View entire thread: Sinagpore Coffee Scene
Posted by Alun_evans on 2007-10-04 22:25:49 Post Subject: Sinagpore Coffee Scene
Having been effectively marooned in Sinagpore the last month (baby was unexpectedly born here), I have had a very good opporunity to look at the coffee scene in the Island state.
Essentially coffee can be seperated into 3 distinct groupings-
1/. Local coffee: Kopi Tiams and coffee shops catering to the local market
2/. International Coffee chains: The big r biggish names that have set up here
3/. Local Specialty chains:
1/. Local Coffee: Kopi or coffee for most older people in Singapore is enjoyed in "coffee shops" and "Kopi Tiames". The word "coffee shop" is a bit meaning as they sell coffee during the day and a variety of beer products at night. The coffee sold here is nearly always strong robusta, made using the traditional "sock and watering can" methoh of brewing. Coffee is ground fine and placed in a large mesh sock, then dripped into a watering can. Coffee is poured direct from the can into cups. The coffee is strong, even stronger than the Indonesian "kopi Tubruk" that I am normally used to. The Robusta of course gives you a kick, but as I drink mainly arabica I have found the kick and the of course the tar-like taste and consistency in the cup is not to everyone (read 'my') liking. The local places are everywhere in Sngapore and include such gamous names as "Kaya Toast" In these local places coffee is eneviatably enjoyed with runny poached eggs and slices of toast smothered in butter.
2/. International Chains: Starbucks, Dome, Port City Java, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, McCafe, Spinelli's and the like are all well represented in Singapore. Spinelli roast there own here on the island, and the master roaster does a good job in presenting a coffee that drinks well as an espresso or cappaccino. The other brands I think import their coffee. Service is highly variable. I have had the absolutley worse service experienced anywhere in the world (no kidding) at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf store at Raffles Hospital. Conversely I have had excellent and knowledgeable service from their store on sentosa... Overall Spinelli's staff take 1st prize for knowldege about coffee and preperation techniques- probably has something to do with Master-roaster Ross being a WBC judge I would think
3/. Local Specialty Coffee chains: The biggest of these is TCC (the Coffee Connoissiur). Other big local names are the Coffee Club, Highland coffee and an increasing number of small opperators. TCC has 25 stores and growing. This rivals spinelli for size. Unfortately someone at sometime decided to go with Superautos to compliment the funky post modern design of the stores. As a result the quality of the espresso and EBD's is not what it should be. The chain is also incredibly expensive compared to even the international brands.
What I like about Singapore cafe scene>
- Standard free WIFI
- Well airconditioned stores make drinking hot beverages feel almost the norm even though its 98f outside!
- Cleanliness of the places
- The coffee quality in the top places is excellent and compares well with specialty coffee in Australia/NZ.
However-
- There is also a general lack of training and enthusiasm in some opperators places. This generally refers to the chains. Most of the local Kopi Tiams have staff who may have been making coffee for decades and still love doing it!
- Service. Singapore has a very high employment level. As a result the quality of those entering the service industry is variable. I have seen some of the best barista here (attention to detail) and worse (8 second shots, steaming milk to almost 90 degrees c)... then throwing the cup accross the counter.
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Alun_evans on 2007-10-04 22:25:49 Post Subject: Sinagpore Coffee Scene
Having been effectively marooned in Sinagpore the last month (baby was unexpectedly born here), I have had a very good opporunity to look at the coffee scene in the Island state.
Essentially coffee can be seperated into 3 distinct groupings-
1/. Local coffee: Kopi Tiams and coffee shops catering to the local market
2/. International Coffee chains: The big r biggish names that have set up here
3/. Local Specialty chains:
1/. Local Coffee: Kopi or coffee for most older people in Singapore is enjoyed in "coffee shops" and "Kopi Tiames". The word "coffee shop" is a bit meaning as they sell coffee during the day and a variety of beer products at night. The coffee sold here is nearly always strong robusta, made using the traditional "sock and watering can" methoh of brewing. Coffee is ground fine and placed in a large mesh sock, then dripped into a watering can. Coffee is poured direct from the can into cups. The coffee is strong, even stronger than the Indonesian "kopi Tubruk" that I am normally used to. The Robusta of course gives you a kick, but as I drink mainly arabica I have found the kick and the of course the tar-like taste and consistency in the cup is not to everyone (read 'my') liking. The local places are everywhere in Sngapore and include such gamous names as "Kaya Toast" In these local places coffee is eneviatably enjoyed with runny poached eggs and slices of toast smothered in butter.
