Arts & Farts & Crafts
I'm perhaps more excited than I should be about the art for June at One Shot.
First, I really, really love this girl's paper cuttings. I've been admiring her artwork secretly for months and with this (relatively new) position found myself able to give her an opportunity to show. Second, "she," the artist, is an old classmate of mine. Hopefully she'll get some good publicity from the experience, get traffic to her website, and perhaps even sell a piece or two.
You can check it out for yourself beginning June 2nd or visit Heather's site at hex-studio.com.
The other big news is that I'm back. The other other big news is that I've opened up authorship to include my co-worker and friend, Brian Honsinger. We're hoping for big, fun, think-y happenings in the future of Tampersand, including reviews of shops and books, various musings and lessons (both learned and taught), as well as all manner off coffee-related goodness. At any rate: welcome Brian.
First, I really, really love this girl's paper cuttings. I've been admiring her artwork secretly for months and with this (relatively new) position found myself able to give her an opportunity to show. Second, "she," the artist, is an old classmate of mine. Hopefully she'll get some good publicity from the experience, get traffic to her website, and perhaps even sell a piece or two.
You can check it out for yourself beginning June 2nd or visit Heather's site at hex-studio.com.
The other big news is that I'm back. The other other big news is that I've opened up authorship to include my co-worker and friend, Brian Honsinger. We're hoping for big, fun, think-y happenings in the future of Tampersand, including reviews of shops and books, various musings and lessons (both learned and taught), as well as all manner off coffee-related goodness. At any rate: welcome Brian.
Love Affairs + Coffee
"I do not only mean that every love affair is different from every love affair. I mean that love itself consists of not one emotion, but many. Just as a good coffee might smell of -- perhaps -- leather and tobacco and honeysuckle, all at once, so love is a mixture of any number of feelings: infatuation, idealism, tenderness, lust, the urge to protect or be protected, the desire to ravish, comradeship, friendship, aesthetic appreciation, and a thousand more besides.
There is no chart or code which can guide you through these mysteries. Some must be sought at the end of the world, and some in a stranger's glance. Some can be found in the bedroom and some in a crowded street. Some will burn you like a moth in their flames, and some will warm you with a gentile glow. Some will bring you pleasure, some will bring you happiness, and some -- if you are lucky -- will even bring you both.
The laugh of a woman, the smell of a child, the making of a coffee -- these are the various flavours of love."
--Anthony Capella, The Various Flavours of Coffee
There is no chart or code which can guide you through these mysteries. Some must be sought at the end of the world, and some in a stranger's glance. Some can be found in the bedroom and some in a crowded street. Some will burn you like a moth in their flames, and some will warm you with a gentile glow. Some will bring you pleasure, some will bring you happiness, and some -- if you are lucky -- will even bring you both.
The laugh of a woman, the smell of a child, the making of a coffee -- these are the various flavours of love."
--Anthony Capella, The Various Flavours of Coffee
Buttons, Blogs, and Other B Things
The bad news is that my economic status has forced me to acquire another job, necessitating the abandonment of Tampersand Book Club -- at least for now. As it stands, I won't have a day off for quite awhile, so it doesn't seem prudent to take on even more in my already packed schedule. I am not shelving the idea indefinitely, however, and hope to make that happen sometime in the future, once things in my bank account are happier. I suppose this is what happens when you take six weeks off to drive across the country and back with your fella, but I consider that trek to have been well worth the current struggle.
In cafe news, we have cupcakes! Betty's Buttons have been added to the menu at Ultimo and they are selling like hotcakes. Forgive the bad pun, but seriously, people are loving these little guys.
Our shop has been seriously loving Counter Culture's Aficionado, roasted on the new Probat. Yesterday and today it has felt a little bit like I could do no wrong in terms of delivering a beautiful, delicious shot... and believe me when I say that has not always been the case, nor do I expect it to last. But nonetheless, the general consensus has been infinite pleasure and excitement over the "new" product. I have been trying to focus on refining my skills throughout the process, not just with my pour, and having something that feels easy to work with is such a joy. It seems like these beans want to make delicious espresso; they cooperate, they give. And being so new to this world, I am finding that ever so delightful.
In line with my refinement as a barista, I found this (from James Hoffman's JimSeven blog) to be extremely helpful. I keep these things in mind constantly -- I have a great teacher -- but to hear these guidances in another's words helps them hit home in a new way. One can never learn too much about these things...
