Cafecampesino’s Weblog

ACOES at Koinonia

With so much going on, let’s take that first sip…

Hosted by our friends at Ambex, a manufacturer of top notch roasting equipment, Maty de Barrios and Dave Campbell recently spent a weekend in Clearwater, FL at the GULF COAST ROASTERS GATHERING with a few dozen other roasters and industry experts from around the country to share thoughts on what we do.

Among the activities, Maty and Dave participated in several cupping exercises. They tasted several excellent coffee offerings (and a couple of different ones ) in the continuing quest to improve their tasting skills.  To that end, Maty and Dave, along with 30 or so others, also participated in a Sensory Skills Test given by the Coffee Quality Institute.  This test is the first in a series of rigorous tests of knowledge and taste for certification in CQI’s Q Grader Program, another part of the ongoing effort to improve the quality of Cafe Campesino coffee from crop to cup.  Congratulations to Dave as one of only two participants that passed this first test. (Dave also mentioned that he hit a bases loaded double in the 5th inning of the annual softball game that Saturday night.  The three runs that scored put his team ahead and they went on to win the game. What a weekend for Dave!)

Maty tells us that the she enjoyed meeting the fun and knowledgeable people at the gathering.  “[It was a] great learning experience and another one of the wonderful perks that come with being part of Café Campesino,” she says.

While in Clearwater, Maty and Dave had the opportunity to submit a sample of our newest coffee blend offering, Mocha Java Full City Roast. Several examples of this legendary blend were presented and cupped and we’re happy to say that our offering was well-received.  We think that you will like it too, so we’re offering this scrumptious new taste at 10% off this month.  Enjoy.

On Thursday, November 6th, Café Campesino will once again be serving up java at the annual MARCH OF DIMES SIGNATURE CHEF’S AUCTION, this time in Albany at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Signature Chef’s Auctions are held in over 200 cities across the country. Last year, these events raised over $15 million to make sure that all babies are born healthy. This unique and fun dining experience – where top local chefs present their signature dishes in a tasting format – has raised more than $89 million for the March of Dimes since the first Chefs Auction was held in 1989.  Café Campesino is delighted to be part of this important event.

During the weekend of November 21-23, Café Campesino will join thousands of students, people of faith and human rights activists in attending the annual vigil at the US Army School of the Americas (SOA) at Ft. Benning in Columbus, Georgia. The SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS WATCH (SOAW) is a grassroots movement that works to stand in solidarity with the people of Latin America, to close the SOA/WHINSEC and to change what many believe is an oppressive U.S. foreign policy that the SOA represents. This will be the tenth year that Café Campesino serves coffee from Fair Trade farmers in countries that are directly affected by those trained at the school in order to raise funds for SOA Watch. Proceeds from the event will be donated to SOAW. To learn more about the SOA Watch, please visit www.soaw.org.

On Saturday, November 15th our very own coffee house manager Joe Johnston will take his show on the road to serve up Café Campesino at the 2008 Field of Greens at WHIPPOORWILL HOLLOW ORGANIC FARM IN WALNUT GROVE.  This annual GEORGIA ORGANICS celebration of farm, food and fun runs from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Activities include:

o Chef demonstrations using the best in locally grown and organic food
o Delectable bites from restaurants, caterers and stores
o Farmers’ market with local organic fruits, berries, vegetables and flowers
o Art Fair featuring local artisans
o Gardening demonstrations
o Information on local green energy and recycling from area green businesses
o Childrens’ activities and family events such as pony rides, face painting, arts and crafts and more
o Raffles and prizes

Whippoorwill Hollow Organic Farm is a 74 acre certified organic family farm run by Andy and Hilda Byrd. The farm is located 35 miles east of Atlanta, in Walnut Grove.  The cost is $3 for adults, or free with the purchase of food tickets. Children under 12 are admitted free. Proceeds will benefit local farmers and Slow Food.  For more information, visit: www.fieldofgreensgeorgia.org.

Producer partners from ACOES in El Salvador capped off their visit to Americus with a meeting at the Fuller Center, a presentation for the Koinonia home schoolers, and of course, a night at the roastery. Those who turned out to the latter were treated to a wonderful music serenade and tasty samples of our Espresso Bean Bark, but more importantly a greater understanding of the challenges our producer partners face on a daily basis. Stay tuned next month for a more profound discussion on this important life topic.

Read the full November newsletter