2/. International Chains: Starbucks, Dome, Port City Java, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, McCafe, Spinelli's and the like are all well represented in Singapore. Spinelli roast there own here on the island, and the master roaster does a good job in presenting a coffee that drinks well as an espresso or cappaccino. The other brands I think import their coffee. Service is highly variable. I have had the absolutley worse service experienced anywhere in the world (no kidding) at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf store at Raffles Hospital. Conversely I have had excellent and knowledgeable service from their store on sentosa... Overall Spinelli's staff take 1st prize for knowldege about coffee and preperation techniques- probably has something to do with Master-roaster Ross being a WBC judge I would think
3/. Local Specialty Coffee chains: The biggest of these is TCC (the Coffee Connoissiur). Other big local names are the Coffee Club, Highland coffee and an increasing number of small opperators. TCC has 25 stores and growing. This rivals spinelli for size. Unfortately someone at sometime decided to go with Superautos to compliment the funky post modern design of the stores. As a result the quality of the espresso and EBD's is not what it should be. The chain is also incredibly expensive compared to even the international brands.
What I like about Singapore cafe scene>
- Standard free WIFI
- Well airconditioned stores make drinking hot beverages feel almost the norm even though its 98f outside!
- Cleanliness of the places
- The coffee quality in the top places is excellent and compares well with specialty coffee in Australia/NZ.
However-
- There is also a general lack of training and enthusiasm in some opperators places. This generally refers to the chains. Most of the local Kopi Tiams have staff who may have been making coffee for decades and still love doing it!
- Service. Singapore has a very high employment level. As a result the quality of those entering the service industry is variable. I have seen some of the best barista here (attention to detail) and worse (8 second shots, steaming milk to almost 90 degrees c)... then throwing the cup accross the counter.
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Coffee Chains...
Posted by aguynamedrobert on 2007-05-08 17:43:25 Post Subject: Coffee Chains...
Hello,
Well I am in need of an experts opinion. What would you say is the highest quality \"Chain\" Coffee House? Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Peets, etc? Also, why is that particular one the highest quality?
Thank you for your help in advance...
Robert
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by aguynamedrobert on 2007-05-08 17:43:25 Post Subject: Coffee Chains...
Hello,
Well I am in need of an experts opinion. What would you say is the highest quality \"Chain\" Coffee House? Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Peets, etc? Also, why is that particular one the highest quality?
Thank you for your help in advance...
Robert
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: s Seattle’s Best Coffee Any Better than Starbucks?
Posted by felani on 2008-03-05 06:55:43 Post Subject: s Seattle’s Best Coffee Any Better than Starbucks?
Whenever people talk about coffee, it seems that they like to make some kind of comparison between their favorite brands or blends with what Starbucks offers. Perhaps it is because Starbucks is such an easy brand to compare to since practically everyone worth their weight in coffee beans has had a piping hot cup of coffee at Starbucks at some point in time. Whatever the case, here is yet another comparison of a brand of coffee versus the current coffee champion – Starbucks.
While Starbucks is the reigning king of the hill in Seattle, there is actually another, slightly lesser known coffee company that has come from the same northwestern coffee capital of America. Known as Seattle’s Best Coffee, they have been around for nearly forty years and have been making an amazing cup of coffee ever since. Although Seattle’s Best Coffee has gone through a variety of name changes, including brands like Stewart Brothers Coffee, it has keep the same amazing blends on its menu throughout – so they must be pretty darn amazing.
In 1998, Seattle’s Best Coffee became one of the first coffee retailers to actually sell a blend that was specifically made up of organically grown beans – a major selling point for many people. This blend became so successful that it propelled Seattle’s Best Coffee to a position as the third most prominent coffee retailer in America for a time, competing with the ever present Starbucks and the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
So, despite the extensive history behind Seattle’s Best Coffee, is it really the better bang for your hard earned buck? Well, that really depends on taste. Sure, it costs quite a bit less when you buy it in their stores and even when you purchase a bag of beans at the grocery – but ultimately the taste really has nothing to do with the price. Give it a try, see how you like it, and then make your own decision about whether or not Seattle’s Best Coffee is really Seattle’s best coffee.
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by felani on 2008-03-05 06:55:43 Post Subject: s Seattle’s Best Coffee Any Better than Starbucks?
Whenever people talk about coffee, it seems that they like to make some kind of comparison between their favorite brands or blends with what Starbucks offers. Perhaps it is because Starbucks is such an easy brand to compare to since practically everyone worth their weight in coffee beans has had a piping hot cup of coffee at Starbucks at some point in time. Whatever the case, here is yet another comparison of a brand of coffee versus the current coffee champion – Starbucks.
While Starbucks is the reigning king of the hill in Seattle, there is actually another, slightly lesser known coffee company that has come from the same northwestern coffee capital of America. Known as Seattle’s Best Coffee, they have been around for nearly forty years and have been making an amazing cup of coffee ever since. Although Seattle’s Best Coffee has gone through a variety of name changes, including brands like Stewart Brothers Coffee, it has keep the same amazing blends on its menu throughout – so they must be pretty darn amazing.
