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mahlkonig

Build-Outs Of Summer: Canary Coffee Bar In Milwaukee, WI

By barista guild, Build-Outs Of Summer, Cafes, Canary Coffee Bar, colin whitcomb, curtis, Emily Whitcomb, la marzocco linea pb, madcap coffee, mahlkonig, milwaukee, North America, Optipure, Places, SCA, Snowdrift Coffee, Staff Picks, USA, Wisconsin

canary coffee bar milwaukee wisconsin

If there was a race for best coffee cities in America that no one really talks about, Milwaukee would be up in the front of the pack. Sure, Los Angeles, Portland, and New York City have great coffee scenes worthy of the press they receive, but there’s some homegrown excellence in the MKE, which really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise in a town counting both Brew City and Cream City amongst its nicknames. And thanks to Colin and Emily Whitcomb of Canary Coffee Bar, there’s another cafe to add to the city’s already stacked line-up.

For many, the name Colin Whitcomb will ring familiar. Formerly with Madcap Coffee, Colin is a member of the Barista Guild‘s Executive Council and can frequently be heard giving live commentary of the US Barista Championships for the SCA. He’s even done a little live tweeting over on Sprudge Live. But even as a recognizable figure in the national coffee conversation, Colin, along with his wife Emily, are focusing their efforts locally.

With Canary, the Whitcombs are hoping to appeal to as broad a coffee audience as possible instead of dogmatically beating the light-roast drum. Their hope is by bringing more folks into the fold, a brighter, more sustainable future for coffee will lay ahead. Sustainability through approachability, it’s a worthy goal and it’s what Canary Coffee Bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is all about.

The 2019 Build-Outs of Summer is presented by Pacific Barista SeriesnotNeutralKeepCup, and Mill City Roasters.

As told to Sprudge by Colin Whitcomb.

For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?

We are a coffee bar owned by Colin and Emily Whitcomb, located in downtown Milwaukee.

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

We are renting a space in what was originally the Hotel Wisconsin, open in 1913. The Hotel Wisconsin was a fixture in Milwaukee for decades before languishing into a residential-hotel. In 2003 is was converted to apartments. Our space has been empty since that time—west of the river in downtown Milwaukee has only recently attracted new businesses. We opted for a cosy (for MKE) 1,250 sq/ft. Half the floors have original terrazzo tile, the ceilings are 18ft high, but unfortunately there isn’t as much to retain of the original space as one might hope—the original wood paneling on the walls is long gone. We will have blue velvet stools at the counter, wood and resin cafe tables, black leather bucket chairs, and some fun hoop chandeliers. Our hope is to create a space that zigs when they zag, so to speak, looking to capture an aesthetic is that urban, yet comfortable. Nearby are offices mostly, but we have a park across the street, and are next to the old Grand Ave Mall, which is now becoming a food hall.

canary coffee bar milwaukee wisconsin

What’s your approach to coffee?

To make a welcoming environment first. Barista skills and coffee knowledge will be tools that we can use to help people connect to our product, but not our raison d’être. Our offerings will include coffee flavors that span the range of what coffee can display: dark, aromatic, fruity, balanced, etc. I’m completely exhausted with telling people which coffees I like, let alone which coffee they should get off a menu of light-roasted coffees when they expressed another preference. Instead, we’ll try to celebrate many coffee styles. I’m totally freaked about the future of coffee. I hope that a larger menu of coffees will allow us to convey the message that all coffee has value.

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

La Marzocco Linea PB, Mahlkönig EK43 and PEAKs, Curtis brewer and two Gold Cups, Optipure water filtration—good tools to get the job done. Madcap Coffee and Snowdrift are two roasters we will work closely with. Our hope is to work with Ant and Rita at Snowdrift to select some coffees that they will roast for us (that’s their model, not something we asked for).

How is your project considering sustainability?

