access

2006-02-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

DOs

• Consider a regulated Wi-Fi Internet system where customers sign into a Web site run by a reputable vendor to reaches the Internet. (Similar to most hotel Wi-Fi systems) This can discourage hackers and help secure and track customers.

• Use a computer service company to manage the network.

DON'Ts

• Keep sensitive documents or financial information on any computer wirelessly connected to your customers.

• Use the same computer to run the company's business and Wi-Fi Internet access for customers, especially if one computer also processes credit card transactions or online banking.

For Customers

DOs

• Install a personal firewall on your computer.

• Consider paying for Hot Spot access. Many sites charge one-time or ongoing fees for access, and thus are less likely hacker targets. • Ask free access providers about security issues before turning on your computer.

• Turn off "file sharing" on your computer. This helps seal your files from others on the network. This can be done in the "folder options" or "network connections" area of your computer's control panel.

• Ask your company if they have installed a Virtual Private Network. All communications across a VPN are encrypted, so your interaction with your company network will remain hidden, though other actions on your computer are not affected by VPN.

• Password-protect sensitive files.

DON'Ts

• Keep your wireless device on if you are not connected to the network. Turning off your computer or removing your wireless card when logged off will help protect your files from those who are on the wireless network.

• Perform any financial transactions in a Hot Spot.

• Send private or sensitive information over a wireless connection. Imagine that everything you send over a network is printed on a postcard, for all the world to see.

• Assume a potential data or identity thief is visible. Just because you don't see another computer user in the coffee shop does not mean there isn't one in the above apartment or in a car outside the shop.

• Let your anti-virus software expire - An unprotected computer will be infected with a virus or spyware within about 15 seconds of being on-line.

• Ignore your Windows update box. When the small box in the lower right hand corner of your computer tells you that updates are available, always take the opportunity to update your system and protect your identity.

» Source

Chinese Tea 101

2006-02-07T08:36:00.000-05:00

Chinese Tea 101 is not just another copied-and-pasted-together site you find on the internet, and it wouldn't sound authoritarian like a lot of Chinese tea books. It's first-hand Chinese tea experience of Kam and a group of happy tea drinkers'. It's something you can follow and practice yourself.

For the first few decades in Kam's existence, he thought Chinese tea was just flavored water. If there wasn't any tea around, a can of the cheapest coke would even be better.

In the Autumn of 2000, a tea shop owner approach him for help to bring teas online. It was straightly business for the first quarter. But as Kam got to learn more about tea and tea brewing while trying out all the nice teas in the shop, he realized he did it all wrong for the first half of his life.

There seems to be a gene in Kam that dances to the aroma and flavor of good Chinese tea. And the thinker in Kam gets sharpened in the process of brewing tea.

By putting together ChineseTeas101.com, Kam likes to share this physical, as well as spiritual, experience with you.

Actors at Tea Shops

2006-02-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

The first paragraph of this article states: "The teashop is situated on the 35th Street near Waziya Movie Theatre in Yangon. Movie directors, shooting managers and actors usually gather here starting from 8 am every morning. This is the place where talks among directors, company managers and actors are made for casting and starring. The people range from scriptwriters to actors. There are a lot of actors who were able to become actors from this teashop...."

This is cool. I am sure there are places like that in Hollywood or New York. You just have to be lucky enough to find them. You need to be even luckier if you want celebrities to frequent your tea shop of coffee shop.

A Floating Cafe?

2006-01-28T20:28:00.000-05:00

I just read this article about a very cool twist to having a cafe.

The Wheelhouse Café is located aboard the beautifully re-fitted Ella, a former tug which has been converted to a high standard. The boat now provides a café and function facilities over two decks, and was recently licensed for weddings.

The tug retired in Grimsby in 2002 and has undergone a complete deck refurbishment. The upper deck has seating for 22 with a further external covered area that seats16.

The lower deck provides seating for 24 and is complete with bar facilities. There is also disabled access to all public areas. There are kitchen and preparation areas as well as an office and storage facilities.

I like this idea. It's creative and changes up the atmosphere a bit. I'd go there just for that alone.