My pours are generally improving; I feel good about things, though I am trying to keep perspective and read the words of others who remind me that there is still so far to go. Unlike what you might think, putting myself in my place, so to speak, keeps me energized and interested. Luckily, my boss and co-workers don't have any issue reminding me either. Hah!
One picture for the road:
In cafe news, we have cupcakes! Betty's Buttons have been added to the menu at Ultimo and they are selling like hotcakes. Forgive the bad pun, but seriously, people are loving these little guys.
Our shop has been seriously loving Counter Culture's Aficionado, roasted on the new Probat. Yesterday and today it has felt a little bit like I could do no wrong in terms of delivering a beautiful, delicious shot... and believe me when I say that has not always been the case, nor do I expect it to last. But nonetheless, the general consensus has been infinite pleasure and excitement over the "new" product. I have been trying to focus on refining my skills throughout the process, not just with my pour, and having something that feels easy to work with is such a joy. It seems like these beans want to make delicious espresso; they cooperate, they give. And being so new to this world, I am finding that ever so delightful.
In line with my refinement as a barista, I found this (from James Hoffman's JimSeven blog) to be extremely helpful. I keep these things in mind constantly -- I have a great teacher -- but to hear these guidances in another's words helps them hit home in a new way. One can never learn too much about these things...
My pours are generally improving; I feel good about things, though I am trying to keep perspective and read the words of others who remind me that there is still so far to go. Unlike what you might think, putting myself in my place, so to speak, keeps me energized and interested. Luckily, my boss and co-workers don't have any issue reminding me either. Hah!
One picture for the road:
The Time Has Come for Fancy
Look what I can do!
I am clearly improving, but there is more work to do. Always.
The Tampersand Book Club was a "failure," of sorts. No one showed up except for Aaron (my boss) and my co-worker, Susan. We took a different tact and posted about the book club on Craigslist and asked people to RSVP. Thus far, I've got one response and one person asking to interview me for her blog. Which is kind of hilarious, considering, but I'm willing to chat about just about anything -- especially the intersection of literature and coffee. My two favorite subjects. I really can't wait to get together with a few like minds and discuss "God In a Cup" until we are (even more) sick of it. Of course, since it was two months since I read it, I will have to review, and will likely be sick of it. Such is life. Either way, the prospect of a continuing group which meets and pursues this type of knowledge seems too good to be true... but I hope for it anyway.
Plus, we have an amazing name, no? I am going to have Kevin tackle a logo of sorts; I'll unveil that when we get around to designing such a thing. Next up: buttons, t-shirts, and real flyers. We are going to be FANCY.
Speaking of fancy, our cafe has some beautiful new travel mugs in for the holidays. Get 'em quick, before the staff snatches them up...
The Annual Thankful List
As always, my list of things for which I am thankful, appropriately compiled annually upon the occasion of the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, I'm keeping it down to 50 items because it's 11:30 p.m. and I'm tired -- no less grateful, but tired.
1. My sweet fella.
2. His darling, quirky, accepting family.
3. Adorable, ornery Booker.
4. This brain and mind and consciousness that I inhabit and utilize.
5. ESPRESSO. Sweet, delicious espresso.
6. Bridgit, the Honda Fit, even though she is currently bleeding me dry.
7. Optimism.
8. Dear Rob B., for being my best guy friend through thick and thin, and always getting me into the sold out show.
9. Jeannine, both for being awesome and for being my friend who also lives in my neighborhood.
10. Nights when Kevin makes "the special."
11. Stylin' winter boots.
12. The artwork of Frida Kahlo.
13. Lady Gaga.
14. Baking nights, especially with Kevin's friends (who are thankfully becoming my friends).
15. This beautiful, gritty, dirty, diverse city.
16. Tuesday morning at the Cowtown flea market.
17. Books.
18. Skinny jeans. (On me, anyway, some folks shouldn't be sporting them. Haha.)
19. Yellowstone National Park.
20. My beloved internet creeps.
21. Down comforters and pillows.
22. Alton Brown.
23. The smell of autumn.
24. Freddie J. Mercury, my iPod.
25. My talented and knowledgeable bosses.
26. Quirky and passionate co-workers.
27. The friendly neighborhood cafe in which I work.
28. Our positively fantastic "regulars," most of whom are all too happy to indulge our somewhat strange passion for coffee.
