Portland Monthly covers Caffe Vita Barista school for at-risk youth.

Solid Grounds
a barista school gets teens off the street and behind the counter
by Martin Patail


For most of us, coffee is simply a tool for paddle-shocking our brains every morning, but for a few of Portland’s 1,000 or so homeless youth, it’s a way to jump-start a career. In October, P:ear, a local youth mentoring program, partnered with Seattle-based roasters Caffé Vita to open a barista school that fast-tracks Portland’s least fortunate in one of the city’s most competitive industries. The arrangement is simple, explains Sarah Dougher, a veteran P:ear staffer: Caffé Vita donates the coffee, equipment, and instruction while P:ear provides the space. All the students have to do is roll up their sleeves. Continue reading here...

And Some upcoming VITA + P:EAR public events:

March 4th: 1st Thursday at p:ear gallery in old town on 6th and Flanders. Barista school students will be slinging coffee for tips and to help generate awareness for barista school coffee cart opening late March. 6-9pm

March 9th: a fresh batch of p:ear barista school students will be serving up Vita throughout the day in support of p:ear and the barista school project. Baristas will rotate through shifts on the cart to hone their skills with coffee and people. p:ear gallery, 6th and Flanders NW. 9 am-2 pm.

PBS: Public Brewing School Invades Whole Foods Bellevue This Sunday!

Whole Foods PBS this Sunday February 14th from 10- 11:30 at Whole Foods Bellevue. The class cost $15 which includes a Vita ceramic pour over. There are only 15 spaces open.

PBS: further your knowledge of coffee brewing methods including the use of Vita Pour Over, French Press, Vacuum Pot, Bialetti and more. Drink great coffee, learn about its origins, hang out with Andy Kent Vita's lead coffee trainer.

Email Andy@caffevita.com or Christina.zamagias@wholefoods.com to sign up!
Payment can be made upon arrival.

The Guardian gives Caffe Vita nod as the best Seattle cup.

Going Underground in Seattle

Chloe McCloskey
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 3 February 2010 15.27 GMT

In a city where the alternative is the everyday, just what do you do for kicks? Le cool's Chloe McCloskey delves into Seattle's underground for snowshoeing, ethically sourced coffee and subterranean tattoos

Widely acknowledged for unleashing Starbucks upon the world and seeing the rise and fall of grunge legend Kurt Cobain, Seattle is more than just San Francisco's rainy, northern cousin. The seaport city sits among stunning natural surroundings and is incredibly progressive. This forward-thinking mindset, whereby good old American hospitality is combined with an earnest hippie attitude and a mature approach towards sustainable living, means that what many would consider alternative is actually just the norm.

Everything in this town seems to have been stuck with a 'locally sourced' or 'ethically traded' sticker and residents are damn proud of it. With its lively markets, thriving East Asian communities, excellent coffee houses and a small, but very cool hipster scene, Seattle is a great base from which to explore the Pacific Northwest or frankly, just chill out

As you might imagine, Seattleites take their coffee very seriously – in fact, a double espresso shot is custom for all hot drinks. When it comes to the best beans, there's a toss-up between two roasters in the cool Capitol Hill area. Walk into either Stumptown (1115 12th Avenue) or Caffe Vita (1005 East Pike Street) and you'll be struck by the intense scent of jet-fuel espresso brewing. Vita was my preference for taste. Their One Pot project sees the company's ownership heading out on coffee souring missions to the likes of Ethiopia and Sumatra.

Read Full Article Here...

CENTRAL AMERICAN COFFEE CUPPING 1/29/10

Central America was the theme at the CAFFE VITA cupping table today, with a particular standout coffee from Honduras. Rich, loamy aromas evoke memories of rain soaked forest floor with hints of moss and wet tobacco complimenting the deep cocoa undertones and caramel sweetness.

A well rounded, vibrant, medium bodied cup displaying well balanced earth tones throughout with flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco and leather interspersed with hints of raisin and sun dried cherry and a sweet caramel, somewhat smokey, lingering finish.