Coffee House Tours

2006-01-27T08:09:00.000-05:00

Check out this website. It's run by a gal named Annette Warner and has tons of info about coffeehouse music events, locations, reviews, and links. There is also a mailing list for musicians to get advice about how to work the coffeehouse scene. This following copy was taken from her site:

CoffeeHouseTour.com began it's quest within the quaint, artistic and multi-cultural ambiance of the east coasts Wilmington, NC music scene. The reason for the creation of this valuable resource started as a simple one...I love good Java, and love making and listening to good music!

I also enjoy doing my part to keep live music thriving and nurtured in as many places as possible. But, nothing beats an intimate atmosphere for laid back music stylings and coffee shops just seem to be the mainstay love for aspiring songwriters and folk music artists. Even full bands are enjoying listening room/bean grinding atmospheres now-a-days! Many famous super stars started out in hometown style java huts, and through the years music and coffee/tea houses have just remained a cohesive mixture for those who treasure those memories of the 60's and for those that enjoy that ambiance coming back in all it's glory...even if you missed the original era. There are many websites supporting links to Coffee Houses in their areas that support live music, but none quite like this. Our mission is to create and maintain the most comprehensive resource and tour guide for a musician as possible as well as support the venues that welcome us "Java Jukers" with open arms and plenty of beans :)

In addition to the obvious benefits of having a tour guide at your finger tips..CoffeeHouseTour.com's future plans are to organize and embark on an annual physical tour state by state visiting all the coffee houses on our domain with a select group of participating artists in tow celebrating and bringing back to the forefront the ambiance of the 60's era acoustic Coffee House Music. Yes, it's still around..but it doesn't get the attention it deserves. We 'bout to change all that :)

Free Wi-Fi Cafes.......on the West Side

2006-01-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

If you are on the West Cost you might want to find:

Free Wi-Fi Cafes in San Francisco
Free Wi-Fi Cafes in Berkeley

How to Open a Tea Room

2006-01-20T09:18:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in starting a tea room. Check out these websites first.

www.tearoomguide.com
www.openatearoom.com

Here's a tea test to test your knowledge about the tea industry. It's good dthing to look into if you have a business or just for fun.

'Tea cola' boasts health benefits

2006-01-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

India is aiming to give the world‘s cola giants a run for their money-with a new exotic soft drink.

The Indian cola was concocted by scientists using tea extracts.

The new Indian “tea cola“ is made using traditional Assamese tea.

So far, two varieties have been developed-one made from the extracts of black tea and the other from green tea.

It is likely to be on the shelves in six months and will cost half the price of popular soft drinks.

What is unique about this Indian cola is that the drink boasts the wide-ranging health benefits of traditional tea.

Dr Pradeep Tamuli, In-charge-Biochemistry, Tocklai Tea Experimentation Station, Assam, said, “This tea cola has got high anti-oxidant properties so it will act against stress. People suffering from stress, they (develop) certain toxic molecules. And it acts against the toxic molecules, specially the toxic oxidants they have developed.“

The Tocklai Tea Experimentation Station in India‘s northeastern Assam state is the world‘s biggest facility for research into tea.

It took scientists there three years to concoct the tea cola, and although a patent is still pending, the research facility is already marketing the drink to the health conscious.

China and Japan have introduced similar drinks-but the Indian researchers claim to have the edge.

Dr. Tamuli said: “We have the advantage over them…that the taste of our tea soft drinks is comparatively better to Japanese and Chinese because of the special chemical constituents of Assam tea. Because Assam tea is famous for the liquor.“

Local traders say the tea cola will add some fizz to the tea industry in Assam .

Upen Dutta, a tea trader, said: “In the future, the tea cola will not only prove immensely beneficial to the consumer, it will also help rescue the recession in Assam‘s once vibrant tea industry. The sagging industry here will get a new life.”

There are several other tea-products in the pipeline, including the world‘s first chewable tea pill and tea cake for the serious tea enthusiast. The marketing department at the Tocklai Tea Experimentation Centre says people are tired of boring old tea in a cup.

