Coffee blog for caffeine addicts, Wired.ca

The Art of Steaming Milk

Posted by Marc

steam milk

Giorgio Milos is the Master Barista for Trieste, an Italy-based illycaffe. Needless to say he knows a thing or two about how to make the perfect cup of coffee. In his recent article for The Atlantic, he goes to great lengths to discuss the symbiotic relationship between milk and coffee. Giorgio discusses the basic technique and tricks to steaming milk and creating some latte art designs.

Milk is coffee's ideal partner for many reasons. Its signature but nearly neutral taste complements instead of overwhelms, and it is essentially composed of water, proteins, fats, sugar, and minerals, nourishing as it pleases. (Every now and then I'm reminded that humans are the only animals still nourished by milk as adults. We challenge nature, and sometimes we win.)

All You Need to Know About Steaming Milk - The Atlantic

For a more visual take on steaming milk, check out this video: How to Make a Caffe Latte - Steaming Milk to Make a Caffe Latte

TAGS: Art, Coffee, How To, Latte, Milk, Steaming Milk
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Canadian Navy says there is "no acceptable substitute" for Tim Horton's coffee

Posted by Jim Squires

The men and women defending out front lines need to be alert to stay vigilant, and what better way to keep than alert than with coffee? The Canadian Forces has put a call out for a company to supply Tim Horton's coffee to the Halifax port, who would redistribute the coffee to sailors stationed on land and on water around the world.

The three year tender could prove fairly lucrative to any company that picks up the contract. Jeri Grychowski, a spokeswoman for Canada's Atlantic fleet, said the navy has spent $405,000 on Tim Hortons coffee over the last three years.

"There shall be no acceptable substitute," according to the tender issued by the Canadian Forces earlier this month. "Tim Hortons has been determined by MARLANT" — the navy's Maritime Forces Atlantic command — "as the product of choice based on expressed customer taste and preferences for boosting morale in Afghanistan, Sudan and Sierra Leone."

Tim Horton's is more than just a great cup of coffee -- it's a Canadian icon. It's nice to know that a good cup of Timmies can warm the hearts of homesick military personnel all over the world.

TAGS: Canada, Coffee, Military, Navy, Tim Hortons
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18th Century Coffee House opening in Colonial Williamsburg

Posted by Jim Squires

Visitors to the historic village of Colonial Williamsburg will soon be able to partake in a warm cup of joe based on 18th century recipes. Free coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be served by costimed re-enactors in the newly recreated R. Charlton's Coffeehouse -- an establishment rebuilt on the site of the original Richard Charlton's Coffehouse which existed in the 1760's.

R. Charlton's Coffeehouse opens on November 20th on Duke of Gloucester St. in Williamsburg, Virginia. Fans of good history and great coffee now have a new pin to put on their java journey roadmap.

[via Yahoo News]

TAGS: Coffee, Heritage, Williamsburg
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Starbucks Via Instant Coffee Unveiled

Posted by Marc

starbucks via coffee brand new

Starbucks has now officially launched Via, their instant coffee product. It comes in two flavors, Colombia (medium) and Italian Roast (extra bold). There is currently no decaf version, but we suspect one is in the works and will be launched in the near future.

Here is a nice product launch video from Starbucks introducing you to their new Via brand and also explains the process for making this 'premium' instant coffee product ie, why Starbucks believes Via is a cut above Nescafe, Sanka, Folgers etc.

Starbucks Via Ready Brew - New Instant Coffee on Video.ca

TAGS: Announcement, Brand, Coffee, Instant, Launch, New, Product, Retail, Starbucks, Via
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Starbucks To Unveil New Product: 'Via' Instant Coffee

Posted by Jess

starbucks coffee instant mug

Do you want Starbucks coffee at home, but don't want to bother with a drip coffee maker or a Tassimo instant beverage machine? Or more importantly to Starbucks, do you currently use Folgers, Nescafe or Sanka? If you answered 'yes' to any of the above, Starbucks upcoming new sub-brand and product announcement may be great news.

Starbucks is getting into the 'instant coffee' market with a new brand they will call Via. While some Starbucks faithful will snicker at watering down their brand and coffee for instant consumption, there are some compelling reasons for Starbucks to do this.

While North Americans have largely given up instant coffee and have for decades, it is still very popular in Europe and Asia. Starbucks estimates the instant coffee market to be worth $17 billion. While North Americans haven't been too keen on instant coffee for a while, there is something called a 'recession / depression' that is gripping this continent, and it is conceivable that some of us may eventually give up our $4 lattes and Americanos for cheaper instant coffee. If and when we do, the Starbucks brand called Via will be there to welcome you in your slumdog-coffee ways.

