Ethiopia is considered the indigenous birthplace of coffee. The coffee of southern Ethiopia has an incredibly beauty to its taste. The region surrounding Yirgacheffe is very special in coffee history, as it was the first place with a washing station, which set the precedent for the quality that is associated with the region and those around it today. It is a diverse ecosystem with plenty of plants and shade, despite being relatively heavily populated.
Ethiopia Kochere Yirgacheffe
Coffees from Yirgacheffe are currently in season, and all of our roasters happen to have one. Unlike some of the more densely planted parts of the country, there is still a massive presence of traditional indigenous coffee types. The Yirgacheffe varietals tend to exhibit intensely floral, sweet, almost tea-like washed qualities, as we'll see below.
The washing process is unique. It begins with washing the coffee cherry in order to remove the fleshy fruit material. This is done right after the harvest when the fruit is still moist. Next is fermentation to get rid of the mucilage. After the underwater fermentation, the coffee is then washed and then sent to a soak tank. The coffee is soaked for about eighteen hours after washing and fermentation. The wet processing creates a "clean" cup of coffee, whereas dry processing results in a more full-bodied but less clean cup.
Joyride Coffee, Intelligentsia Yirgacheffe
Region- Gelana Abaya Varietal- Ethiopian Heirloom Processing-Washed Process Elevation- 1800-1980 m Cup- Clean, sparkling layers of lemon blossom and juicy pomegranate, balanced by the sweetness of clover honey, build to a crisp and elegant finish. Retail Price- $18.00/12 oz.
Joyride Coffee, Joe Yirgacheffe
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Adado (Joe)
Region- Adado Varietal- Ethiopian Heirloom Processing- Depulped and mechanically washed in an eco-pulper before being dried on raised beds in the sun. Elevation- 2000-2400 m Cup- Spiced Apple Cider, Mandarin Orange in a heavy molasses cup. Retail Price- $15.oo/12 oz.
Joyride Coffee, Stumptown Yirgacheffe
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Chelbessa (Stumptown)
Region- Gedeo Varietal- Ethiopian Heirloom Processing- Washed Process Elevation- 1900-2200 m Cup- Lavender and Jasmine bouquet. In the cup, it explodes with juicy key lime, chocolate and pineapple. A classic Yirgacheffe. Retail Price- $16.50/12 oz.
I personally think this one has a very delicate, smooth taste. Juicy body, clean finish.
Joyride Coffee, Blue Bottle Yirgacheffe
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Peaberry (Blue Bottle)
Region- Sidama Varietal- Peaberry Processing- Shade grown Elevation- 1800-2200 m Cup- Apricot, jasmine, cucumber, rose Retail Price- $14.50/16 oz.
Peaberries are actually special because the beans are round. Normally, the beans split, but these ones remain small and in tact. As David so aptly described, "not only is the word Peaberry cute, but so are the beans!"
Joyride Coffee, Counter Culture Yirgacheffe
Ethiopian Konga Yirgacheffe (Counter Culture)
Region- Yirgacheffe Varietal- Ethiopian Heirloom Processing- Wet processed. Elevation- 1800-2100 m Cup- Lemon zest and flowers in the aroma, softening in the cup to ripe lemon and nut-toned cocoa. Balanced, gently bright acidity; impressively silky mouthfeel. Flavor carries decisively into a mildly drying finish. Retail Price- $12.95/12 oz.
I think this is much more full-bodied than the Stumptown. VERY flavorful.
So get yourself a cup of Yirgacheffe and tell us what you think!
Morning Productivity
Joyride Coffee, Morning
It's a Monday, and I am struggling. But I wonder if I would be doing any better if I was maybe a morning person.
I remember when Mark Hurd of Oracle Corporation gave my class a talk, telling us that he wakes up at 5AM everyday because his competitors on the East Coast are already awake at that point. What I got from that is that I stand no chance.
But also, morning means productivity. As soon as you wake up, there is nothing else to do but conquer the day, so a lot of these "morning people" will grab a cup of coffee and get started.
There's a reason for the phrases "wind-up" versus "wind-down." The morning is when everything is getting started. School and work all start in the morning. Your brain is buzzing.
Joyride Coffee, Morning
Although easier said than done, here are a few ways you can make yourself more of a morning person than a night owl:
1. Drink coffee. Not too much, but a cup or two of hot or cold brew in the morning didn't hurt anybody. In fact, along from the caffeinated energy, it gives your metabolism a jumpstart as well.
2. Workout. Exercising is natural energy and is a great way to wake up.
3. Eat a balanced, big breakfast. Protein is especially important to keep your appetite at bay until lunch.
4. Stretch as soon as you get out of bed. It'll get your muscles relaxed for the rest of the day. It's like a big breath for your body.