Sustainability has many aspects. We will of course be looking to compost, and our roasting partners have commitments to sustainability in their operations. We’re also interested in the sustainability of coffee, and as naive as it may sound, we hope that by charging more and paying more for coffee we can contribute to a more equitable coffee supply chain. Finally, we have goals to try and make someone’s time as a barista as sustainable as possible. However, we can’t do any of that without a sustainable business first, so we will be looking to wow as many customers as possible, with the idea that without profitability we are unable to contribute to wider sustainability goals.

canary coffee bar milwaukee wisconsin

canary coffee bar milwaukee wisconsin

What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?

July 2019

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?

Andrew and Marysol Whitcomb are our design team.

Thank you!

It’s super scary to put Canary, as we call it, and all these ideas out there. However, we hope to have a place in the specialty coffee world, and we’re excited to be part of a generation of coffee shops that are looking ever forward. I sincerely appreciate the interest.

canary coffee bar milwaukee wisconsin

Canary Coffee Bar is located at 720 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

The Build-Outs Of Summer is an annual series on Sprudge. Live the thrill of the build all summer long in our Build-Outs feature hub.

Photos by April Larson.

The post Build-Outs Of Summer: Canary Coffee Bar In Milwaukee, WI appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

Build-Outs Of Summer: The Meteor In Austin, TX

By andrew werth, austin, Black Out Signs, Build-Outs Of Summer, Cafes, Deep Eddy Tasting Room, intelligentsia coffee, JoAnn’s Fine Foods, kilogram tea, Klean Kanteen, La Marzocco Linea PB 3AV, mahlkonig, marco, Natural Wine, North America, notNeutral, Scott Magic, Staff Picks, Texas, Texas Rover, The Meteor, USA

the meteor austin texas

When it comes to mission statements, they don’t get much clearer (and diverse) than “Espresso, Champagne, and Chain Lube.” And that is exactly what The Meteor will be bringing to Austin early next month. Along with coffee from Intelligentsia, the new polymath cafe will feature a selection of natural wines as well as a “bespoke bike shop,” all things that the Texas capital inarguably enjoys, perhaps more than anywhere else in the state does.

With locations in Bentonville and Little Rock, The Meteor is hopping the border for their first non-Arkansas cafe, right in the heart of Central Texas. Their newest South Congress outpost looks to capitalize on the city’s penchant for doing things in 100° heat that shouldn’t ever really be done in temperatures that hot: riding bikes and drinking hot coffee; the crisp natural bubbles are never a bad idea though. But it’s a formula that has spelled success in Austin for some time now, and there’s no slowing down (or cooling off) in sight.

The 2019 Build-Outs of Summer is presented by Pacific Barista SeriesnotNeutralKeepCup, and Mill City Roasters.

As told to Sprudge by Andrew Werth.

For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?

Our framework is espresso, champagne, and chain lube, but really we are…

A top-shelf coffee bar and cafe colliding with a bespoke bike shop. We’ll offer signature baked goods, inspired food, and drinks for a hot climate.

the meteor austin texas

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

Architect Scott Magic (see JoAnn’s Fine Foods, Deep Eddy Tasting Room) was brought on to oversee the buildout, which will expose the building’s 1950’s, mid-century structural features. Pink terrazzo floors line the cafe and Texas limestone frames the building. Black Out Signs from San Marcos, Texas, was commissioned to build an exterior neon sign announcing our holy trinity—Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube—and an interior floating neon orb.

What’s your approach to coffee?

The Meteor strives to be exceptional in everything we do. It is our mission to provide our customers with excellent food and coffee in a fun and energetic environment. We offer friendly, intentional, and knowledgeable service that provides our customers with a consistent experience each time. We are committed to serving high-quality products while creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for our clientele and staff.