In 1998, Seattle’s Best Coffee became one of the first coffee retailers to actually sell a blend that was specifically made up of organically grown beans – a major selling point for many people. This blend became so successful that it propelled Seattle’s Best Coffee to a position as the third most prominent coffee retailer in America for a time, competing with the ever present Starbucks and the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
So, despite the extensive history behind Seattle’s Best Coffee, is it really the better bang for your hard earned buck? Well, that really depends on taste. Sure, it costs quite a bit less when you buy it in their stores and even when you purchase a bag of beans at the grocery – but ultimately the taste really has nothing to do with the price. Give it a try, see how you like it, and then make your own decision about whether or not Seattle’s Best Coffee is really Seattle’s best coffee.
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Coffee Survey!
Posted by mark520 on 2004-11-21 11:40:41 Post Subject: Re: Coffee Survey!
1. What is your current age?
22
2. Gender:
M
3. City:
Philadelphia
4. State:
PA
5. Please indicate your ethnicity.
Caucasian/ white
6. Please indicate your current annual income range?
$25,001 to $45,000
7. Do you drink coffee?
Yes
8. Do you usually drink Regular or Decaf?
Regular
9. Approximately how many years have you been a coffee drinker?
less than 1 year
10. In order of preference, please rank these items:
(1= Most preferred 7= Least preferred)
2 Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
7 Starbucks
3 Coffee you make at home
4 Peet's Coffee and Tea
5 Seattle's Best
6 Coffee made at your work place
1 Other (i.e. coffee carts and small business)
11. On average, how many cups of coffee do you consume?
More than 7 cups
(per week)
12. List all that apply for the coffee drinks that you consume most often:
Drip Coffee
Other (Flavored coffee - Hazlenut, French Vanilla, etc.)
13. On average, how much you typically spend per visit at a coffee shop?
$0 -$2.00
14. Do you feel that your coffee drinking at coffee shops has increased over the last 5 years?
No
15. If so, why do you think that is? List all that apply.
Convenience of coffee shops
16. What season do you drink the most coffee?
Same for all seasons
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by mark520 on 2004-11-21 11:40:41 Post Subject: Re: Coffee Survey!
1. What is your current age?
22
2. Gender:
M
3. City:
Philadelphia
4. State:
PA
5. Please indicate your ethnicity.
Caucasian/ white
6. Please indicate your current annual income range?
$25,001 to $45,000
7. Do you drink coffee?
Yes
8. Do you usually drink Regular or Decaf?
Regular
9. Approximately how many years have you been a coffee drinker?
less than 1 year
10. In order of preference, please rank these items:
(1= Most preferred 7= Least preferred)
2 Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
7 Starbucks
3 Coffee you make at home
4 Peet's Coffee and Tea
5 Seattle's Best
6 Coffee made at your work place
1 Other (i.e. coffee carts and small business)
11. On average, how many cups of coffee do you consume?
More than 7 cups
(per week)
12. List all that apply for the coffee drinks that you consume most often:
Drip Coffee
Other (Flavored coffee - Hazlenut, French Vanilla, etc.)
13. On average, how much you typically spend per visit at a coffee shop?
$0 -$2.00
14. Do you feel that your coffee drinking at coffee shops has increased over the last 5 years?
No
15. If so, why do you think that is? List all that apply.
Convenience of coffee shops
16. What season do you drink the most coffee?
Same for all seasons
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Coffee Survey!
Posted by mbaguy on 2004-11-17 20:16:39 Post Subject: Coffee Survey!
I greatly value your opinion and would like you to help me for my MBA project by answering a few quick questions. This survey should take approximately five minutes.
1. What is your current age?
2. Gender:
3. City:
4. State:
5. Please indicate your ethnicity.
Caucasian/ white
American Eskimo
Hispanic
Native American
African American/ Black
Pacific Islander
Asian
Other
6. Please indicate your current annual income range?
Less than $25,000
$25,001 to $45,000
$45,001 to $65,000
Greater than $65,000
7. Do you drink coffee?
8. Do you usually drink Regular or Decaf?
9. Approximately how many years have you been a coffee drinker?
10. In order of preference, please rank these items:
(1= Most preferred 7= Least preferred)
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Starbucks
Coffee you make at home
Peet's Coffee and Tea
Seattle's Best
Coffee made at your work place
Other (i.e. coffee carts and small business)
11. On average, how many cups of coffee do you consume?
One or less cups per day
2 to 3 cups per week
4 to 5 cups
6 to 7 cups
More than 7 cups
12. List all that apply for the coffee drinks that you consume most often:
Drip Coffee
Cappuccino
Latte (plain)
Iced/ Blended drinks
Espresso
Macchiato
Flavored Latte
Other
Mocha
Flavored Mocha
Americano
13. On average, how much you typically spend per visit at a coffee shop?
$0 -$2.00
$4.01 - $6.00
$2.01 - $4.00
More than $6.00
14. Do you feel that your coffee drinking at coffee shops has increased over the last 5 years? Yes No
15. If so, why do you think that is? List all that apply.
Work related/ Professional life
Convenience of coffee shops
Drink menu options
School/ Study activities
Social atmosphere/ meeting place
Family responsibilities
Coffee popularity
16. What season do you drink the most coffee?
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Same for all seasons
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by mbaguy on 2004-11-17 20:16:39 Post Subject: Coffee Survey!
