Today I sent out my official notice to my co-workers at Ripple that I am leaving them for coffee. It's bittersweet, but I'm tired of keeping my fingers in so many different ponds. I think that's the phrase...
So now I'm shifting to mornings and mids here at El Octane and working on the other accessories I bring to the table. Looks like M'Lissa has cuppings starting next week here at our shop, and I'm also planning to begin my Barista Certification! I'd like to at least have the first part finished before I make my way to Portland (July 14th).
I'm slightly intimidated /slash/ uber-excited about this trip to Portland. Not only am I seeing old friends from days gone by, but getting to spend time with equally enthused coffeers I think will be that extra shot of motivation I need to get me through this never ending summer heat.
ira-ira-desu >> David LaMont gave me this word to describe this anxious, agrivated feeling the heat brings
In other news, Octane Summer Bash 2007 is at mine and Alyssa's house next weekend for all Octettes and friends. Brews, barbeque, and debauchery for all who are willing to endure the heat. With M'lissa and Chris all moved in next door, I'm sure there will be plenty of places to cool off (YES! They are finally moved in. Sweet neighborhood coffee lovin' in Lake Claire/Kirkwood). So fly in for the weekend and party with Octane once again.
29 June 2007
19 June 2007
bar 25
Somewhere between now and last October my circadian rhythms took a swing to "the other side" known as "MORNING PERSON." No longer am I spending my time at the Local or MJQ until last call or waking when I hear the neighborhood kids getting off of the bus after a torturous day at high school. Now friends, trust me, I will rock it 'til the break of day, but I don't want to be that person behind the bar waiting on myself at that god-awful hour.
In short, I don't want to work at a bar.
I can only hope to solve this problem soon
Happy Birthday Alyssa!
In short, I don't want to work at a bar.
I can only hope to solve this problem soon
Happy Birthday Alyssa!
11 June 2007
squinny eye
over and under
Please send me home to Tokyo. I know the weather is just the same, and the rainy season is probably worse than this smoke ridden humidity, but all I really want for Christmas is some effective public transportation.
BEFORE I came down with a lovely case of food poisoning, I attended my first cupping at the Counter Culture training center. M'Lissa says it was probably the biggest one they've had yet. A few people looking into opening up their own shop, a couple of vets, and a certain photography someone from a magazine du cuisine. We cupped the El Salvador Santa Ana Finca Mauritania, Kenya Single Lot, and a surprisingly nice decaf--21st of September. The Kenya won me over, as well as most of the crew. Despite the common agreement of a tomato flavor, I kept getting these astonishing aromas and flavors of Ethiopian-style steamed cabbage. Delish.
Since CoffeeFest, ordering at the shop has been a little out of sorts. The fear stemming from running out of the Espresso Toscano has been sedated by pulling shots with the El Salvador. It definitely does not work as a ristretto, but has some great tangy/sweet flavors that arise when pulled longer and combined with milk. The one thing I must say I didn't particularly enjoy in this modified espresso was the thinness of the drink. Yes... looking forward to the return of the Toscano.
Before my next shift on Thursday I'll be re-vamping the Octane mailing list. In case you cant get enough ATL Gossip from this blog or M'Lissa's, feel free to shoot me an e-mail (dglasky@gmail.com) and I'll put you on the list. It'll give you reasons to come to Atlanta and hang out with us Octettes, as if you didn't have enough motivation already.
BEFORE I came down with a lovely case of food poisoning, I attended my first cupping at the Counter Culture training center. M'Lissa says it was probably the biggest one they've had yet. A few people looking into opening up their own shop, a couple of vets, and a certain photography someone from a magazine du cuisine. We cupped the El Salvador Santa Ana Finca Mauritania, Kenya Single Lot, and a surprisingly nice decaf--21st of September. The Kenya won me over, as well as most of the crew. Despite the common agreement of a tomato flavor, I kept getting these astonishing aromas and flavors of Ethiopian-style steamed cabbage. Delish.
Since CoffeeFest, ordering at the shop has been a little out of sorts. The fear stemming from running out of the Espresso Toscano has been sedated by pulling shots with the El Salvador. It definitely does not work as a ristretto, but has some great tangy/sweet flavors that arise when pulled longer and combined with milk. The one thing I must say I didn't particularly enjoy in this modified espresso was the thinness of the drink. Yes... looking forward to the return of the Toscano.
