POO COFFEE EXTRAVAGANZA....

REUTERS- Kopi Luwak, made in Indonesia from coffee beans excreted by native civet cats, is reputedly the world's rarest and most expensive coffee, extracted by hand from the animals' forest droppings. Civet cats, considered a delicacy in China, are linked to the SARS respiratory virus that emerged in the south of that country in 2002 and spread globally. When roasted, the resulting beans sell for around $1,000 a kilogram ($450 a pound) and brew into an earthy, syrupy, coffee experts as one of the world's finest. Australia's first civet cat brew has only just gone on sale in Queensland state, selling for a $50 a cup at the Heritage Tea Rooms, west of Townsville. "Everyone calls it cat poo coffee," cafe owner Michelle Sharpe told the Australian Associated Press.

COFFEE GAINS POPULARITY IN CHINA

According to an article by the Bureau Report, coffee consumption is gaining popularity against tea and so is coffee production. Official data showed Chinese coffee exports jumped 40.8 percent to 6,484 tons during the first quarter of this year, with more than 4,000 tons headed for Germany and Japan. It imported 4,642 tons in the first quarter, down 5.7 percent year-on-year. "When we began a coffee business here in 1998, our monthly sales were about 10 kilos. Now our sales are calculated in tons," said Zhou Zhihua, a coffee trader based in Yunnan's provincial capital, Kunmin. However, industry officials say Chinese production is still too small for some roasters to pay much attention, especially as growing domestic demand is absorbing a large chunk of it.

EURO CAFE PICS....

EURO BREAD & CAFE, Fort Laudedale.

In downtown Fort Lauderdale I found this traditional and urban French café and bakery. French bread with prosiutto, mini butter croissants and delicious and creamy espresso are the top sellers in Euro Bakery and Café. They offer a wide variety of baked goods, sandwiches, gourmet salads, teas and coffee drinks. The local is spacious, well decorated and cozy. Euro Bakery and Café is just one block north of Broward Blvd and 3rd Ave. They have an awesome breakfast special for only $2.50.

COFFEE STATISTICS

• Among coffee drinkers the average consumption in the United States is 3.1 cups of coffee per day.
• Currently there are approximately 12,000 coffee shops across the country.
• About 52 percent of Americans drink coffee everyday.
• There are a100 million daily coffee drinkers in United States.
• About 30 million drink specialty coffee. (latte, café mocha, espresso)
• The average price for regular coffee is $1.38.
• The average price for an espresso-based drink is $2.45.
• Men drink as much coffee as women.
• The preferred time of day for coffee is at breakfast with 65 percent of preference.

MACY'S WILL NOW SERVE COFFEE.......

Macy's plans to introduce its own brand of gourmet fast food and restaurants by the famous chefs Wolfgang Puck and Todd English to Florida stores; as a part of a national expansion project.

Macy's Taste Bars will offer a menu of signature soups, salads, sandwiches, as well as Macy's brand gelato and coffee. The good news is that this plan will include the location at the Town Center mall in Boca Raton.

In addition, Macy's will open a Wolfgang Puck Express at a Broward County store and a café by Todd English called Fig's at a Palm Beach County store. The new Macy's business adventure will be opening in different stores this year.

Coffee May Boost Female Sex Drive

A study by Southwestern University found that caffeine increased the libido in female rats. Scientist gave the 100 female rats a moderate dose of caffeine right before a mating season. The females rats took less time when returning to males after sex for another season. However, scientists think that this behavior would not be repeated in humans. In humans it could enhance the sexual experience but only among non-habitual consumers. A spokesman for the British Coffee Association said, "humans would have to drink 10 cups of coffee in one go to get the same effect and that is not the normal consumption level". Although this could be truth and thousands of important discoveries have been done thru mammal (rats specially) experiments; it is pretty funny to be compared to a female rat.

Coffee at Mc Donalds??? I'm loving it!!!

I recently discover the wonderful coffee they have at Mc Donalds. I was once rushing to get to class and I needed a coffee so bad that I gave Mc Donalds a shot. I order myself a small coffee just because I doubted on the quality and I did not want to waste any coffee. To my surprise the coffee was delicious, smooth and bold at the same time. Now, every now and then if I am in a rush and I see a Mc Donalds around I won't hesitate to stop and get me a delicioso coffee!!!

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE-PICS....

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE-BOCA RATON, FL.

Right off Federal highway just a few miles south from Linton Rd, I found Neighborhood Coffee. Another great place to chill, study and chit chat with friends and have some good coffee.

The decoration really stands out. Wooden floors with cool Persian rugs give this coffee house a very interesting feeling. The place is huge; it has at least 5 different areas with comfortable leather and microfiber sofas.