Source: The Asian Pacific Post

Harrods to sell most expensive tea

2006-01-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

A type of tea believed to be the most expensive ever seen in Britain goes on sale later this month, Sky News reports.

The rare Chinese green -- called The Tieguanyin tea -- costs 300 times more than the usual household brew, about £8.50 ($15.00) a cup.

The loose oolong leaves, grown in China's central Fujian province, can be re-brewed up to seven times, a Harrods spokesman said.

It is nearly three times the price of the most expensive tea currently sold at the prestigious London store.

Harrods food spokesman Andre Dang said the premium tea did not lose its flavor when re-brewed -- making it less expensive than it first appeared.

"It's got a beautiful perfume. Very, very floral. It's like sitting in a garden on a hot summer's day when all the flowers are really heady," he said.

The tea's name refers to the Buddhist deity Guan Yin and has been translated as Iron Goddess of Mercy.

Source: United Press International

Judge Rules In Favor Of Small Coffee Shop

2006-01-14T09:46:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles, CA (AHN) - A federal judge rules a small New Hampshire coffee shop can continue offering its "Charbucks" brand coffee beans, following an almost ten-year legal battle with coffee giant Starbucks Corp.

Judge Laura Swain of New York federal court ruled last month it was unlikely coffee hounds would be confused between Starbucks and the "Charbucks" and "Mister Charbucks" coffee brands sold by the family-owned Black Bear Micro Roastery of Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire.

Swain also ruled Starbucks failed to prove the "Charbucks" products tarnished its image.

Starbucks first complained of Black Bear’s use of "Charbucks" back in 1997.

Source: All Headline News

Tea Swap

2006-01-12T16:46:00.000-05:00

What is tea swapping? It is growing very popular and may be something you cafe's should consider doing. A tea swap is a friendly exchange. Basically, you send off a sample of tea and in exchange, you will receive a sample of tea.

Madam Potts is doing it.

Detailed Information - PDF File

Here is something extra:

The Tea Swap Kit

You will need:

Film Cannister
String
Sachet of sugar
powdered milk sachet or uht creamer etc.
Tea bag (preferably in a paper sachet)
Tea instructions

Details:

Make a hole in the lid of your film cannister and thread the string through it. Tie in a knot to secure.
place the tea bag, sugar and milk sachet in the cannister
add the printed instructions for making the perfect cuppa
decorate the outside of the cannister with a teacup and teapot or english symbols etc.

via: Burley-in-Wharfedale

Intel Jumps Into Internet Cafe Business

2006-01-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

I previously predicted what will happen in the future in this post with regard to companies showing a great deal of interest towards internet cafes. It seems I was correct.

Intel, the world’s foremost chipmaker, is tapping into the Korean-specific business of Internet cafes, called ``PC Bang,’’ under business alliance with affiliates of three global firms.

Intel Korea Thursday opened an Internet cafe at Nowon-gu, northern Seoul in collaboration with such global high-tech entities as Nvidia and Benq.

Learn more about this new development.

I wonder how deep the rabbit hole will go.

How I got hooked on tea

2006-01-05T10:47:00.000-05:00

Since this is the beginning of the year. I felt compelled to talk about how I began to be intrigued by tea.

It all started with a regular summer visit to the tea capital of the world. When I was much, much younger I would go to England every summer to visit my Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles. It was always a fun vacation for me. And every time I came back I was always speaking "proper" english.

Anywho, it was one of these nights on one of these vacations that I was first intrigued by tea. Now I have had tea before this. But one night my grandparents & company were chatting in the living room and my grandmother gave my a snack before bedtime. This snack was biscuit and tea. However the tea looked different that the tea I am used to. The tea had a light brown color... and I was used to a dark brown color. So I looked at the beverage skeptically and asked "What's that?!" she replied "Tea." I said "Why does it look like that?". She said "It's tea with milk." "Oh", I said.

I had no idea people put milk in tea. And when I tasted it..... let's just say that to this day, for the most part I add milk to my tea. This little experience showed me that there was more to tea that I was used to. So I began looking into different types of teas and never looked back.

