Off the Bar: Hello October!

Hi coffee lovers, welcome to October! This is the month where we all get used to cold mornings and early sunsets.

Every month, I share personal notes from behind the scenes, from the local shop gossip to what’s happening on our shelves, and what keeps me running behind the bar.

Pack Your Bags & Keep in Touch

First, the gossip. Yes, Tereza and Rachel left us this month, and both of them went back home to the Czech Republic. It was pretty sad around here because those girls are total crackers. Tereza was here for two whole years, became a genuine friend to so many of us, and was a huge part of our daily shop vibe. And we fell in love with Rachel too over the short time she spent with us; her jokes hit everyone hard at the cafe.

Life goes on, the world keeps turning, and us with it. But you know what is really cool? People keep making real, lasting friends here at the shop. They move away after a while, but they keep visiting each other across oceans. It is so sweet to see people maintaining real connections instead of just double-tapping on Instagram. Just ask Evan! He went to Vienna, found out Brno was super close, and jumped over the border for a bit to visit Misha. Sweet, right?

What’s Happening Across the Street?

We have had so many of you asking us about that new franchise opening across the street. I do not want to name them because I am not giving them free real estate on our platform, but hey, business is business. It is not like people come ask us for permission every time they open something nearby. Who are we, the queens of everything?

On a heavier note, a land proposal sign popped up right outside the shop, and yeah, we are not laughing as hard at that one. This one got a lot of you genuinely upset. People have been asking us about it every single day: at the counter, down at the grocery store, and even while I am walking my dog after work.

Listen, we do not know anything beyond what is written there. We were told it is strictly rezoning, and that is it. Anyone can read the notice and voice their opinion at the proper time and place, as written on the board, and I second that. But honestly, seeing how many of you stepped up to ask if we are okay, standing with us and worrying about the shop? You guys are total legends, seriously.

What We’re Up To & Where to Find Us Around Town

On a much brighter note, we just started Doughnut Mondays at the shop! Fresh, super fluffy, packed with filling, and featuring nine different flavours every week. Should we dare you to try all nine?

And as if Mondays were not sweet enough, this month we also launched our Kenyan tasting flight. This thing is disappearing as we speak: four rare microlots in one box to try side by side. When I was writing up the tasting notes and getting to know all these fun facts, I was in total disbelief over how crucial these microlots are for Kenya's economy and their local communities. These farmers do such an unbelievable job, and you can taste all that care right in the cup. I really hope we get to feature more from these producers soon. They truly know what is what. Check out the tasting flight here.

The shop is busy and we are all back in the grind. September got us all stressed out because suddenly we had to adjust back to school, work, and regular hours. The Labour Day long weekend made it clear for everyone that summer was coming to an end. October carries that same theme. We are all back in reality, adjusting our busy schedules and getting used to the pace.

Nothing changes for us at the shop, though! Local restaurants are getting busier too. Did you know you can try our cold brew over at Major Tom? Their espresso martini is made with our OG Italian Espresso cold brew made right here on site. Or next time you are at Ten Foot Henry, order any coffee on their menu; Youngji and I roasted those beans too! You can also find us in different parts of downtown, particularly at Lulu Bar, yep, they serve our coffee. Or Buchanan’s Chop House across the river, which is super classy.

Speaking of which, where are you guys throwing your Christmas parties this year? We are looking for a venue for ours. Oh wait, did I just mention Christmas? 
Holy cow, stopping myself right here.

What I’m Drinking Right Now

Well, besides those amazing Kenyans, I fell in love all over again with our Kona Extra Fancy. It is a total treat. Those delicate, smooth notes of almond and that honey glaze finish get my heart beating fast, literally! It actually makes me shaky. Next time I will definitely put just one scoop in my Aeropress instead of two. It is fantastic before my long runs, though, super energizing.
Check out Kona here.

Kona Extra Fancy grows on rich volcanic soil, is hand picked, and is top-notch quality. Only 1% of the production actually makes it out of the country because of super strict grading rules. Calling it "Extra Fancy" is an official industry term, not just something we came up with because it sounds cute!

So now you have my secret for what keeps me running in the late afternoons along the river and how I make it through a busy roasting shift. Maybe that is what will keep my energy up this year with no daylight savings!

Oh, and guys, this year, for the first time ever, I got to try my very first pumpkin spice latte. 
Let me tell you, the whole idea of coffee with pumpkin? No, no, no. 
Us Europeans, we do not do that! It feels like putting a zucchini in your coffee, gross!
Anyway, mine was from Oolong Tea House. Karla got me hooked when she mentioned they make their pumpkin spice in-house, actually cooking the puree with spices in a pot for the whole day before serving it. That is pretty cool, and I wanted to give it a try since it is such a huge trend and everyone keeps talking about it.

So I went, I ordered, and I sipped. Hmmm, it was interesting! I can understand why it is a fall tradition for some. The ginger, cinnamon, and I guess cardamom in combination with the pumpkin was actually nice. It warmed me right up and gave me that little tingly sensation! I feel like if you are going to get one, this is the way to do it, instead of those over sweetened drinks with zero flavour from major chains.

So, the verdict: did I like it? Yes. Am I going to get another one? Probably not. 
Not because it wasn’t tasty, but where I’m from, pumpkin is purely a savoury deal.

Okay, now I am making everyone hungry, including myself. I am going to go grab lunch, and you, my friend, put on a coat and come on in. As soon as you enter the door, we already know your order. Because that is just what we do.

Catch you next month!
Patricie

Extra Fancy Hawaii Kona coffee beans. Roasted on the site at The Roasterie.

theroasterie.com

Hawaii

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