I greatly value your opinion and would like you to help me for my MBA project by answering a few quick questions. This survey should take approximately five minutes.
1. What is your current age?
2. Gender:
3. City:
4. State:
5. Please indicate your ethnicity.
Caucasian/ white
American Eskimo
Hispanic
Native American
African American/ Black
Pacific Islander
Asian
Other
6. Please indicate your current annual income range?
Less than $25,000
$25,001 to $45,000
$45,001 to $65,000
Greater than $65,000
7. Do you drink coffee?
8. Do you usually drink Regular or Decaf?
9. Approximately how many years have you been a coffee drinker?
10. In order of preference, please rank these items:
(1= Most preferred 7= Least preferred)
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Starbucks
Coffee you make at home
Peet's Coffee and Tea
Seattle's Best
Coffee made at your work place
Other (i.e. coffee carts and small business)
11. On average, how many cups of coffee do you consume?
One or less cups per day
2 to 3 cups per week
4 to 5 cups
6 to 7 cups
More than 7 cups
12. List all that apply for the coffee drinks that you consume most often:
Drip Coffee
Cappuccino
Latte (plain)
Iced/ Blended drinks
Espresso
Macchiato
Flavored Latte
Other
Mocha
Flavored Mocha
Americano
13. On average, how much you typically spend per visit at a coffee shop?
$0 -$2.00
$4.01 - $6.00
$2.01 - $4.00
More than $6.00
14. Do you feel that your coffee drinking at coffee shops has increased over the last 5 years? Yes No
15. If so, why do you think that is? List all that apply.
Work related/ Professional life
Convenience of coffee shops
Drink menu options
School/ Study activities
Social atmosphere/ meeting place
Family responsibilities
Coffee popularity
16. What season do you drink the most coffee?
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Same for all seasons
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Coffee Survey!
Posted by topher on 2004-11-18 03:35:08 Post Subject:
1. What is your current age? early 30's
2. Gender: Male
3. City: Jax
4. State: FL
5. Please indicate your ethnicity.
Caucasian/ white X
American Eskimo
Hispanic
Native American
African American/ Black
Pacific Islander
Asian
Other
6. Please indicate your current annual income range?
I do O.k.
Less than $25,000
$25,001 to $45,000
$45,001 to $65,000
Greater than $65,000
7. Do you drink coffee? Lots and Lots
8. Do you usually drink Regular or Decaf? Regular
9. Approximately how many years have you been a coffee drinker? 16
10. In order of preference, please rank these items:
(1= Most preferred 7= Least preferred)
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf:not here
Starbucks 7
Coffee you make at home: too lazy
Peet's Coffee and Tea not here
Seattle's Best not here
Coffee made at your work place 1
Other (i.e. coffee carts and small business)2
11. On average, how many cups of coffee do you consume?
One or less cups per day
2 to 3 cups per week
4 to 5 cups
6 to 7 cups
More than 7 cups X
12. List all that apply for the coffee drinks that you consume most often:
Drip Coffee X
Cappuccino
Latte (plain)
Iced/ Blended drinks
Espresso X
Macchiato
Flavored Latte
Other
Mocha
Flavored Mocha
Americano X
13. On average, how much you typically spend per visit at a coffee shop?
$0 -$2.00 X
$4.01 - $6.00
$2.01 - $4.00
More than $6.00
14. Do you feel that your coffee drinking at coffee shops has increased over the last 5 years? Yes No :stayed the same....went everyday
15. If so, why do you think that is? List all that apply.
Work related/ Professional life X
Convenience of coffee shops
Drink menu options
School/ Study activities
Social atmosphere/ meeting place
Family responsibilities
Coffee popularity
16. What season do you drink the most coffee?
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Same for all seasons X
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by topher on 2004-11-18 03:35:08 Post Subject:
1. What is your current age? early 30's
2. Gender: Male
3. City: Jax
4. State: FL
5. Please indicate your ethnicity.
Caucasian/ white X
American Eskimo
Hispanic
Native American
African American/ Black
Pacific Islander
Asian
Other
6. Please indicate your current annual income range?
I do O.k. Less than $25,000
$25,001 to $45,000
$45,001 to $65,000
Greater than $65,000
7. Do you drink coffee? Lots and Lots
8. Do you usually drink Regular or Decaf? Regular
9. Approximately how many years have you been a coffee drinker? 16
10. In order of preference, please rank these items:
(1= Most preferred 7= Least preferred)
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf:not here
Starbucks 7
Coffee you make at home: too lazy
Peet's Coffee and Tea not here
Seattle's Best not here
Coffee made at your work place 1
Other (i.e. coffee carts and small business)2
11. On average, how many cups of coffee do you consume?
One or less cups per day
2 to 3 cups per week
4 to 5 cups
6 to 7 cups
More than 7 cups X
12. List all that apply for the coffee drinks that you consume most often:
Drip Coffee X
Cappuccino
Latte (plain)
Iced/ Blended drinks
Espresso X
Macchiato
Flavored Latte
Other
Mocha
Flavored Mocha
Americano X
13. On average, how much you typically spend per visit at a coffee shop?
$0 -$2.00 X
$4.01 - $6.00
$2.01 - $4.00
More than $6.00
14. Do you feel that your coffee drinking at coffee shops has increased over the last 5 years? Yes No :stayed the same....went everyday
15. If so, why do you think that is? List all that apply.
Work related/ Professional life X
Convenience of coffee shops
Drink menu options
School/ Study activities
Social atmosphere/ meeting place
Family responsibilities
Coffee popularity
16. What season do you drink the most coffee?
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Same for all seasons X
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Coffee shop franchise: any suggestions? recommendations?
Posted by Cafe del Mar on 2004-03-18 03:57:37 Post Subject: Cafe Del Mar
Hi to all,
Thanks for the reply and appreciate that.
In fact, the country where i live has all the major coffee franchises like Starbucks, Coffee bean and tea leaf, Second cup, etc...They all offer "fast coffee" kind of service with an ok ambiance. Most of them are own by big players in the market. So, i think the market is mature but coffee drinkers are not real connoisseur and not brand loyal. Opportunities exist as the country is growing fast and number of tourists is expected to raise.
To be honest, i do not have experience in the coffee business but work for a F&B company, so i think i could learn the tricks of the business if i get the right directions. That's why, i am more lean to get a franchise.
Having said that, i am aware that the game wont be easy but i believe in the market and i am confident i can make it.
Finally, i would say that i look forward to find the coffee shop that would make the difference (as a coffeeshop, drive thru, etc...). A place where people would come for the quality of the coffee, the atmospher, where you want to have a good chat with your collegues etc...
Your further inputs are greatly appreciated, thanks
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Cafe del Mar on 2004-03-18 03:57:37 Post Subject: Cafe Del Mar
Hi to all,
Thanks for the reply and appreciate that.
In fact, the country where i live has all the major coffee franchises like Starbucks, Coffee bean and tea leaf, Second cup, etc...They all offer "fast coffee" kind of service with an ok ambiance. Most of them are own by big players in the market. So, i think the market is mature but coffee drinkers are not real connoisseur and not brand loyal. Opportunities exist as the country is growing fast and number of tourists is expected to raise.
To be honest, i do not have experience in the coffee business but work for a F&B company, so i think i could learn the tricks of the business if i get the right directions. That's why, i am more lean to get a franchise.
Having said that, i am aware that the game wont be easy but i believe in the market and i am confident i can make it.
Finally, i would say that i look forward to find the coffee shop that would make the difference (as a coffeeshop, drive thru, etc...). A place where people would come for the quality of the coffee, the atmospher, where you want to have a good chat with your collegues etc...
Your further inputs are greatly appreciated, thanks
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Very important coffeee question
Posted by Rowley on 2004-10-05 14:53:47 Post Subject:
If you are only going by shear numbers, then out here in California "The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf." But personally I enjoy any place with "Seattles Best" and seak them out whenever I see it is served.
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Rowley on 2004-10-05 14:53:47 Post Subject:
If you are only going by shear numbers, then out here in California "The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf." But personally I enjoy any place with "Seattles Best" and seak them out whenever I see it is served.
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Coffee doesn't taste like coffee anymore.
Posted by DML on 2006-09-20 01:16:27 Post Subject: Too poor to pay attention
I had to go into town today and made it a point to go into the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. It's funny how the mind works. It seemed odd to me when I went in that there were no bins or bags of coffee. I asked if they sold coffee beans and the lady behind the counter pulled out a bag of ground "house blend". She told me that they mostly sell coffee drinks. I looked at the menu and the only thing close to a real cup of coffee was espresso and Americano. I thanked her and left. That's when I realized that the name of the shop was Yellow Leaf Coffee Co. 
So the trip wasn't a complete waste, I went to the health food market and checked out their selection. The only none new world coffee was Sumatra Mandheling. It was roasted darker then I like, but I bought half a pound to try. Hey! This stuff is good! It doesn't have that burnt taste I get from most "French" roast coffee.
