“This is the mother tree!” Gustav Villa, the enthusiastic farmer was pointing at a particularly tall and lovely coffee tree up the slope from a winding path along side semi-separated sections of the coffee farm. We had just walked past a section of the farm that held the shorter Caturra variety. The Mother stood out, […]
“I do these trade missions all the time, but this one is different” Ricardo Romero, Director of the Trade Commision of Peru is a slender, spectacle wearing man with a demeanor that at first appears reserved and studious, but eventually his strong opinions and genuine character slip out. He is what some young men might […]
Last Week, Melealoha Redoble interviewed Mondo Rodriguez about the process he uses to make the Cold Brewed Coffee that they serve at The Swell Cafe. She also took some cool pics. Here is the interview she wrote about the process of making the beverage! It was fun getting to sit down with Armando Rodriguez (he […]
“Just share the love, and everything will turn out fine” Sage advice to anyone presenting a pairing and lecture. If nothing else, we set out to convey the love of flavors, and the love of our products, and that is exactly what we did. I think we also had a really […]
YES I know the video I imbedded was from last years competition. Cut me some slack, I used 2014 segment because it shows the vibe so well! I had the great opportunity to attend the annual SCAA expo in Seattle this year repping Swell Coffees. As you might expect, it was fabulous. Amazing. I don’t […]
I love good coffees. It is no secret. You know what else I love? Machines. I love the machinery we use to prepare and present coffees. They are fun, and often gorgeous. They also represent commitment and that is what I was thinking about today. What I love even more than machines, are people. Those […]
For the love of flavor, us foodies do some crazy things. My latest adventure with Swell Coffees is to try to put together an entertaining, and educational pairing of Single Origin Chocolates and Coffees. Sounds fun right? I’m not gonna lie, it is. When I first found out that San Diego had a couple first […]
I am SO darned lucky! I am that creepy old lady with the phone camera paying way to much attention to your work, Barista, and I love it. I have been involved in and watched the coffee industry and coffee culture for many years, and truly enjoy it. I like to watch the culture grow […]
In a market where the sky is the limit, are constraints the answer to ongoing success? Think about it in the context of beer San Diego is blessed with an unfair number of Craft Breweries. We are in the happy position of being able to compare not just quality but also style choices. How amazing […]
At 2911 El Cajon Blvd, Coffee and Tea Collective is another North Park project that serves an exceptional product. The whole area is getting richer and richer in local crafts people actively shaping the character of the city. At Coffee and Tea Collective in North Park San Diego there are just a few simple chairs, in […]