September 2024: Let's make plans
Private tastings, Austin Coffee Festival, and more...
Salutations, friends!
I’m sending this e-blast late, but at the time of writing, I was in the Rio Grande Valley (again? Wasn’t she just there?!).
YUP. I went down to Brownsville last week for a consulting project, helping a few friends program their equipment, dial in their recipes, and train their staff for an October 1st opening day.
It was a quick turnaround - literally only there for a few hours - but I am very grateful for this work and very excited for my friends. Life is good 🙂
Maybe it’s the changing seasons, but I’m feeling inclined to wax poetic about the status of Barista Friend; learning, growing, adapting, evolving… Instead, I’ll just cut to the chase and give you the bullet-point list of stuff that’s happening that might be helpful/interesting to you. If you wanna hear my innermost thoughts, you can subscribe to my personal Substack (be warned, it’s personal over there).
🎤 THING #1 - BEST PODCAST EPISODE EVER, NOW
The reviews are in and the peeps are LOVING my latest podcast episode with the legendary Jak Michael Ryan of Proud Mary. Eavesdrop on a nerdy conversation about extraction, strength, and the pursuit of coffee excellence.
🥄 THING #2 - PRIVATE COFFEE TASTINGS, NOW
Picture this: you and your besties (or coworkers, or siblings) are standing around a table of delicious coffees, tasting, talking, and connecting. Sounds pretty good, right? Let’s make that dream a reality. I am offering curated private coffee tastings at $300 per session. That’s 90 minutes of specialty coffee exploration for you and up to 8 friends. I can host at your place or at Rising Tide. Browse my availability or email me to book yours!
🎉 THING #3 - AUSTIN COFFEE FESTIVAL, SEPT 28-29
Anybody who’s anybody in Austin coffee is gonna be at the Palmer Events Center next weekend for the third annual Austin Coffee Festival. I’ll be MC-ing the latte art throwdown on the main stage if you wanna say hi. Also — sign up to pour! The grand prize is $500! You can do it!!!
🏡 THING #4 - HOME BARISTA CLASSES, OCT 13
Learn how to pull shots and make beautiful latte art with me on Sunday, October 13 at Rising Tide Roast Collab!!! My espresso classes are the most fun and affordable of all the Austin coffee classes. These classes are designed for curious coffee lovers with no prior barista experience. Sound like you? Sign up here!
👩💼THING #5 - BUSINESS CLASS FOR COFFEE PROS, OCT 24-25
The other coffee Miranda (Miranda Caldwell, @thecoffeemba) is coming to Austin next month to teach a 2-day masterclass on how to use big biz strategy for your small coffee biz and I’m helping spread the word… Sooo… There are four sponsored (FREE) spots available for fellow bootstrappers. Apply today! You’ll walk away from this feeling confident, aligned, and inspired to keep growing your business. Personally, I can’t wait!!!
🏅 THING #6 - AUSTIN COFFEE FIELD DAY, NOV 2
My dream is finally coming true — the Austin Coffee community is playing backyard kickball and YOU’RE INVITED! Sign up your cafe’s team or come as a fan and enjoy carnival games, food, drinks, tattoos, vendors, and more at the Long Time on Saturday, November 2. It’s gonna be a big ol’ party.
Great coffee I had this week:
Kubi (Ethiopia) by Sey Coffee. We cupped this coffee at my honey process tasting last Saturday at Two Hives and it blew me away. Delicate florals and a silky, flan-like body. Reminiscent of guava pastry. Very pretty 🌸. Now brewing at home on a small Origami with a cone filter.
Espresso at Terrible Love. I had an espresso so good it made me cry (longer story on the Substack). Go visit Brian in Hyde Park! The coffee was Mercado Sin Nombre’s Teotepec natural.
Monteverde Vienna by Texas Coffee Traders. Not my typical cup of joe, but I had a beautiful experience with this coffee at a 55+ community in Georgetown last Friday. I’ve been hosting educational tasting experiences for seniors where I slowly usher them from Folgers to specialty coffee. It’s so much fun, and Monteverde is the perfect bridge between worlds with a solid flavor profile, transparent supply chain, and a great story.