Moreover, we strive to create and foster a supportive community that emphasizes clear and direct communication and mutual respect. All members of our staff are valued for the unique experience that they bring to our company and are offered opportunities for personal and professional growth throughout every stage of employment.

the meteor austin texas

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

The coffee bar features Intelligentsia Coffee and Kilogram Tea. Espresso equipment includes La Marzocco Linea PB 3AV, Mahlkönig K30 Air and Air Twin, and an EK43 for drip. Marco under counter boilers for tea service.

How is your project considering sustainability?

Principally in repurposing an existing building. Secondly in facilitating to a majority bicycle transported clientele with ample bike parking and bike services. A majority of wine offerings will be low to no intervention ie. natural wines. Additionally using compostable to go containers and participating in organic waste collection.

What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?

Early September

the meteor austin texas

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?

Scott Magic, Architect. Black Out Signs, neon signs and light fixture. Texas Rover, interior. notNeutral, custom mugs, cups, saucers. Klean Kanteen, custom canteens and tumblers.

Thank you!

Thank you!

the meteor austin texas

The Meteor is located at 2110 S Congress Ave., Austin. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

The Build-Outs Of Summer is an annual series on Sprudge. Live the thrill of the build all summer long in our Build-Outs feature hub.

The post Build-Outs Of Summer: The Meteor In Austin, TX appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

Baratza Is Heading To Oakland For A Meet The Makers Events At The Crown

By baratza, california, events, grinders, mahlkonig, Meet The Maker: Baratza – Grinder Quality Inside and Out, oakland, Pierce Jens, Quinn Anderson, The Crown, Wire

If there’s one grinder brand coffee professionals and home users alike can agree on, it’s Baratza. Sure, everyone wants a towering Mahlkönig EK43 to act as a literal pillar to your coffee devoutness, but who’s got the counter clearance for that? I know I don’t (but Mahlkönig, if you’re listening and want to send me one, I’ll remove a cabinet or two to make it work). Baratza is the best of both worlds that exists in both worlds. You’re just as likely to find an Encore or a Sette at your coffee-geek friend’s house as you are to see a Forte at your local cafe brew bar.

And now the Bellevue, Washington company is taking the 800-mile trip down the I-5 to the Bay Area for an event on Wendesday, August 21st. Taking place The Crown in Oakland, Meet The Maker: Baratza – Grinder Quality Inside and Out is a grinder deep dive for all levels of coffee geekery.

Baratza Support and Service Managers Pierce Jens and Quinn Anderson, respectively, will be on- and for the first-of-its-kind road event, where they will be leading a variety of topics as they relate to the company’s grinder roster. The day begins with a “how and why” of Baratza’s grinder design and build, specifically as it relates to “performance, value, and sustainability.” This will be followed by a “tips and tricks” session to learn ways to improve the quality of your brew and maintain your grinder.

And perhaps the coolest part of the event, at least for current Baratza owners, the Support and Service team will troubleshoot and fix when possible any issues ailing their grinders. FOR FREE. As someone who recently got their grinder kajiggered by a not-so-tiny rock in a bag of Chiapas, this is the part of the even that speaks to me. Or I guess I could stop being so lazy and recalibrate it myself—it’s really not that hard—but then who would be there to keep you abreast of all the coffee news?

Meet The Maker then caps off the night with beer, wine, and appetizers as well as a test of your grind knowledge that could result in you winning a brand new Baratza grinder.

Meet The Maker: Baratza – Grinder Quality Inside and Out is completely free to attend, but registration via Eventbrite is required, which can be done so here. Don’t just show up with a handful of grinder parts expecting them to find the little plastic detent you lost somewhere along the way (definitely NOT speaking from experience here); you’ve gotta have a ticket. And as of writing this, there so just 30 remaining, so if you want to go, you should act fast. It all kicks off 5:00pm on Wednesday, August 21st and The Crown in Oakland. For more information, visit the Meet The Maker: Baratza – Grinder Quality Inside and Out Eventbrite page.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

The post Baratza Is Heading To Oakland For A Meet The Makers Events At The Crown appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News