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by DML on 2006-09-20 01:16:27 Post Subject: Too poor to pay attention
I had to go into town today and made it a point to go into the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. It's funny how the mind works. It seemed odd to me when I went in that there were no bins or bags of coffee. I asked if they sold coffee beans and the lady behind the counter pulled out a bag of ground "house blend". She told me that they mostly sell coffee drinks. I looked at the menu and the only thing close to a real cup of coffee was espresso and Americano. I thanked her and left. That's when I realized that the name of the shop was Yellow Leaf Coffee Co. So the trip wasn't a complete waste, I went to the health food market and checked out their selection. The only none new world coffee was Sumatra Mandheling. It was roasted darker then I like, but I bought half a pound to try. Hey! This stuff is good! It doesn't have that burnt taste I get from most "French" roast coffee.
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Coffee doesn't taste like coffee anymore.
Posted by Jackson on 2006-09-17 10:21:49 Post Subject:
If you drive to coffee bean and tea leaf, you might be able to smell the different coffee beans before you buy. You may not find the same coffee you remember from years ago, but you may be introduced to a new and better bean.
If you only drink one or two cups a day, the Kenya and Sumatra are both very good coffees. Both coffees are very unique, and make very good "after dinner" coffees. If you like to drink more than two cups in a sitting, I might recommend a lighter coffee. When I'm really in the mood to drink coffee, (this is usually on days that end in "y"), I like to drink Guatemalan Antigua or a nice southern Mexico bean.
My favorite bean in the world is India Mysore Golden Nuggets. This bean is difficult to find right now for some weird reason. Anyway, my last suggestion for a good coffee bean would be Costa Rican Terrazu. I can drink a whole pot of Terrazu before breakfast. I hope you make the drive, it will be worth it!
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Jackson on 2006-09-17 10:21:49 Post Subject:
If you drive to coffee bean and tea leaf, you might be able to smell the different coffee beans before you buy. You may not find the same coffee you remember from years ago, but you may be introduced to a new and better bean.
If you only drink one or two cups a day, the Kenya and Sumatra are both very good coffees. Both coffees are very unique, and make very good "after dinner" coffees. If you like to drink more than two cups in a sitting, I might recommend a lighter coffee. When I'm really in the mood to drink coffee, (this is usually on days that end in "y"), I like to drink Guatemalan Antigua or a nice southern Mexico bean.
My favorite bean in the world is India Mysore Golden Nuggets. This bean is difficult to find right now for some weird reason. Anyway, my last suggestion for a good coffee bean would be Costa Rican Terrazu. I can drink a whole pot of Terrazu before breakfast. I hope you make the drive, it will be worth it!
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Coffee franchise Rankings
Posted by cuppED on 2005-09-20 17:19:04 Post Subject: Coffee franchise Rankings
How would you rank these coffee franchises...
Borders (the bookstore)
Coffee Beanery
Starbucks
Barney's
Peet's Coffee and Tea
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
and any others you want to include.
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by cuppED on 2005-09-20 17:19:04 Post Subject: Coffee franchise Rankings
How would you rank these coffee franchises...
Borders (the bookstore)
Coffee Beanery
Starbucks
Barney's
Peet's Coffee and Tea
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
and any others you want to include.
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: European cafes versus American
Posted by Alun_evans on 2008-06-06 19:35:41 Post Subject:
I think this is an interesting debate. I would say the differences in cafe and coffee culture (the US vs. Europe) is a cultural and historical one- and it is also an ever changing evolution that has continued from obvious beginings in Europe. Generally I enjoy the cafes of Italy- the types of pastries and food they offer as well as the quality of the coffee and service. The buzz and atmosphere of these places in the morning is amazing- but of course you have to rememember the Italians drink 43 BILLION cups of coffee a year- 30% of these in the morning orrientated cafes. The passion for coffee and the undeniably central part it plays in Italians' lives plays a huge part in the coffee industry in Italy. I agree the cafe designs are beautiful, and I actually love a lot of the design ideas that I see on my trips there.
Are the cafe designs and menu standards directly transferable to cafes operations in the USA and other countries? Not always. For instance, coffee culture has developed on very different lines in America from Italy. It was, I dare say, the norm until at least the early 1990's for coffee in dinners and restaurants around the States to be served by the cup from carafes that had been sitting on bunn warmer plates for hours. I remember a road trip I did through (the now quite coffee sophisticated) West and Mountain States of America in 1990. The coffee was, almost universally, ahhem..apallingly bad. However (before someone berates me) I would like to add coffee evolution has happened at a speed that would make Charles Darwin turn somersaults in his grave. Coffee blends, especially those used in Espresso based drinks, are now very good- albeit it different from those European counterparts.
