Archives for October 2007

Panama Esmeralda Special – that’s the name of this magnificent coffee. The Esmeralda is an heirloom coffee – 100% Geisha, meaning the coffee plants are thought to be an original Ethiopian varietal. This coffee has won 10 first place Coffee Competition Awards and is called by some as the finest coffee on the planet. Read the Coffee Report (click here)

I had the chance to taste this coffee a couple of years ago when visiting Batdorf and Bronson in Olympia, WA. I was struck by how smooth is was and it’s favor was completely unique – mango, pineapple, cinnamon, vanilla. When Oliver was here 3 weeks ago, we decided to bring in the Esmeralda and do a cupping with our staff and customers. Well, the first 5 pounds was gone in less than a week along with a second 5 pound shipment! We have also had many customers asking if the beans can be reserved for the holidays.

So, here’s the deal – Scott Merle, Roastmaster/Green Buyer at Batdorf has agreed to reserve the Esmeralda for Tazza D’Oro. Scott has set aside 20 lbs and 5 lbs have already been reserved. We are also selling it by the cup, as a 4 cup French Press and whole bean.

If you are interested in purchasing the Esmeralda, please stop in or email us – click here–

Hi Everyone
We want to remind you to RSVP by tomorrow night 10-31-08 if you plan to attend CCW on Thursday. Again the topic is the Power of Graditude and there will be a $5.00 cover charge at the door. We need at least 20 women for Amy to be able to close the cafe, this is the reason that RSVP is important. We hope to see you on Thurday.

Our whole renovation process seems like it has taken forever, but I am excited to say that our recently expanded space now has more tables and chairs. We have added 6 more tables and 12 more chairs – and it looks great. What’s even more amazing is it looks like we could have used a few more tables and chairs. Your response and support of Tazza D’Oro are greatly appreciated. So come on down, grab a new table and chair and get an espresso drink from one of our certified baristi.

Tazza D’Oro customers – WE DID IT! Our amazing employees are now certified baristi.

What does it all mean? It means that we have just raised our standards and goals for Tazza D’Oro. It means that we have completed 1 1/2 years of planning, each employee has gone through more than 7 months of training followed by 2 1/2 days of intense scrutiny, meetings, cuppings, a written exam and then the final 1 hour test on the espresso machine.

Each barista was required to make and serve a total of 8 espresso drinks. Oliver and I closely observed their technical skills and presentation. Then, we tasted each and every drink to ensure proper extraction of our espresso blend and proper milk steaming technique. BTW, espresso hangovers -ugh! All I can say, Oliver and I did not look very repectable the next morning.

Our goal is to be the best espresso bar around with employees who are highly trained professionals proudly serving you a rad cup of coffee or espresso.

Petunia, Tone, Braden, Emily, Zach, Jenn, Jodi and Belloma – Thank you and congratulations! Daniel, your up next! Batdorf and Bronson you guys freakin rock! Oliver, I hope we all grow up just like you.

Hey Folks, as I mentioned in the previous post, on Tuesday, Oct 16th at 7 pm we will be hosting a coffee cupping/tasting. Oliver Stormshak from Batdorf and Bronson will be in the “burgh”. During his visit, Oliver and I will be testing all the baristi at Tazza D’Oro as each barista undertakes the barista certification test.

So here’s the deal, Oliver will lead the cupping. We will have the opportunity to taste some of the finest coffees available in the world. Oliver will discuss the origins of each coffee, processing methods, general characteristics of each region and roasting methods that Batdorf and Bronson uses to enhance each unique characteristic of each coffee.

After the tasting you will have the chance to enjoy some really nice, complementary cognac, brandy, Italian dessert wines, freshly brewed coffee and other treats. Plus, if Dr. Bogen makes a celebrity appearance, I bet he brings my fav – Grappa! BTW, this stuff ain’t for weak palettes but for those who say “wow” you will be forever hooked. Right, Tone?

The fee for the coffee cupping is 10 bucks. The great company and the chance to learn about other regions in the world is FREE!

Please reserve a space because our seating for the cupping in limited. You can email or call 412.362.3676.

Hope to see you on Tuesday.

(See Schedule below for events and hours of operation beginning Monday, Oct 15th thru Weds, Oct 17th.)
Our goal, a year ago was to have all the baristi at Tazza D’Oro undergo extensive training pertaining to our coffees and espresso drinks. Then, seeing how it all went, our next goal was to have all our staff undergo a certification exam by the end of 2007. Our certification process uses the criteria set forth by the coffee industry and strict standards set by Batdorf and Bronson and Tazza D’Oro.

Over the past year and a half in preparation, I have made 3 trips to Olympia, WA and Batdorf and Bronson was here in February to help us with an extensive 2 1/2 day training kick-off. I am proud to say that our staff have stepped up to the challenge; they have fully committed to the training process and quality we are trying to achieve. Frankly, they have been amazing!

Do you remember Oliver?

Well, Oliver is on his way back to Pittsburgh. Beginning Monday evening through Wednesday, the baristi of Tazza D’Oro will under take the certification process. They will be evaluated all day on Tuesday and then required to take a 35-40 question written exam. On Wednesday, each barista will be given a full hour on the espresso machine with Oliver and me evaluating the quality their espresso shots, milk steaming, drink preparation, customer service skills and general working skills at the espresso bar. After the written and practical exams are evaluated I expect we will have 9 highly trained, certified baristi serving you some of the best coffee and espresso in the city.

Schedule:
Monday, Oct 15th: Closing at 7:30 pm for staff meeting

Tuesday, Oct 16th: Coffee cupping 7 pm to 9 pm – for customers and staff. $10.00 fee
More info to be posted.

Wednesday, Oct 17th: Sorry,we will close at 10:45 am. Certification testing from 11 am to 9 pm

Thursday, Oct 18th: resume normal business hours