That's my story. We'll be willing to add your story. All you have to do is just email us.

Tea Mind, Be Kind

2006-01-03T12:08:00.000-05:00

"The first cup moistens my lips and throat; The second cup breaks my loneliness; The third cup searches my barren entrail but to find therein some thousand volumes of odd ideographs; The fourth cup raises a slight perspiration-all the wrongs of life pass out through my pores; At the fifth cup I am purified; The sixth cup calls me to the realms of the immortals. The seventh cup-ah, but I could take no more! I only feel the breath of the cool wind that raises in my sleeves. Where is Elysium? Let me ride on this sweet breeze and waft away thither."

Lu Tung (Chinese poet during T'ang Dynasty) "Tea-Drinking"

This quote was taken from a new website I found called Tea Mind, Be Kind, a new blog by Maitri Libellule. There are couple of interesting things on there.

Coffee Shop Friends

2005-12-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year from CafeList!

What I like about coffeehouses is that there is alot of room to make friends out of strangers. As one coffee shop is described:

It's a place where the regulars leave messages for one another, where they pin their frequent coffee-drinker cards (the 10th cup is free) against the wall, where customers bring Christmas presents for a couple who are sick.

Isn't this what it's all about? An external extension of your livingroom? A home away from home? It's something for you cafe owners to think about. Is this the kind of shop you have? Is this the kind of shop you want?

Interesting Coffee Grinds..I Mean Finds

2005-12-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

Check these out. I found these during my usual internet travels. And thought you guys might find them useful and/or funny.

Specialty Coffee Statistics
Successful Drive-Thru Operations Guide
Drive-Thru Startup Guide

These in particular display the effect of coffee on our society today.

Coffee Skin Care
Coffee Bean Jewelry
Coffee Cruises

Did you know this about coffee?

2005-12-22T12:47:00.000-05:00

The United States is the world's largest consumer of coffee, importing 16 to 20 million bags annually (2.5 million pounds), representing one-third of all coffee exported. More than half of the United States population consumes coffee. The typical coffee drinker has 3.4 cups of coffee per day. That translates into more than 450,000,000 cups of coffee daily.
The largest coffee importer center in the U.S. is located in the city of New Orleans, LA.
ALL coffee is grown within one thousand miles of our Earth's equator between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
The coffee tree produces its first full crop when it is about 5 years old. Thereafter it produces consistently for 15 or 20 years.
A mature coffee tree will produce ONE POUND of coffee per growing season.
ONE POUND of ground beans makes about 50 cups of java.
It takes 2,000 hand-picked Arabica coffee cherries to make ONE roasted pound of coffee - or approximately 4,000 beans.
Coffee berries do not ripen uniformly. The same branch may display ripe red berries, unripe green berries, and overripe black berries. Conscientious growers select only the ripe berries.
Coffee grows in more than 50 countries and is the second largest export in the world after oil (in dollar value). Over 25 million people are employed in the coffee business world-wide.
Brazil, the world's largest producer, grows approximately 35% of the world's coffee.
Colombia is the world's second largest Arabica coffee producer.
Green coffee is a major import of the United States; about two-thirds of the total comes from Central and South America, with Brazil and Colombia the two largest suppliers.
Ground coffee loses its flavor immediately unless it is specially packaged or brewed, like those offered at Discount Coffee. Vacuum sealed and nitrogen filled foil plastic-and-paper combinations are used to protect freshly roasted and ground coffee and keep coffee fresh for up to 6 months.
Flavored coffees are created after the roasting process by applying flavored oils specially created to use on coffee beans.
Darker roasted coffees; ie. Espresso, contains Less Caffeine than any other roast because caffeine is lost during longer roast period.
Fine Mexican coffees now compare with those from Central America with a fine acidity, delicate body and pleasantly mellow flavor.
German immigrants in Guatemala developed a cultivation process to use in extreme weather conditions. They burn rubbish and pitch near the plantations during severe weather and the dense smoke protects the trees from frost and produces a smoky flavor in the beans.
"Coffee Arabica" is the species name assigned to the coffee tree by European botanist Linnaeus while categorizing the flora of the Arabian peninsula.
Arabica beans and fine wines both derive their flavors from the soil, altitude and microclimates in which they are grown.
Cappuccino is so named because the drink's peak of foam resembles the color of the robes worn by the Cappuicine Monks (cowl of a Capuchin friar's habit).
Jamaica Blue Mountain is often regarded as the best coffee in the world.
In 215 B.C. the first vending machine was designed by Hero of Alexandria to vend sacrificial water.
In 1615, the first European coffee was sold in drugstores as a medicinal remedy.
In 1625, Sugar was first used to sweeten coffee.
In 1650, the Dutch carried the descendants of the seeds of Baba Budan stole to Java, where coffee growing subsequently flourished.
In 1715, Jesuits began coffee cultivation in Haiti. Due to unstable political problems, Haitian coffees are difficult to find. Deep volcanic soil in combination with heavy rainfall produce coffee that is sweet, mellow, fair-bodied and rich in flavor.
In 1721, the first coffee house opened in Berlin.
In 1773, Americans revolted against King George's Tea Tax and the Continental Congress declared coffee the official national beverage. If it had not been for the Boston Tea Party, we may have had a cup of "Folgers Tea" this morning. :-)
In 1825, Coffee was taken to Hawaii.