Touching on the quality of coffee in the cup- the espresso or cappuccini/o enjoyed in the cafe in France, Italy or the USA is a different issue altogether. I really enjoy the coffee from the small roasters all over Italy...however in some respects tradition defines what you will get in the cup all over Europe. Looking at where the coffee comes from, and what type of beans are being used- means that I can pretty much second guess the cupping characters of what I will served at a bar/caffe in Italy. I am never (or at least very rarely) disappointed. However, I am also rarely pleasantly supprised by anything unique or funky in the cup. What I am saying is Italian coffee is of a good standard, but perhaps not exceptional. Conversely in the USA the traditional constrains and expectations of a coffee roaster and their client base are not so concrete or stepped in tradition. Therefore a roaster there may, and often will, experiement with a huge number of origins when blending- consequently an espresso shot you may get in a small cafe in Boulder, Colorado, roasted by a small regional roaster may be outstandingly different from anything you may experience elsewhere.
I would say, from a somewhat neutral standpoint, that globally coffee seems to be heading into two different schools of thought- the "European" way and "the American influencing the rest of the world outside of Europe" way. In Asia I would estimate nearly all cafes that I see being built- loosely, or sometimes not so loosely, mimick American cafe design, menu, coffee blends etc. Obviously the pioneering presence of Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Spinelli's etc in Asia has meant that coffee culture is somewhat following the American chain ideals of cafe design, and culture by default. In countries such as New Zealand and Australia, where coffee evolution started much earlier (after WWII immigrants from Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, Austria and Holland flooded into both countries bringing European Coffee culture with them) the US style chains really struggle and the independent cafes that often reflect European design concepts do very, very well.
Anyway a waffle...a verbal one rather than you can eat! But I do think the differences in coffee culture make things interesting. I do know the SCAA and SCAE standards are not at all that far apart.
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Alun_evans on 2008-06-06 19:35:41 Post Subject:
I think this is an interesting debate. I would say the differences in cafe and coffee culture (the US vs. Europe) is a cultural and historical one- and it is also an ever changing evolution that has continued from obvious beginings in Europe. Generally I enjoy the cafes of Italy- the types of pastries and food they offer as well as the quality of the coffee and service. The buzz and atmosphere of these places in the morning is amazing- but of course you have to rememember the Italians drink 43 BILLION cups of coffee a year- 30% of these in the morning orrientated cafes. The passion for coffee and the undeniably central part it plays in Italians' lives plays a huge part in the coffee industry in Italy. I agree the cafe designs are beautiful, and I actually love a lot of the design ideas that I see on my trips there.
Are the cafe designs and menu standards directly transferable to cafes operations in the USA and other countries? Not always. For instance, coffee culture has developed on very different lines in America from Italy. It was, I dare say, the norm until at least the early 1990's for coffee in dinners and restaurants around the States to be served by the cup from carafes that had been sitting on bunn warmer plates for hours. I remember a road trip I did through (the now quite coffee sophisticated) West and Mountain States of America in 1990. The coffee was, almost universally, ahhem..apallingly bad. However (before someone berates me) I would like to add coffee evolution has happened at a speed that would make Charles Darwin turn somersaults in his grave. Coffee blends, especially those used in Espresso based drinks, are now very good- albeit it different from those European counterparts.
Touching on the quality of coffee in the cup- the espresso or cappuccini/o enjoyed in the cafe in France, Italy or the USA is a different issue altogether. I really enjoy the coffee from the small roasters all over Italy...however in some respects tradition defines what you will get in the cup all over Europe. Looking at where the coffee comes from, and what type of beans are being used- means that I can pretty much second guess the cupping characters of what I will served at a bar/caffe in Italy. I am never (or at least very rarely) disappointed. However, I am also rarely pleasantly supprised by anything unique or funky in the cup. What I am saying is Italian coffee is of a good standard, but perhaps not exceptional. Conversely in the USA the traditional constrains and expectations of a coffee roaster and their client base are not so concrete or stepped in tradition. Therefore a roaster there may, and often will, experiement with a huge number of origins when blending- consequently an espresso shot you may get in a small cafe in Boulder, Colorado, roasted by a small regional roaster may be outstandingly different from anything you may experience elsewhere.
I would say, from a somewhat neutral standpoint, that globally coffee seems to be heading into two different schools of thought- the "European" way and "the American influencing the rest of the world outside of Europe" way. In Asia I would estimate nearly all cafes that I see being built- loosely, or sometimes not so loosely, mimick American cafe design, menu, coffee blends etc. Obviously the pioneering presence of Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Spinelli's etc in Asia has meant that coffee culture is somewhat following the American chain ideals of cafe design, and culture by default. In countries such as New Zealand and Australia, where coffee evolution started much earlier (after WWII immigrants from Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, Austria and Holland flooded into both countries bringing European Coffee culture with them) the US style chains really struggle and the independent cafes that often reflect European design concepts do very, very well.