It has a 32 inches plasma TV on the main salon. However, the TV can be a little annoying for people that are trying to read or study; but perfect to catch the news in the morning. Neighborhood Coffee is always packed in the mornings, especially since they open earlier than any coffee shop around.

So, if you are in the neighborhood you can stop by and get a delicious white mocha and a glazed (Krispy Kreme) doughnut for less than five dollars.

GOOD POINTS...

* FREE WIRELESS INTERNET
* PATIO AREA
* PLASMA TV
* LOTS AND LOTS OF SOFAS
* OPEN AT 6:30 A.M.

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE

6020 NORTH FEDERAL HWY, BOCA RATON

IHOP, ANYONE??????

Yes, why not. I really like going out for breakfast with my family to IHOP. We all love coffee, specially my mom and I. Their greasy selection of omelets and extra-calorie-packed pancakes are among my favorites. Coffee is good at IHOP, very good--especially because I love the carafe they bring your coffee in. The carafe holds four cups, so while I wait I drink at least two cups. Then when my breakfast comes I don’t have to bug the nice but rough looking waitress for more coffee. The only bad thing about going to IHOP is to think about the 2000 calories that I consumed just for breakfast. Sad!!!!!

THE CONVENIENCE OF THE DRIVE-THROUGH

In a rush, just for coffee?? No problem. Now Starbucks is offering the convenience of drive-through service. At the Hillsboro and US-1 location (Deerfield Beach, FL) we can now benefit from this great and so American idea. Be careful though, if you are those who like your coffee in a very specific way I do not recommend the drive-through. Otherwise, this is a great time-saving idea for people like me, who always wants a coffee and it is always late.

EUROPEAN CAFE BOCA-PICS

EUROPEAN CAFE BOCA, BOCA RATON, FL.

Dave Goloun was born in Frankfurt, Germany. European Café Boca was established by Goloun two years ago. It is located in the affluent area of downtown Boca Raton.

European Café offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for coffee lovers. The walls serve as gallery for local artists. It has lots of space and it is divided in three different areas. The main salon has at least 10 beautiful little wooden tables for costumers. A more private and quiet area is perfect for students and those surfing the web. The patio is perfect for those who want to have a nice breakfast with some fresh air.

I ordered a cappuccino and a veggie omelet with some fruit. The food was delicious. My cappuccino was excellent, it was served at the perfect temperature. It was smooth and very tasty, very illy. Illy is a very famous brand of coffees and this is all they use there. My mom order a cafe Americano with the specialty of the house, Almond Croissant (crisp in the outside with an almond-amaretto filling). My mom (another coffee-lover) said the coffee was so good, it tasted like hers!!!!

I love this kind of places where you can actually talk to the owner. Althought it looks like the famous franchise it has nothing to do with it. The concept is so much different and you can really feel it in the coffee. Every cup is made by the owner with extremely attention. I loved it!!!

Good Points....

• FREE WIRELESS INTERNET
• BREAKFAST SPECIAL $3.00
• PASTRIES BAKED THERE
• REWARDS CARDS FOR COSTUMERS
• LOTTERY (PICK A CARD AND YOU CAN WIN A DISCOUNT)
• FREE DELIVERY
  

European Cafe Boca

99 Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL.

(561) 394-3100

HOW A MACHINE ESPRESSO WORKS????

Did you know that the word ESPRESSO comes from the latin word espressere (expresar in Spanish) which means let things out. This well explains how the word espresso is basically a way of brewing coffee and "letting everything out".

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO SEE HOW A ESPRESSO MACHINE WORKS

http://home.howstuffworks.com/espresso-machine1.htm

COFFEE LINGO

* Demitasse: Small cup for serving espresso straight, no chaser.

* Doppio: Double espresso.
* Double Double: Double cream, double sugar.
* Drip: A regular coffee.
* Dry: Steamed milk (just foamed milk).
* Espresso: Approximately a one-ounce shot of espresso made from Arabica beans, which are used in making regular coffee. The word comes from the brewing method -- hot water is pressed through finely ground, firmly packed coffee.
* Espresso Breve: Espresso with half-n-half or other semi-skimmed milk.
* Espresso Lungo: This one uses a long pull, to squeeze the max from the bean. Some think it gives a stronger brew, others just a more bitter one.
* Espresso Macchiato: Espresso with just a dollop of steamed milk on top.
* Espresso Ristretto: Thicker drink.

I will be adding more to this list ...........

IRISH COFFEE WITH A TWIST........

• 1 1/2 oz WHISKEY
  

• 1 tb spoon of BROWN SUGAR (use 2 tb spoon of granulated Splenda )
  

• 6 oz hot COFFEE

• HEAVY CREAM (use a FAT-FREE version)

• orange zest!!!