29. NPR.
30. My laptop.
31. Late nights and early mornings, a.k.a. a full social calendar.
32. Self-portraits.
33. The Habeeb family.
34. The chance to go on a 7,000-mile roadtrip around my country with the man I love.
35. These hard candies that Kevin brought home from the Chinese grocery.
36. An incredibly generous and caring mother.
37. A father who, albeit later than I would have preferred, tries very hard to understand his daughter, who is very different than himself.
38. My dear brother, who knows me better than just about anyone and still loves me very much.
39. South Philadelphia.
40. Christmas carols, trees, meals, gifts, etc. All the trappings, the things that are symbols for what I love most of all: happy and celebratory time with family and friends.
41. Jim Beam.
42. Grungy, character-filled diners everywhere, and the lovely, strange people who stock them and keep them interesting.
43. Warm, soft knitted items, preferably handmade. Also related: Regretsy.
44. Babies.
45. Home-brewed beer.
46. An endless wealth (a.k.a. rabbit hole) of things to learn about coffee, as well as places to learn such things.
47. The Burning Man festival, as well as the ability to attend such frivolous, but enriching events.
48. Dance parties, private or public.
49. Friends around the world who unfortunately cannot be named in their entirety within this short list, but who are all incredible and dear to me.
50. Electricity, shelter, clean water, and abundant food.
1. My sweet fella.
2. His darling, quirky, accepting family.
3. Adorable, ornery Booker.
4. This brain and mind and consciousness that I inhabit and utilize.
5. ESPRESSO. Sweet, delicious espresso.
6. Bridgit, the Honda Fit, even though she is currently bleeding me dry.
7. Optimism.
8. Dear Rob B., for being my best guy friend through thick and thin, and always getting me into the sold out show.
9. Jeannine, both for being awesome and for being my friend who also lives in my neighborhood.
10. Nights when Kevin makes "the special."
11. Stylin' winter boots.
12. The artwork of Frida Kahlo.
13. Lady Gaga.
14. Baking nights, especially with Kevin's friends (who are thankfully becoming my friends).
15. This beautiful, gritty, dirty, diverse city.
16. Tuesday morning at the Cowtown flea market.
17. Books.
18. Skinny jeans. (On me, anyway, some folks shouldn't be sporting them. Haha.)
19. Yellowstone National Park.
20. My beloved internet creeps.
21. Down comforters and pillows.
22. Alton Brown.
23. The smell of autumn.
24. Freddie J. Mercury, my iPod.
25. My talented and knowledgeable bosses.
26. Quirky and passionate co-workers.
27. The friendly neighborhood cafe in which I work.
28. Our positively fantastic "regulars," most of whom are all too happy to indulge our somewhat strange passion for coffee.
29. NPR.
30. My laptop.
31. Late nights and early mornings, a.k.a. a full social calendar.
32. Self-portraits.
33. The Habeeb family.
34. The chance to go on a 7,000-mile roadtrip around my country with the man I love.
35. These hard candies that Kevin brought home from the Chinese grocery.
36. An incredibly generous and caring mother.
37. A father who, albeit later than I would have preferred, tries very hard to understand his daughter, who is very different than himself.
38. My dear brother, who knows me better than just about anyone and still loves me very much.
39. South Philadelphia.
40. Christmas carols, trees, meals, gifts, etc. All the trappings, the things that are symbols for what I love most of all: happy and celebratory time with family and friends.
41. Jim Beam.
42. Grungy, character-filled diners everywhere, and the lovely, strange people who stock them and keep them interesting.
43. Warm, soft knitted items, preferably handmade. Also related: Regretsy.
44. Babies.
45. Home-brewed beer.
46. An endless wealth (a.k.a. rabbit hole) of things to learn about coffee, as well as places to learn such things.
47. The Burning Man festival, as well as the ability to attend such frivolous, but enriching events.
48. Dance parties, private or public.
49. Friends around the world who unfortunately cannot be named in their entirety within this short list, but who are all incredible and dear to me.
50. Electricity, shelter, clean water, and abundant food.
All Over the Dang Place
There are quite a few things I want to cover tonight. Thus, I once again resort to a numbered list. Sorry I'm not flexing any of those writing muscles for you...
1. I am skipping a cupping right now because I drank way, way too many cups of coffee (and bits of cups of coffee) at work this morning. So much as I want to try that microlot of Golondrina... I wouldn't be able to enjoy it. I'm all hopped up and stomach-achey. It is not fun. Sorry, Aaron. Next Friday we will better police my caffeine intake before the cupping.