Before my next shift on Thursday I'll be re-vamping the Octane mailing list. In case you cant get enough ATL Gossip from this blog or M'Lissa's, feel free to shoot me an e-mail (dglasky@gmail.com) and I'll put you on the list. It'll give you reasons to come to Atlanta and hang out with us Octettes, as if you didn't have enough motivation already.
05 June 2007
recap
After this weekend I quickly became accustomed to running into my new coffee acquaintances--I was convinced I saw Peter Giuliano and Katie Carguilo running around downtown this afternoon before my radio shift. But alas, it was only the mirage of seeing like-minded coffee hausies.
I understand that a good number of kids in this city work their coffee shops on the weekends, too, but COME ON! I must say I was super bummed to see the lack of participation from Atlanta baristas this weekend. Hmph.. more reason to travel.
With that said, the coffee events of the weekend were nothing short of awesome for this city. The party at the 'Tane was pretty stellar; definitely a good way to kick off the weekend. Futher good times held at the convention itself. Counter Culture held cuppings throughout the weekend at their booth for newbies and vets alike. Someone mentioned all you had to do was hand them a spoon and they were in... I loved seeing everyone slightly bent at the knees, curiously sniffing and slurping.
I've been concocting a plan to hold cuppings at Octane, but the odd problem we thought we were running into was not having any real "down time" where the shop was closed and could hold these cuppings. What might actually be best for our coffee virgins of Atlanta is to hold them while the shop is open to lure in some regulars.... hmm......
Saturday night's debauchery came in the form of a Counter Culture party at the new training center. Again, more amazing people and great conversation. Of course, I managed to inconveniently dip out right before the latte art throwdown. Next time, inspector..
Sunday night hanging out at the shop was just as great as the rest of the weekend. Made more plans to travel.. so here's what it's looking like: Portland from July 14-22, and DC from July 22-29. Coffee crawlin's abound...
P.S. photos from the weekend: here.
I understand that a good number of kids in this city work their coffee shops on the weekends, too, but COME ON! I must say I was super bummed to see the lack of participation from Atlanta baristas this weekend. Hmph.. more reason to travel.
With that said, the coffee events of the weekend were nothing short of awesome for this city. The party at the 'Tane was pretty stellar; definitely a good way to kick off the weekend. Futher good times held at the convention itself. Counter Culture held cuppings throughout the weekend at their booth for newbies and vets alike. Someone mentioned all you had to do was hand them a spoon and they were in... I loved seeing everyone slightly bent at the knees, curiously sniffing and slurping.
I've been concocting a plan to hold cuppings at Octane, but the odd problem we thought we were running into was not having any real "down time" where the shop was closed and could hold these cuppings. What might actually be best for our coffee virgins of Atlanta is to hold them while the shop is open to lure in some regulars.... hmm......
Saturday night's debauchery came in the form of a Counter Culture party at the new training center. Again, more amazing people and great conversation. Of course, I managed to inconveniently dip out right before the latte art throwdown. Next time, inspector..
Sunday night hanging out at the shop was just as great as the rest of the weekend. Made more plans to travel.. so here's what it's looking like: Portland from July 14-22, and DC from July 22-29. Coffee crawlin's abound...
P.S. photos from the weekend: here.
03 June 2007
Honey news
Much to say about coffee fest, but thought I'd share the news.. Izaki has officially asked me to join him at his shop in Fukuoka. Here are a couple of the pictures he sent of his little shop:
The machine is a la Ciambali Dosatron... but what I'm actually excited about might be the giant roaster in front of the store.
!!!!
The machine is a la Ciambali Dosatron... but what I'm actually excited about might be the giant roaster in front of the store.!!!!
02 June 2007
pizzamilk coffee
There's this coffee we're keeping around work these days that, even before grinding, emits the smell of milk and pizza from the lunchroom of my daycare circa age 4. It was the Sumatra Lake Tawar Lintong... I was filling up bean bags of it for the next day's frenchies when the flashback came on.
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