Rumor has it that Starbucks has been working at this product for years behind closed doors and that it will taste virtually identical to their store-bought coffee. Could instant coffee really taste as good as brewed coffee? Starting in March 2009 when Via hits store shelves, we'll have our answer.

image plaggenplei

TAGS: Announcement, Brand, Coffee, Instant, Launch, New, Product, Retail, Starbucks, Via
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Starbucks & Pepsi Embrace Social Media - Dive Into Twitter

Posted by Jess

There can be no doubts now that social media is captivating consumers attention, and subsequently gaining more and more mindshare from large corporations as we head into 2009. Perhaps no other social network, not even Facebook, is hotter than the micro-blogging tool called Twitter. While Twitter only lets you send messages 140-characters or less, those short messages can pack a big marketing and public relations punch.

For example, when Pepsi's advertising agency BBDO released ads that depicted a blue-calorie committing suicide, many consumers were outraged. One has to wonder what the agency was thinking given the poor track record of 'suicide' themed ads to date. pepsi calorie suicide For example, both General Motors and Volkswagen had to pull/cancel suicide-themed ads in recent years.

However, despite the questionable marketing decision, it was how Pepsi chose to respond to the consumer backlash that is truly noteworthy. Huw Gilbert, communications manager for Pepsi used Twitter to respond to the negativity in a timely fashion, proving how effective Twitter can be for brands looking to build trust and a better one-to-one relationship with their consumers.

Starbucks has also embraced Twitter in a big way. With over 26,000 followers and growing, Starbucks has a direct line to some of their most treasured and loyal customers. When bad things happen to their brand, Starbucks can use their Twitter following to respond quickly and get the word out, in many cases much quicker than your traditional press release. Of course, Starbucks can and does use Twitter to announce new products and corporate initiatives. What is most impressive about Starbucks' use of Twitter is how actively engaged they are with their follower base. Starbucks isn't just broadcasting their messages in a passive way, they are constantly responding to the myriad of questions they get asked on a daily basis which proves that Starbucks truly understands both the medium and the message.

TAGS: Marketing, Pepsi, Pr, Social Media, Starbucks, Twitter
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The Great Starbucks Hanukkah Mystery

Posted by Jess

starbucks hanukkah

It all started with a Starbucks customer tipping off a popular New York blog with a photo of what appears to be a take-out Starbucks cup with Hanukkah decorations on it, and the further claim being made by the customer that Starbucks was offering (at select locations) a special Hanukkah Blend of coffee/beans.

This photo sent several other bloggers, including the famous Starbucks Gossip blog to go on the hunt to get some answers.

As it turns out, this is some kind of hoax. When word got to Starbucks brass that the rumor mill was in overdrive about these special Hanukkah cups and blend and further rumors about only offering these items at specific 'Jewish' locations, they had no choice but to issue a statement...

"For our customers celebrating Hanukkah, we offer a selection of Hanukkah themed merchandise including mugs and tumblers. We do not offer Hanukkah blend coffee, nor do we carry blue to-go cups in our stores."

So where did those cups come from? Are they even real or just Photoshop specials? Nobody knows for sure, but this is one Hanukkah miracle that won't come true.

TAGS: Gossip, Hanukkah, Hoax, Holiday, Rumor, Special, Starbucks
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Happy Bean Coffee Jelly

Posted by Michelle F

Have you heard of coffee jelly before? I know I hadn't, but once I did I just had to try it for myself.

It is every bit as delicious as it sounds, let me tell you, and at Happy Bean Coffee they offer a variety of flavors for you to choose from.

There is Vanilla Latte Coffee Jelly, as well as Hazelnut, French Vanilla, and Creme Brulee.

This coffee jelly is delicious served over cream cheese with crackers or bagels or even in desserts with milk or cream.

You can pick some up for yourself or, because the holidays are right around the corner, get some as a gift for someone else.

Visit the Happy Bean Coffee Company website to view the full selection.

TAGS: Coffee Gift, Coffee Jelly, Dessert, Food, Spread, Treat, Unique
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La Pavoni Bar Star Espresso Machine

Posted by Michelle F

This is a five-star commercial appliance, one that would suit the most upscale coffee house or café.

It is designed by La Pavoni, one of the oldest Italian espresso machine manufacturers in the world.

This top of the line espresso machine is equipped with the latest technology, including everything from a 4-position energy saving power switch to a second steam wand and water softener.

A few of the other revered features offered by this commercial espresso machine include:

Flexible steam jet with anti-drip spring taps
Second flexible steam jet
Programmable hot water button
Telescopic side handles for easier transport
Electronic automatic water level control with sight glass
NSF certification

You can purchase this machine for $6,150 through the Gourmet Coffee and Kitchen Company.

TAGS: Business, Coffee Machine, Coffee Maker, Commercial, Designer, Espresso Machine
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The Hunt for the Best Instant Coffee

Posted by Michelle F

When you are lacking in time and just want some quick, easy to make instant coffee, according to most reviews, you will want to stick with Nescafé's Taster's Choice.

It offers the convenience of having just a cup when you wake up in the morning if you are alone, rather than having to brew a whole pot.

Whether you are a frequent user of the instant coffee or just want to have it on hand for those last minute cups that you need before work, the Taster's Choice lineup is a great option and you can purchase all available flavors through Nescafé.

TAGS: At Home, Beverage, Coffee, Instant Coffee, Nescafe, Tasters Choice
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