2. I have a name for both our coffee book club and perhaps my future website. I'd go ahead and shout it to the rooftops now, I am going to selfishly hoard it instead. What if one of you (lovely) internet creeps decided to steal it? I'd have to kill you, and murder is terribly messy. Let's just say that it perfectly combines both my love for the written word and for espresso and leave it at that. You'll find out soon enough, if all goes as planned.
3. Last night was my very first Philadelphia Thursday Night Throwdown (TNT). There seemed like there was a good turnout -- about 25 people, but I have no frame of reference as to whether or not that is "good" since I haven't been before -- and the competition was so interesting to watch. Regardless of how seriously you take such informal competition, it is, first and foremost, a competition. It being my first, I wanted to merely attend and take in the atmosphere. I didn't even know how such things were run, prior to last night. Now I think I mostly get it, and I will plan to do my own pour in December. As for last night's top competitor, it was my very own boss-man, Aaron Ultimo. He went first of 12 and still managed to finish with the highest score. Well done, well done.
I'm very glad I attended: I met some new friends, spoke with some old friends and co-workers, and solidified some meetings that occurred at work (a.k.a. refreshed my memory on names, I'm the worst at that). I also got to check out another Philly Counter Culture shop, Lovers & Madmen. I adore that name and the shop is pretty cute. I dig the cozy couches, windowed walls, and the brown/blue color scheme.
4. As for my own growth towards "coffee professional," well... I'm growing. The motions are becoming a part of my muscle memory, I'm learning what a good shot and the perfect milk feel like, in addition to their looks (with which I was already familiar). I can do great pours -- and I still pour some absolute crap from time to time. As with the past week or so, my primary focus is continuity, reliability, and refinement of skills. Our shop is a great atmosphere for someone who wants to really, really learn and perfect this art. I know I am not the first to flourish under Aaron's tutelage, so I doubt I'll be the last, but I feel pretty grateful for the insight and guidance he offers.
Aaaand some pictures from the TNT:
Aaron, tamping his shot.
Cool as a cucumber.
Judges, doing their thing.
1. I am skipping a cupping right now because I drank way, way too many cups of coffee (and bits of cups of coffee) at work this morning. So much as I want to try that microlot of Golondrina... I wouldn't be able to enjoy it. I'm all hopped up and stomach-achey. It is not fun. Sorry, Aaron. Next Friday we will better police my caffeine intake before the cupping.
2. I have a name for both our coffee book club and perhaps my future website. I'd go ahead and shout it to the rooftops now, I am going to selfishly hoard it instead. What if one of you (lovely) internet creeps decided to steal it? I'd have to kill you, and murder is terribly messy. Let's just say that it perfectly combines both my love for the written word and for espresso and leave it at that. You'll find out soon enough, if all goes as planned.
3. Last night was my very first Philadelphia Thursday Night Throwdown (TNT). There seemed like there was a good turnout -- about 25 people, but I have no frame of reference as to whether or not that is "good" since I haven't been before -- and the competition was so interesting to watch. Regardless of how seriously you take such informal competition, it is, first and foremost, a competition. It being my first, I wanted to merely attend and take in the atmosphere. I didn't even know how such things were run, prior to last night. Now I think I mostly get it, and I will plan to do my own pour in December. As for last night's top competitor, it was my very own boss-man, Aaron Ultimo. He went first of 12 and still managed to finish with the highest score. Well done, well done.
I'm very glad I attended: I met some new friends, spoke with some old friends and co-workers, and solidified some meetings that occurred at work (a.k.a. refreshed my memory on names, I'm the worst at that). I also got to check out another Philly Counter Culture shop, Lovers & Madmen. I adore that name and the shop is pretty cute. I dig the cozy couches, windowed walls, and the brown/blue color scheme.
4. As for my own growth towards "coffee professional," well... I'm growing. The motions are becoming a part of my muscle memory, I'm learning what a good shot and the perfect milk feel like, in addition to their looks (with which I was already familiar). I can do great pours -- and I still pour some absolute crap from time to time. As with the past week or so, my primary focus is continuity, reliability, and refinement of skills. Our shop is a great atmosphere for someone who wants to really, really learn and perfect this art. I know I am not the first to flourish under Aaron's tutelage, so I doubt I'll be the last, but I feel pretty grateful for the insight and guidance he offers.
Aaaand some pictures from the TNT:
Aaron, tamping his shot.
Cool as a cucumber.
Judges, doing their thing.