Thanks to everyone who joined us at our FREE coffee cupping today and we look forward to seeing YOU at our next FREE coffee cupping at CAFFE VITA-CAPITOL HILL-1005 E. PIKE ST- WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS @ 10 AM.

New Crop Farm Direct Sumatra Has Arrived.

New Crop Farm Direct Gayo River Sumatra Arrives.
Gayo River Producers visiting in April!
Click here to order online. $14/pound.

Our friends in Sumatra had a brilliant harvest this fall. Once again this certified organic coffee from the Gayo region of Northern Sumatra stands out among all other Indonesian coffees we have cupped with rich, exotic, robust aromas and flavors.

Tasting Notes: enticing aromas of dark chocolate, baking spice and cigar smoke up front with sultry nuances of cinnamon and earthiness. A robust, full bodied coffee with low acidity and well balanced sweet/smoky flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, maple, and tobacco. Pleasant, lingering aftertaste of dissipating cocoa powder with lovely traces of
warm spice.

The Gayo River farmers have an unparralled respect and reverence for the planet. The shade grown coffee farms in this area provide substantial habitat for local bird and animal populations and exist within a brilliant and varied eco-system. Their warmth and generosity during our visits have created a bond between roaster and farmer that is rare and has enriched us greatly. We are anxiously awaiting their return visit to Seattle this April. Expect cuppings, dinners, and several opportunities to meet the producers. Stay Tuned for details.

This remarkable coffee is available now on our online store at caffevita.com, all six vita locations, and in the Seattle area at Whole Foods, Metropolitan Markets, Central Markets and many other fine retailers.

JESSE JONES / KING 5 News loves Caffe Vita - and takes a big knife to some bogus Chicago company called "Seattle Coffee Direct"

More problems for Seattle Coffee Direct

by JESSE JONES / KING 5 News

Posted on January 27, 2010 at 11:00 PM
******

Roy Dudley says he was charged $79 last month for coffee he ordered and paid for two years ago and the company hasn't refunded his money.

"It's like someone owes you money and they are dodging you," said Everett's Cherilyn Rubenaker who got hit with $200 worth of unauthorized charges for coffee she never ordered and the unwanted bags kept showing up on her door step.

These folks are dealing with a company called Seattle Coffee Direct, a mail order business based out of suburban Chicago and not Seattle. I told you about them last month. Following the report, I got complaints from coast to coast about the company.

I called the Better Business Bureau in Chicago, and they say customers filed more than 1000 complaints against the company in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Recently I clicked on the company's Web site and saw a notice saying the company is not taking orders. It also provides a form to request a refund. I was able to get Cherilyn's money back from the CEO of the company, but this time the big guy isn't returning my e-mails or calls to his cell.

So here's what you should do: Call your bank and see if you can get charge back on your credit card for the purchase. If that doesn't work, try the Attorney General's Office. They'll be able to contact the company and on your behalf.

For right now, I'm sending Seattle Coffee Direct all of our complaints plus a real bag of coffee from Seattle.

Jesse is sending them a bag of Caffe Vita Farm Direct Gayo River Sumatra. Ha!

CUPPING SCHEDULE FOR WEEK OF 1/25/10

Just a reminder that THIS Wednesday 1/27/10 CAFFE VITA's FREE coffee cupping will be cancelled as our green coffee buyer will be out of town. Cupping will resume on Friday 1/29/10 at CAFFE VITA-CAPITOL HILL-1005 E PIKE ST- 10 AM.

We look forward to seeing YOU at our FREE coffee cupping on Friday 1/29/10 where we will be cupping exceptional coffees from Africa, Indonesia, Central and South America.

NOTES FROM THE CUPPING TABLE

A great day of coffee today at the FREE coffee cupping with a wonderful display of coffees from Ethiopia and Brazil, showcasing a broad spectrum of washed, semi-washed and naturally processed coffees. Exceptional coffees from the Yirgacheffe and Sidamo regions of Ethiopia as well as some delicious coffees from Brazils Bahia and Minas Gerais regions.