5. Turn on some music. Or for those of you who don't listen to music (like Noah or Adam aka crazy people), a podcast.
6. Go to bed at a reasonable hour. To get a good night's sleep, stay away from any lit screens, such as laptops or phones. Sleep in a cooler room.
7. Have somebody sit on you until you wake up. (Not tested, but you should give it a try.)
Try all these techniques, or you'll end up like Ike, our resident office chair napper.
morning productivity
Whenever I do manage to get out of bed and not feel like a sloth, it feels so great, and I feel like I can accomplish so much more. If you can do it, you'll be one step ahead of the game.
Why are men like coffee?
The best ones are rich, hot, and can keep you up all night!
-Kristen Lee, telling inappropriate coffee jokes since '92
Joe Coffee – Café Review
Aptly named "Joe" for a great cup of joe, Joe Coffee is one of the leading artisanal coffee brands that we have the pleasure of working with. In fact, they have a book called "Joe: The Coffee Book," which is a fun read for those interested in learning more about coffee culture. I visited two of their locations: the one in Chelsea and the one by Union Square.
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There are tables where people are talking with friends and others are on their laptops. However, there is no wi-fi at either of these locations.
I ordered a Caffé Latte. It was very thick and creamy, with a full-bodied flavor. Very, very good. Barely any wait time.
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Important to note: Cash only!!!!
They also recently opened a "Pro-shop/HQ," which is a kind of Joe University where you can learn more about coffee and try out different equipment.
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Joe Coffee
514 columbus avenue new york, ny 10024
44 grand central terminal new york, ny 10017
9 east 13th street new york, ny 10003
550 west 120th street (northwest corner building) new york, ny 10027
141 waverly place new york, ny 10014
1045 lexington avenue new york, ny 10021
405 west 23rd street new york, ny 10011
Pro-shop/HQ
131 west 21st street new york, ny 10011
Blue Bottle Coffee – Café Review
Blue Bottle Coffee is one of the premium coffee roasters nationwide, and so I was lucky enough to visit one of their outposts in the Rockefeller Plaza.
The interior is very modern and simple. The only sense of color is the blue logo that can be found on just about everything.
Joyride Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee
The one in the Rockefeller doesn't have any seats, but outside of the café, there are tables and chairs. It would be a good spot to stop by after some shopping, or as a palate cap after a meal. The other locations are about 50/50 in terms of seating, so it's not necessarily a place you want to set up a meeting or grab a coffee with a friend. It's the perfect place to go in the morning for a good cup of coffee and maybe a pastry, and then get going.
Joyride Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee
They have a relatively simple menu, with options like Hot Chocolate (which is apparently very good) and Iced Coffee (although surprisingly, no cold brew?)
I ordered a Sidamo Howolso, which the barista made right in front of me. It was very flavorful and fruity, with hints of violet, hibiscus, and even canteloupe. It's so flavorful on its own that it doesn't need anything else to go with it.
Joyride Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee
Joyride Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee
The barista was explaining the process of brewing the coffee to me with such passion, that I couldn't help but be sucked in to the art of coffee making in that moment.
Blue Bottle keeps things simple, so their spots are good places to go if you don't feel like dealing with the hustle and bustle of more elaborate cafés.
Joyride Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee
1 Rockefeller Plaza Concourse Level, Suite D New York, NY 10020
450 W. 15th St. New York, NY 10014
102 Franklin Street New York, NY 10013
The High Line 10th Ave and West 16th Street New York, NY 10014
160 Berry St. Brooklyn, NY 11249
Coffee Culture - Parisian vs. American
Joyride Coffee, Paris
There are some obvious differences between Paris and the US.
1. Parisians walk everywhere.
2. Red wine and water are one in the same.
3. Impeccable, instinctive fashion sense.
4. Art, style, cuisine.
5. No shave, no problem.
But a less obvious difference remains: coffee culture.
In April 2010, Oliver Strand, coffee expert, wrote an article on Paris's move towards a more American way of drinking and appreciating coffee – but only little by little. According to Strand, "beans are still old and over-roasted, the machines are still second-rate and poorly maintained, and the person behind the bar is still more concerned with continuing his or her conversation than pulling a good shot." Guess they have yet to hear of the cold brew kegerator.
Joyride Coffee, Paris
Ironically, coffee is very much a part of Parisian culture. Every time I went to a café, everyone around me would be ordering a coffee, whether it was a café au lait or an espresso (insert French accent). My host mother would offer me coffee every morning, and if we were sitting down to talk, it was always over coffee (sometimes tea).
People there don't just stand in line for a Starbucks and jet out of there with a tall soy latte. They, instead, will always sit down, maybe smoke a cigarette, and drink their coffee there. But that doesn't necessarily mean they are drinking good coffee. In fact, many American coffee lovers will visit and complain about how terrible the coffee is there.