Via: Discount Coffee

Cafe-List.com Updates

2005-12-20T17:20:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

First and foremost thank you for all your support and continuing to visit our website. Some changes have been made to the website. One of the coolest things is that we've added is the latest blog posts right on the homepage. This is useful for taking a quick glance to see what you've missed in the last couple of days. Merdeka Coffee has also been added as a featured company. Go have a look see at the people who are known as the Indonesian Coffee Specialists.

If anyone would like to contribute to the growth of CafeList please email me.

Cafe joins forces with Airline

2005-12-15T15:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read correctly. A cafe can have these kind of business deals. Your beverages can comfort frequent flyers.

India budget airline company Air Deccan has gone into a deal with the café chain Café Coffee Day. Cafe Coffee Day is part of the Rs 300 crore Amalgamated Coffee Bean Company Limited group and the deal would see them in a co-branding arrangement with the India’s first no-frills airline company which has revolutionized the way people traveled by air in India.

As per the deal between the two companies, Cafe Coffee Day will now become the single point vendor to supply a range of food and beverages to the passengers on Air Deccan flights. And also, Air Deccan passengers will receive discounts on purchase of merchandise like coffee powder and gift packs at all Cafe Coffee Day outlets in airports. They would be required to show their boarding passes for this offer.

See? Starbucks isn't the only company that can accomplish this. This is just more proof that coffee and tea businesses are here to stay.

Today is International Tea Day

2005-12-15T11:19:00.000-05:00

Today is International Tea Day. On December 15 , 2005, India along with other tea producing countries across the world will observe International Tea Day to draw global attention of governments and citizens on the impact of global tea trade on workers, small growers and consumers. The International Tea Day is being observed in major tea producing countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, India and Tanzania.

This day aims to:

affirm the rights of tea-plantation workers and small growers
raise the awareness of tea-plantation owners and managers, government officials, trade unions and workers about trade and labour standards
strengthen international advocacy and campaigning
promote tea as a health drink

Why an International Tea Day?
The commodity price of tea is declining in all countries. There is overproduction in tea industry; but this is directed because the benefit goes to the global brands. The global brands get tea at the lowest prices. Tea industry across the world is experiencing large-scale restructuring. There is disintegration and disengagement at the plantation level and consolidation at the brand level. Lack of transparency in pricing is seen along the tea value chain. To make it more miserable there is disproportionate value accrual at the higher end of the tea value chain and unrealistic price realisation at the lower end.

Aquire more knowledge about today.

Gamila's Tea Stick

2005-12-14T15:17:00.000-05:00

This is a neat little tool for the way most Americans serve tea; in a single cup. The concept is elegantly simple and beautifully executed. The Teastick is made from quality stainless steel and should last for a long time. Made by Gamila.