The particular stand out from Ethiopia was the naturally processed Sidamo with luscious fruit forward aromas of sun dried berry and citrus with herbaceous undertones. A vibrant, moderately acidic cup with well balanced body and flavors of sun dried berry, dark chocolate, citrus and subtle hints of spice throughout the sweet lingering finish.

The coffee from the Minas Gerais region of Brazil, a semi-washed coffee rich with earthy aromas of tobacco, tanned leather and spice with subtle nuances of cocoa and caramel. A subdued, earthy cup with low acidity and a chewy, medium body with rich overtones of dark chocolate, nougat and spice. Nice subtle hints of tobacco and leather linger as the coffee fades in to a sweet cocoa powder and cigar box finish. Delicious.

Thanks again to all who joined us this morning- we look forward to seeing YOU soon at CAFFE VITA -1005 E PIKE ST- EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY @ 10 AM for our FREE coffee cupping.

2 ways to help Haiti in Seattle.

1. Buy Theo chocolate



Starting Wednesday 100% of the sales of 45% classic milk and 70% classic dark chocolate bars will go to CARE, a humanitarian nonprofit fundraising for the Haiti relief effort. All Vita locations will be selling these bars. You can also purchase these bars online at www.theochocolate.com


2. Eat at Coastal Kitchen on Thursday January 21st.



From Our Friends at Coastal Kitchen


25% of our entire day's sales at Coastal Kitchen will be donated to Mercy Corps towards relief from the terrible disaster that has devastated the people of Haiti. This fundraiser begins at 8am and runs the entire day until 10pm. Whether it's a latte on your way to work, breakfast, lunch, dinner, take out etc... 25% of your purchase will go directly to Mercy Corps.

Additionally a Mercy Corps Volunteer will be on site to receive any additional donations, talk about their relief efforts and answer any questions you may have. Please join us on Thursday, tell a friend, together we can help the people of Haiti.

To learn more about Coastal Kitchen please visit us online at seattle-eats.com

The Caffe Vita Christmas Eve Marathon!

Sam Thompson, North Face Endurance Runner and the first runner ever to accomplish 51 marathons in 50 days in 50 states and Brock Gavery, Endurance Runner and Adventurist who was voted one of the Fittest Real Men in America by Outside Magazine are both huge Caffe Vita fans. Caffe Vita has fueled many of their adventures.

They recently ran the 96 mile Wonderland trail around Mt Rainer wired on plenty of Caffe Vita's Luna. View The Video Here . This December, they randomly decided the night before to kick off the inaugural Caffe Vita Christmas Eve Marathon. Starting in Ballard, they ran to each Caffe Vita beginning with Fremont, then on to Queen Anne, then to our newest location in Pioneer Square. After many shots of Caffe Vita's finest Del Sol espresso, they were ready for the long push to Seward Park before finally making it to headquarters on Capitol Hill. Stay tuned for next year where Sam and Brock hope to inspire many people to run with them in hopes of raising money to feed and clothe those in need during the holidays.

Enjoy this short film created by Sam Thompson whose many adventures can be followed at www.seesamrun.com.

CUPPING NOTES

Greetings from the CAFFE VITA cupping table- where EVERY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY @ 10 AM we cup the worlds finest coffees FREE for anyone interested in exploring the dynamic world of coffee. Today we cupped coffees from Mexico, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. All delicious coffees with the coffees from Mexico and Papua New Guinea clearly standing apart from the rest.

Mexico displayed wonderful dry/earthy aromas of cinnamon, tobacco, cocoa powder, charred oak and subtle hints of sun-dried citrus. A mild/subdued cup with light acidity and light/medium body with sweet, earthy flavors of cocoa, tobacco, charred oak, sun dried citrus and hints of molasses in the finish.

Papua New Guinea showed nice aromas of cocoa, baking spice, citrus, marshmallow and subtle hints of cigar smoke. A sweet, well balanced coffee with moderate acidity and medium body with mouth watering flavors of citrus, cocoa, nougat with subtle herbaceous notes throughout the clean, dissipating finish.

Stop by and visit CAFFE VITA-CAPITOL HILL-1005 E PIKE ST- 10 AM EVERY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY for our FREE coffee cupping and taste the world of coffee with us! See you next week...