According to another article on the way Parisians drink their coffee, it seems that Parisians drink coffee as more of a palate cleanser or for just a burst of energy than for its taste. But recently, things have started to change.
Over here on our side of the Atlantic, people have become so obsessed with good coffee that the number of different methods – from cold brew to pour-over – are growing exponentially, along with the importance of good coffee equipment, technology, and fresh, quality beans.
Perhaps Paris will experience the same evolution. Strand did follow up in 2012 announcing that "Finally, Paris has a coffee scene." Or considering the Parisians' inclination to preserve the French culture, maybe they will continue to just keep coffee simple.
Joyride Coffee, Paris
I'm sure all coffee beans are juvenile. They're always getting grounded!
Momofuku Milk Bar – Cafe Review
Joyride Coffee, Momofuku Milk Bar
Considering the fame of the Momofuku franchise, I was not surprised that Momofuku Milk Bar is one of my new favorite places in NYC.
But on that same thread, considering how successful Momofuku is as a business, I was surprised by the Milk Bar's modest design. The one I visited in East Village is not particularly chic or ornamental, but very incognito, except for the neon sign.
The inside is quite small, with a little bar along the window, no seats, a large chalkboard with the menu, and then the ordering area and kitchen. It also has a full functioning air conditioner (very relevant for the hot summer months).
Joyride Coffee, Momofuku Milk Bar
Before ordering, I asked what they recommended. One of the two very friendly workers gave me a sample of the "Cereal Milk" soft serve. I was absolutely blown away. Although it looks like any other soft serve, it tastes exactly like cereal and milk. So I went ahead and ordered that, with crushed corn flakes sprinkled on it.
While I was tempted to order cold brew, I ordered a Stumptown cappuccino based on a Foursquare recommendation.
Joyride Coffee, Momofuku Milk Bar
Before I received my cappuccino, the barista asked me if I wanted a bear or a heart as the design, and I said bear. I was given a cappuccino with possibly the most adorable design...ever.
Joyride Coffee, Cappuccino
The thing to do: take a scoop of the Cereal Milk soft serve and dip it in the cappuccino. Trust me.
While I was there, a girl came in and ordered a soy latte and left quickly, which suggests that it's easy to grab a quick, good coffee and go. But I also have come here in the evening, and it was quite crowded, with people primarily ordering desserts after a dinner, or in my case, a snack before a movie. It's a very versatile spot to visit for coffee, dessert, or a savory snack.
However, it's a little bit pricier if you want more than just a coffee. My cappuccino and soft serve came out to be just under $10.
Overall, the two girls working there were very nice, accommodating and quick. I also can't emphasize enough how amazing the Cereal Milk was. I very highly recommend it and Momofuku Milk Bar. I'll definitely be going as often as possible.
Coffee by: Stumptown
Momofuku Milk Bar
Manhattan
251 E. 13th St.
15 W. 56th St.
561 Columbus Ave.
Brooklyn
382 Metropolitan Ave.
360 Smith St.
Startup Perks
A little under a month ago, Molly Young wrote an article for the New York Times titled "The Calorie-Packed Perk," addressing employee benefits and perks. This article was especially relevant to me. First of all, as an intern, it has been incredibly helpful to be working at a startup, especially one that is in the midst of such rapid growth. Although I am a Social Media and Advertising Intern, I still get to see other aspects including sales, business development, and even the manual aspects, such as equipment and warehouse management. More specific to this particular internship, I get to learn about the ever-growing industry that is coffee.
I think it's a really important experience to work at a startup for anybody who wants to see an incarnation of "started from the bottom now we here." (I'm probably about to be slain for writing that.)
In terms of tangible perks at a company, I get bags and bags of some of the best coffee beans (Stumptown, Intelligentsia, Blue Bottle, Joe...), stickers and temporary tattoos from the companies we deliver to, as much coffee as I want in a day, and carbonated water!
Joyride Coffee, Start-ups
Although, as an intern, my perks are a little less significant than, say, healthcare, benefits however small are important. They keep employees happy and motivated. They make people want to stay in the office longer, because they're comfortable and having fun. In terms of recruiting, it seems that the weirder or more unique the perks are, the more people will want to apply for jobs at the respective company.
For example, one of our accounts, Warby Parker provides warm cookies, barbecue, and even Pinkberry frozen yogurt. Artsy does a weekly happy hour. At Squarespace, another one of our accounts, midday meals are prepared for employees four days a week, and on the fifth, they order out. In other words, happiness.
As mentioned in the NYTimes article, one of Bitly's perks is our office coffee, as it is for many of these tech companies in NYC.
Ultimately, perks seem to promote a happier and more productive working environment, and if that means an extra naptime or cold brew kegerator, so bean it.
Classic Coffee Joke Tuesday: Hold the sugar please, you're sweet enough for the both of us.
-Kristen Lee, aka Kristen Cavill