So get some tea from Adagio Teas and try it out.

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Inc.

2005-12-13T13:46:00.000-05:00

Did you know that A&P started out as the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, in New York?
They eventually evolved into the A&P that we know today, a general dry goods mercantile.

Nearly 150 years ago, The Great American Tea Company opened a store on Vesey Street in New York City and began selling tea, coffee and spices at value prices. Soon stores sprung up all around the metropolitan area and salesmen took their wares to the road in horse-drawn carriages bound for New England, the mid-west and the south.

In 1870 the Company was renamed the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, in honor of the first transcontinental railroad and hopes of expanding across the continent.

Learn how far they've come since their humble start from tea & coffee... and just think how far you'll get.

What’s in a Coffee Shop Name?

2005-12-12T17:29:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in this previous post, you need to be careful when choosing a name for your cafe. Now check out this post from Coffee Strategies - Ideas for Coffee Shop Success that discusses this a little bit further.

Tea Businesses are Hot!

2005-12-08T18:06:00.000-05:00

According to Entrepenuer.com, a tea business is one of the hottest trends and best business ideas for 2006.

Organic teas, latte mixes, herbs, fruits and spices--however you stir it, teas are exotic, enticing and steeping in opportunity. In fact, the $6.8 billion tea industry is one of the strongest beverage markets, on track to reach $10 billion by 2010, according to Don Montuori, acquisitions editor at Packaged Facts, a Rockville, Maryland, publisher of consumer market research.

So now's the time people; get on the bandwagon! Read more...

Is Starting a Coffee Shop Right for You?

2005-12-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

Owning your own coffee business has mass appeal. Picture yourself as the proprietor of a successful coffee shop and just think of the many positive attributes that you associate with that image: freedom to make your own decisions, financial independence, respect from the local community, your family and staff, and the satisfaction of providing a sought-after product to your customers in a social environment that brings people together, just to name a few. Just smell that fresh coffee brewing! What could be better?

Let’s add a shot of reality to that idealized image for a more grounded perspective: picture working 14-hour days, 6 or 7 days a week, smell the unrelenting pungent scent of stale coffee on your clothing and in your hair, feel that painful steam wand burn on your index finger, see yourself driving to your shop at 5:30 am on a dark and cold Saturday morning when an employee calls in sick (again), imagine yourself pacifying the argumentative customer that insists a traditional Italian macchiato includes caramel, “like Starbucks does.” Oh no, what have I gotten myself into?

Surprisingly, many prospective coffee entrepreneurs feel that an undefined “something better” awaits them in the retail coffee business than in their current life, but do not necessarily stop to validate this point. Take inventory of both the benefits and drawbacks of retail business ownership prior to making a serious life change.

Immerse yourself into the industry before you make your leap. Interact with coffee shop owners in neighboring cities; join the Specialty Coffee Association of America and attend their annual conference; visit the online chat forums at the SCAA website, coffeeforums.com, CoffeeGeek.com and 1 Take inventory of both the benefits and drawbacks of retail business ownership prior to making this serious life change. specialty-coffee.com; read Fresh Cup Magazine and Specialty Coffee Retailer.

Before you commit yourself to that new reality, make sure that you are basing your decision on facts and not solely on your desires and a wellintentioned misinterpretation of the facts – accept that there is a difference between what happens and what you want to happen. Every garage band from Seattle or Portland has the dream of a rock star lifestyle; a disciplined few practice their instruments the 4 to 6 hours each day necessary to be good musicians; the fewer still that become famous will understand that practicing 4 to 6 hours each day is part of the real rock star lifestyle – you had better enjoy it.

If you're considering starting a coffee shop for the first time, read Andrew Hetzel's guide, 12 Fundamentals of a Successful Coffee Business, and then consider their complete consulting and training package.

Gourmet Tea Set

2005-12-08T10:18:00.000-05:00

If you are just getting curious about gourmet tea. We recommend this tea set we found over at Adagio Teas. It comes with an easy-to-use 16oz teapot and four tea samples for only $19. I especially like it because it is very simple and convenient...very easy to travel to work with if needed. Be sure to check the video to see what I mean.