Anyway a waffle...a verbal one rather than you can eat! But I do think the differences in coffee culture make things interesting. I do know the SCAA and SCAE standards are not at all that far apart.
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Need Advice- Stupid to compete with Starbucks?
Posted by Chris Kay on 2005-02-12 07:25:58 Post Subject:
Alun, i popped into
StarBucks today and had a look around for aged Sumatran.
What i found was all the coffee was aged but there was no aged Sumatran.
Worse still was a coffee bean and tea leaf franchise.
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Chris Kay on 2005-02-12 07:25:58 Post Subject:
Alun, i popped into
StarBucks today and had a look around for aged Sumatran.
What i found was all the coffee was aged but there was no aged Sumatran.
Worse still was a coffee bean and tea leaf franchise.
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Gloria Jeans Gourmet Coffees
Posted by Alun_evans on 2004-04-05 23:09:48 Post Subject:
Hi Rip, interesting post. I guess that means you guys are a little bit behind your bro's from accross the ditch. Starbucks has been there for sometime. In NZ its owned by the Restaurants Brand group (KFC, Pizza Hut....etc). I don't know about in Sydney, but I think that the big franchise companies would struggle against the independents in places like Melbourne. I used to travel there from Wellington on a pretty regular basis and found the selection of great coffees in Melbourne a refreshing change from Wellington at that time (...before I get shot by a fellow NZ'er it was 12 years ago and there were a couple of excellent local roasters- L'affaire and Havana Coffee Works!!). Anyway I now live in Indonesia and the franchise crowd have arrived enmasse here over the last 18 months or so. Dome was the first, followed by Starbucks,Coffee bean and tea leaf,Gloria Jeans, Cuppa Cino and some others. It will be interesting to see how they go here.....but I'am happy. Its like coffee101....these companies through their big marketing budgets bring a whole new crowd into the coffee market. Alun
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Alun_evans on 2004-04-05 23:09:48 Post Subject:
Hi Rip, interesting post. I guess that means you guys are a little bit behind your bro's from accross the ditch. Starbucks has been there for sometime. In NZ its owned by the Restaurants Brand group (KFC, Pizza Hut....etc). I don't know about in Sydney, but I think that the big franchise companies would struggle against the independents in places like Melbourne. I used to travel there from Wellington on a pretty regular basis and found the selection of great coffees in Melbourne a refreshing change from Wellington at that time (...before I get shot by a fellow NZ'er it was 12 years ago and there were a couple of excellent local roasters- L'affaire and Havana Coffee Works!!). Anyway I now live in Indonesia and the franchise crowd have arrived enmasse here over the last 18 months or so. Dome was the first, followed by Starbucks,Coffee bean and tea leaf,Gloria Jeans, Cuppa Cino and some others. It will be interesting to see how they go here.....but I'am happy. Its like coffee101....these companies through their big marketing budgets bring a whole new crowd into the coffee market. Alun
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Your favourite coffee house?
Posted by Cafe del Mar on 2004-03-18 04:11:19 Post Subject:
well...well
if you ever come to Dubai, the best places to have a cafe would be coffee bean and tea leaf located in a compound next to the beach called LA PLAGE. excellent ambiance and view...try the CHAI LATTE hummm....
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Cafe del Mar on 2004-03-18 04:11:19 Post Subject:
well...well
if you ever come to Dubai, the best places to have a cafe would be coffee bean and tea leaf located in a compound next to the beach called LA PLAGE. excellent ambiance and view...try the CHAI LATTE hummm....
Back to top | view poster's profile
View entire thread: Your favourite coffee house?
Posted by Rowley on 2003-10-31 10:56:23 Post Subject:
So many good places to get coffee.
I like the coffee bean and tea leaf, a chain store competing against starbucks. They are good for a nice frappuccino or 'ice blended' coffee, they are not to bad with their cups of joe either.
I enjoy boba stores that are smart enough to order their coffee from good resellers like Seattle's Best.
As for a real sit down and enjoy the atmosphere cafe ... They seem to always close down right when I'm starting to get used to them, sad. Support your local independant cafes!
Back to top | view poster's profile
Posted by Rowley on 2003-10-31 10:56:23 Post Subject:
So many good places to get coffee.
I like the coffee bean and tea leaf, a chain store competing against starbucks. They are good for a nice frappuccino or 'ice blended' coffee, they are not to bad with their cups of joe either.
I enjoy boba stores that are smart enough to order their coffee from good resellers like Seattle's Best.
As for a real sit down and enjoy the atmosphere cafe ... They seem to always close down right when I'm starting to get used to them, sad. Support your local independant cafes!
Back to top | view poster's profile