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Archives for February 2009

Oh, This is how I got “Here”

February 19, 2009 by Amy

I’m in the Pacific Northwest again. This trip it is not so much about coffee (it’s always about coffee) but more about my pilgrimage for a little soul feeding.  Five hours on a plane is a huge challenge for me – either I want to chew my leg off and escape OR I can settle in and take the space to do a little introspection. I settled in. I wanted to be able to share enough coffee stuff so I could blog about it here, but I love the Pacific Northwest so much that most of me just wants to share it with everybody I know.

My first trip to Seattle was back in December of 1994. My job back then was not about coffee. I was a co-founder in a company, in Pittsburgh, that contracted with pharmaceutical companies to perform clinical trials. I managed, operated and formed partnerships with hospitals/physicians around the country to do the work – Seattle was our first satellite location.

My first trip to Seattle was about lots of long hours at the office and torrential rain – I loved it! At first, I commuted to Seattle on a weekly basis.  I couldn’t immerse myself enough in the dramatic natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and what I called the “culture”of the Pacific Northwest. To me, a regular commuter/visitor, the neighborhoods (Capital Hill, Belltown, Queen Ann, U District, Downtown) were so stunningly vibrant. The dramatic beauty was a given, but what else made “it” so incredibly special? I was sitting outside an espresso bar, near my office, on Broadway in Seattle, and it hit me – within feet there were coffeehouses – a coffeehouse that attracted professionals, bike messengers, grunge music, artists, activists and politicos. There was a huge culture and community that coffee helped create. Back in Pittsburgh, 15 years ago, that culture didn’t exist. We had La Prima in the Strip and the Beehive on the Southside. All I know there was a huge void.

Currently,  I am staying in Seattle, then traveling south for a quick minute to Olympia, then to magical place where the Columbia River merges with the Pacific Ocean – a place that is entrenched with deep historical significance – the Lewis and Clark Expedition – a time where incredibly driven men and one woman forged though unbearable conditions to prove there was a passage from the East (Pittsburgh, PA) to the West (Seaview, WA),via water, to incredible opportunities of trade and commerce. And for me, the expedition to the Northwest, 15 years ago, has brought me to “here” – Tazza D’Oro – my passion for coffee, the culture of coffee and the community of coffee. So for this trip, I thought it would be great to re-trace my steps and share with you what brought me to “here” – it’s always about the coffee. Good stuff tomorrow.

And a few pics from today – FYI, February in the Northwest still brings lots of rain, but mild temps bring Spring. Today was so freaking beautiful! Thought you would like to see a little green and a view from the plane overlooking Lake Washington before landing.

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Had coffee today to take the edge off the caffeine headaches, but tomorrow will be about “real” coffee. This afternoon was about getting our palates primed with a visit to the Tasting Room located on Post Alley, just up the hill from the Pike Place Market. I love this place and space. We tasted wines from the state of Washington – single grape. The Tasting Room is a wine co-op for local vineyards – rad, rad, rad!

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To You – From tazza d’oro

February 13, 2009 by Amy

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Enjoy the weekend!

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Day2 – Mid-Atlantic Barista Competiton

February 8, 2009 by Amy

What does it take to be a competitor? What does it take to put your self out there in the public spotlight? What does it take to be judged and ranked on 15 minutes and 12 espresso drinks when you work hard for 40 hours every week grounded in passion and purpose? It takes a barista like Emily. Like Braden. Like Zack! And all the baristas at Tazza D’Oro who cheered on their co-workers, showed up for the dress rehearsals, helped pack all the boxes for competition, ironed their table cloths and took them shopping for supplies.

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Braden was the last of the Tazza D’Oro competitors. His whole performance was around show casing the very rare and spectacular Panama Esmeralda. We believe this is the first time the Esmeralda has been used in competition. Not only is the coffee extremely expensive, but very finicky as an espresso. Braden took the risk and served a “cup of gold” this afternoon. We are also pretty sure the judges NEVER tasted any espresso quite like the Esmeralda. Damn that was fun!

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Tonight, we have a few disappointed baristas. We didn’t make it to the final round of 6 competitors. Their scores were high and very respectable. But as all true competitors, they participated with some expectation. And for me, as the owner, I am so freaking proud! Emily, Zack and Braden were a total representation of all the work and dedication of the other 9 baristas who work at Tazza D’Oro. These competitions are always a tough line to tow. The competitions are very focused on the individual barista, they take a lot of time, commitment, and money. But they legitimize, for now, the very real passion and professionalism it takes to be a rad barista and coffee establishment in the coffee industry.

Thank you to all the 12 or more customers who showed up today to cheer us on. That’s another win, BTW! Here are pics from the rest of the day and the barista event we hosted at the Union Project last night.

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A few of our favorite fans- Erin, Eric, Jodi, Amelia, Emily, Zack and Phil

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Standing room only in the burgh, watching a barista competition? Looking for another Superbowl?

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And then, Gianni, awesome Italian guy and paisano!  Gianni is with Nuova Simionelli Espresso Machines. In Pittsburgh we say How ya doin’? instead of, come stai’?

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Day 1 – Mid-Atlantic Barista Competition

February 6, 2009 by Amy

Emily and Zack were freakin great today! [Read more…] about Day 1 – Mid-Atlantic Barista Competition

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Lights-Camera… (updated 2/4)

February 4, 2009 by Amy

Three of our baristas got a little live action tonight! [Read more…] about Lights-Camera… (updated 2/4)

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OMG!!!

February 2, 2009 by Amy

And ‘nough said –

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27 to 23!!!

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