A Bad Coffee Shop Name?

2005-12-07T14:34:00.000-05:00

A judge has told Sam Buck that she can't call her coffee shop Sambuck's. The judge ruled the name violated the trademark of coffee giant Starbucks.

This is wacky. This leads me to believe that any coffeehouse name that ends in "Bucks" is in for a lawsuit. Have you guys heard anything like this? If you have please, please leave a comment about it. This article got me thinking about cafe names. Not only the fact that you have to be extra careful in choosing the name of your venue, but that I'm very sure there are plenty of cafes with innovative (funny) names.

One of which I saw a while ago is Bread Stuy. This is a cafe located in the Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn, New York. This area is better known as "Bed Stuy".

Teen takes over Severna Park coffee shop

2005-12-05T14:50:00.000-05:00

While her peers are busy fine-tuning their taste buds for specialty coffees and lattes, 19-year-old Kaely Roe of Severndale bought more than a cupful - she just purchased her first coffee shop......

"I always joked that if I can make a living as a coffee girl ... I didn't expect it to be a career goal.".....

Seven college students and fellow home-schoolers, including Ms. Roe's 16-year-old brother Lucas, make up the staff. Her mother is the secretary of the corporation, and her father helped put in a new floor.

Severna Perk currently serves a variety of coffees and espressos. However, Ms. Roe's business plan includes phasing in organic coffees and homemade pastries within the next month.

Full Article

This girl is definately doing her thing. It's cool to see not only a young person have that entrepreneurial sprit; especially if it's about a cafe. If you know of a similar story please post a comment.

Big interests in Internet Cafes

2005-12-01T11:16:00.000-05:00

I am noticing a pattern with the amount of interest some companies are showing internet cafes. I metioned in a previous post about Google's recent development; but I also came across this article.

It states that Intel Corp. has teamed up with Internet content provider Tom Online Inc. to open a chain of Internet cafes that allow users to record and share songs over the Internet. So here is what I think might happen in the future:

It will be mandatory for computer/internet companies to market to Internet cafe customers.

Cafe will be sponsored by computer/internet companies. (free internet access, laptops, etc.)

Cafes will become more about technology than food, beverages, relaxation, and atmosphere.

But what do you guys think? What is the future holding for our cafes, coffeehouses, and tea rooms?

World Tea Expo

2005-11-30T11:16:00.000-05:00

WORLD TEA EXPO

Save 20% on registration costs for the World Tea Expo, March 27 - 29,
2006. Discount ends January 27th. This is a must attend event! Over 200
exhibiting companies and 45 in-depth seminars to provide you with more
of what your need to profit from tea.

View seminars and speaker bios:
http://www.worldteaexpo.com/conferenceschedule.asp

View exhibitor list and product category search:
http://fp2.a2zinc.net/clients/fpsfg/wte06/public/fphtml.aspx

View schedule of events:
http://www.worldteaexpo.com/scheduleofevents.asp

Register now and save!

Tea Masters

2005-11-29T15:41:00.000-05:00

Check out this website about the best Chinese teas - Tea Masters

Cafe takes out top business award

2005-11-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

FINDING customers is the easy bit. Keeping them is a totally different matter.

But Victoria Ave cafe/bar Ceramic has definitely found the secret and was rewarded for its efforts with the Best Overall Business Award at the 10th annual ASB Mainstreet Business Awards last night. The firm also bagged The Flying Fox Best Restaurant and Bar Award at the ceremony at the Wanganui Racecourse.

Owners Les Kiriona and Dave Sutherland were hard at work at their busy little outlet and were not on hand to receive the accolades. The partners sent staffers Natalie McMurchie and Costas Thrasyvoulou along as worthy representatives.

Full article

Google's new cafe

2005-11-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

Apparently, the search engine giant is getting into internet cafe's as well. According to this article, Google opened a "Google Space" internet cafe at London's Heathrow airport. The Google Space cafe is open through December 19. Two Google employees will be on hand to help people use 10 laptops and discover Google products.