GIVE SEATTLE UPDATE. THE LONG WINTERS VIDEO GOES LIVE!

We have sold so many GIVE music compilations that we ran out and had to order more - and it will be in stores again everywhere tomorrow. Here is the recent offering for the GIVE clan - the debut song from the long long awaited Long Winters album (due out soon) - John partnered with the stupendously talented folks at Creature to create this video for our benefit project GIVE. This track and 36 others are available at www.giveseattle.org.



And here is the Chase Jarvis directed vid of Head Like a Kite's Director's Cut



And the City Arts produced video of Fences.

CUPPING NOTES

On the cupping table today were coffees from Flores, Sumatra and Ethiopia. We are definitely excited for the new crop arrivals from our friends in Sumatra who produce our CAFFE VITA FARM DIRECT GAYO RIVER. This certified organic coffee consistently stands out among all other Indonesian coffees with rich, exotic, robust aromas and flavors- a perennial favorite.

This years harvest is no exception. CAFFE VITA FARM DIRECT SUMATRA GAYO RIVER is truly outstanding. Rich, enticing aromas of dark chocolate, baking spice and cigar smoke up front with sultry nuances of cinnamon and earthiness. A robust, full bodied coffee with low acidity and well balanced sweet/smoky flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, maple, tobacco and loamy nuances. Pleasant, lingering aftertaste of dissipating cocoa powder with lovely traces of baking spice and cigar smoke. Words just don't do this coffee justice- get to your local CAFFE VITA and ask for a 'cuppa' FARM DIRECT SUMATRA GAYO RIVER!!!

In contrast to this wonderful FARM DIRECT GAYO RIVER SUMATRA was the Organic Natural Process Ethiopia Sidamo. Distinctive blueberry aromas with dark chocolate and citrus nuances and hints of sun scorched earth. A moderately acidic, light/medium bodied coffee with pronounced blueberry flavors balanced with dark chocolate and citrus notes throughout the somewhat earthy finish. An alluring earthy flavor lingering with the blueberry and citrus notes kept us tasting again and again- an interesting coffee for sure.

Another great day cupping coffees from around the world at CAFFE VITA-CAPITOL HILL-1005 E PIKE ST. Join us EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY @ 10 AM for FREE COFFEE CUPPING.

Caffe Vita's Public Brewing School Announces New Dates!

Caffe Vita's Public Brewing School would like to announce new upcoming sessions where you can further your knowledge of coffee brewing methods including the use of Vita Pour Over, French Press, Vacuum Pot, Bialetti and more.

PBS is a free class which takes place once a month at unique locations within the City of Seattle.

Upcoming Class Sessions:
Saturday, January 23rd @ Caffe Vita Capitol Hill 10AM
Saturday, February 20th @ Caffe Vita Capitol Hill 10AM
Saturday, March 20th 2010 (Location & Time TBA)


To Register Please Contact:
Andy@caffevita.com // 206.709.4449 *177

CUPPING NOTES

Today was a welcome return to the cupping table after another outstanding holiday season. Thanks again to all who made the annual CAFFE VITA holiday party a huge success! If you missed it, well, theres always 2011...

New crop offerings from Guatemala ruled the table today, delicious coffees all of them, but two in particular are worth mention.

The first coffee of note was the Organic Finca La Esperanza. Beautifully aromatic with balanced layers of cinnamon, vanilla, citrus and roasted almond throughout the bouquet. A well balanced coffee with medium body and moderate brightness showing sweet flavors of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and cocoa with a rich, buttery finish.

Organic Cristobal displayed pronounced aromas of citrus and cocoa throughout the nose with subtle undertones of earthiness. This coffee was very bright with a light body and prominent citrus flavors upfront with earthy nuances of tobacco and cocoa dissipating in the finish.

Thank you to all who joined us at the cupping table today and we look forward to seeing YOU soon at our FREE coffee cuppings every WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY @ 10 AM - CAFFE VITA CAPITOL HILL-1005 E PIKE ST