I apologize for my lack of posts these past few weeks. Finals kind of ate my life. I did visit the Te Cafe, but I figured 6 posts in a row about it would be a waste of time for all of you.

I promise to get better the next two weeks.

From Pop City Newsletter

Thought you all might appreciate this:

http://www.popcitymedia.com/features/coffee0412.aspx

Barista Secrets

As requested, more information behind the scenes...

being a barista, only if it was as simple as pulling a lever!

A barista has the ability to make your drink a perfect to horrible, a good barista is just as important as good beans (water, milk, etc).

A barista has to make sure your milk is steamed to the right temperature, too hot can burn the milk! Burnt milk smells like almond, if you smell this and you're not getting an almond latte, asked for some fresh milk.

Espresso quality, as I mentioned before a bad shot will either taste burnt or like asprin. Most shops check their espresso quality several times a day, as changes in temperature and use can alter the flavor. Also there are two types of espresso machines, automatic and traditional. Most larger chains use automatic, as it is a quicker process (great for the on the go customer). Automatic machines cannot be fine tunned as well as a traditional machine. Automatic machines involve the barista pushing a button, and the shots start to pour. A traditional machine involves more skill, as there are several reasons a bad shot is being pulled, which means more adjustment options. Most coffee lovers prefer traditional machines.

......automatic.........................traditional...............


The barista is also the one who assembles the drink, and its amazing how much order matters. For instance, lattes are known for having a half moons. This is a little bit of froth at top, that when poured correctly the espresso colored liquid will look like a half moon. If someone free pours (with out the latte spatula) you will not get this effect. If milk is put in first and then the espresso, you also won't get this effect. Some baristas are skilled enough they can do latte art. This also matters in flavor shots, the wrong measurement or order will make your drink tast funny. Also stirring makes a huge difference. With everything blended together, the flavors are not as strong (but you might also want that.)

Remind me later and I will give information on bean buying, because this is a whole other area a barista must know.

Lastly, the reason I focus on the friendliness of the baristas is that generally in customer service friendliness is important. You can get a cup of coffee anywhere, you'll go back to the places that had a good cup of coffee. You'll be a regular at the places that are friendly and have a good cup of coffee.

The other hot caffeniated beverage...

Te Cafe • Squirrel Hill • April 7th, 2008

The Te Cafe is a charming little shop, located right on the corner of Beacon and Murray. I really like this place, even if it doesn't sell coffee. Sometimes its nice to go out for a cup of tea.

Today I tried the pommegrante rosehip black tea. Awesome, nice blend of fruitness and black tea. Served piping hot in your own little tea pot. You get your mug, and a tea timer, so you can brew your tea to taste. For someone who likes strong tea taste, this is a very important feature.

Te Cafe has somewhat of the indy look, more like kiva han's little sister who shops at Ikea. For a small shop they do their best with seating. They have counter seats, tables, and comfy chairs. The big windows are very nice in this weather, you almost feel like you're outside without the chill from the wind.

The staff is friendly and swift. Te Cafe also offers free wifi (seriously how does starbucks stay in business when they charge for it.) The store is also very clean (no crumbs on the table).

The Te Cafe has over 100 types of tea, serves tea lattes, smoothies, lemonades, french and italian soda, and a variety of hot chocolates. No coffee though...


four and a half beans!