Related article:
Google turns Heathrow into testing lab

This makes me ponder...if Google really put effort into starting a coffee shop franchise they might actually give Starbucks a run for their money.

Tealuxe Franchise

2005-11-22T15:15:00.000-05:00

Tealuxe, A Tea Bar and Cafe has recently annouced that they now have franchises available. Perhaps you should check them out if you are interested in starting a tea business.

Visit www.tealuxe.com or call 1-800-467-0064

Quality Teas

2005-11-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

Check out these websites as I'm sure you find some cool tea-like stuff to purchase.

Upton Tea Inports - a huge variety of different teas. They also
sell Chatsford teapots, which are very good teapots with strainers
from England.
http://www.uptontea.com/

The Fragrant Leaf - great quality especially their Oolongs and
Senchas and excellent customer service (Robin always sends you a
free sample with your order)
http://www.thefragrantleaf.com/

Special Teas - like Upton they have a great variety of teas.
http://www.specialteas.com/

Shan Shui is a bit high priced (especially for a newbie). Brian specializes in Oolong teas and aged (Purer) teas and the quality is very fine.
http://www.shanshuiteas.com/

Teaism - You can buy the high-quality teas in
their restaurant on line. Some prefer their Sencha above all others.
http://www.teaism.com/

Coffee Shop helps Katrina Victims

2005-11-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

The little coffee shop “Daily Grind,” says it stepped up to the plate, as a good corporate citizen when it hosted a fundraiser on Saturday, 5 November to benefit some of those affected by Hurricane Katrina in the Louisiana area.

Read Full Article

Free Coffee Shop Startup Guide

2005-11-10T07:55:00.000-05:00

Start a Coffee Shop with Expert Guidance from Cafemakers

CafeMakers is pleased to announce that their new 21-page guide, 12 Fundamentals of a Successful Coffee Business is now available for FREE on their website at http://www.cafemakers.com. From the homepage of their website, click where indicated and enter your contact information so that we can send you a copy by email.

In the document, they discuss a dozen critical business issues that will directly impact the success or failure of a coffee shop. Whether you are starting a new coffee shop or looking for ideas to improve your existing coffee business, these are 12 fundamentals that you should not miss (but are overlooked with frightening regularity).

My Buddy...TeaBuddy

2005-11-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

Nik Roope had grown so peeved with making cups of tea for co-workers without having the favor returned, he developed a website to bring order to tea-making duties. His site, Teabuddy, is social software for lovers of the leaf.

In British workplaces, where etiquette dictates that anyone venturing to the kitchen must make a cup for everyone nearby, tempers can boil if colleagues neglect their tea-brewing responsibilities.

"Open-plan offices may have revolutionized working patterns but, in the ever-polite U.K., it creates a situation where you can't just make one cup, you must make one for everyone in the entire room," said Roope, a designer with London-based creative agency Poke, where job applicants are vetted for their ability to make up to 18 cups a day.

Read the full article.

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee

2005-11-03T12:24:00.000-05:00

I just got this email from a friend of mine. Thought provoking really...

A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl.
She pulled the eggs out and place d them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it
mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity ... boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter.

"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, job loss, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changed the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Oolong Tea From Taiwan

2005-11-03T11:07:00.000-05:00

Tea From Taiwan is a tea vendor based in Taiwan carrying a selection of high-quality oolong tea. All the tea is hand-picked and hand processed and comes from a variety of high-mountain plantations. We currently have a selection of 7 different oolong teas - each quite unique and
offering superb taste.

Each month they highlight one of the teas with a 20% discount. Our tea
of the month for November is Shi Zuo tea from Ali Shan - a perfect
complement to the chilly weather of fall.

This is a roasted tea with a stronger flavour than most of our other
teas. It requires a short brewing time and steeps to a rich dark brown
liquor with a pleasing complex flavour.

All orders are shipped via Taiwan air post and delivery is about 1 week
to the United States. Free shipping on all orders over $60.

http://www.teafromtaiwan.com/