• WHIP CREAM
  

Combine whiskey, splenda and coffee in a mug and stir to dissolve. Float cold cream gently on top and sprinkle the orange zest over the whip cream.
ENJOY!!!!

FUNKY BUDDHA PICS

FUNKY BUDDHA LOUNGE (Boca Raton, Fl)

The Funky Buddha Lounge was established in January 2005. His owner Ira Schneider says that the idea of this lounge started because he was tired of entertaining friends at home. Schneider affirms that this cozy place with deep burgundy walls and baroque English chairs is basically an extension of his living room. The Funky Buddha is a full service bar and restaurant.

They offer a wide variety of products like over 50 kinds of beer from all over the world. The menu has over 20 kinds of organic (sulfite-free) wines, several kinds of organic coffees and exquisite espresso. The Hookas are the hot item, with more than 30 flavors of tobacco from jasmine to apple they fill up the room with exotic scents.

Ira, the owner came to our table and explain to us their menu with exceptional detail. I was there for the coffee and the belly dancing show. He suggested a coffee flavored beer and I was for it. It was the blackest beer I have ever seen in my life. It looked like a chilled glass of black ink. The result, WOW!!!! Delicious, what a way to get tipsy with a little coffee!!!

GOOD POINTS.......
*FREE WIRELESS INTERNET DURING THE DAY
*DIFFERENT THEME EVERY NIGHT
*GREAT CONCEPT!!

FUNKY BUDDHA LOUNGE
2621 N FEDERAL HWY, BOCA RATON (561)368 4643

MY TOP FIVE -LOW CARB COFFEE DRINKS UNDER 200 CALORIES

Coffee doesn't have virtually any calories, fat or carbohydrates. What we add to it is what makes us feel guilty. A small frappuccino contains 280 calories and 52 grams of carbs, and that is the light version. There is a few diets like the South Beach Diet (which I am constantly on and off) that recomends not to drink regular coffee since caffeine elevates the insuline levels and so the cravings. According to South Beach diet "officials" it is always good to stick with decaf coffee and stay away from half and half, regular milk and even regular soy milk.

You can always use these alternatives at home:

• fat-free milk (13 grams of carbohydrates per glass)
• 8th Continent brand lite-soy milk (11 grams of carbs per glass, delicious!!!!)
  
• or Carb Countdown brand (only 3 grams of carbohydrates per glass)

Here are my top five favorites:

1. RED EYE=STARBUCKS / TURBO HOT= DUNKIN DONUTS

(COFFE+SHOT OF ESPRESSO) 40 calories-6 carbs (SMALL)

2. NONFAT CAFE LATTE, 120 calories-24 carbs (SMALL)

3. NONFAT SUGAR-FREE VANILLA LATE, 120 calories-24 carbs(SMALL)

4. ICED LIGHT COFFEE (STARBUCK'S-CAN) 35 calories-15 carbs

5. LITE CAFE MOCHA (BLUE LUNA-BOTTLE) 114calories-15 carbs

A ROYAL EXPERIENCE...The Carriage Light

I was so amazed with every little detail that I could not stop taking pictures. Here are some of my best shots. Enjoy the show……

THE CARRIAGE LIGHT (PARKLAND, FL)

In Parkland, just a few minutes south of 441 and Hillsboro Boulevard I found a beautiful tea room called “The Carriage Light”. Pink and fuchsia little roses decorate the entrance door. The scent of fresh roses and the bell made out of silver teaspoons made me think I was entering a different dimension.

I was right. The Carriage Light evolves the Victorian era in every detail. You can pick your own vintage hat, silk gloves and your choice of an antique scarf. Then you will proceed to the parlor to enjoy some tea with heart shaped miniature scones.

A gift shop precedes the tea parlor. There are lots of curious artifacts, from rare porcelain teapots to vintage broaches. Everything from the napkins, the glasses, the table clothes, the atmosphere and of course the tea are out of this world. Even the bathrooms are delightfully decorated. The prices range from $ 27 to $ 18 per person. They also offer a kids menu. It sounds pricy, but it is a well worth it and unforgetable experience.

*The Carriage Light doesn’t offer coffee at the moment but they will have it on the menu soon.

The Victorian
A Full Afternoon Tea Service
~ ~ ~
Slice of quiche with soup or salad
Accompanied by a beautiful tiered tray
with our buttermilk scones, lemon curd,
and our own clotted cream,
an assortment of finger sandwiches,
Seasonal fruit garnish, and
delectable mini tea desserts,
with a pot of your choice of tea
(with one refill).

$27.00 per person


THE CARRIAGE LIGHT
6682 Parkland Drive, Parkland (954) 757-6512

visit http://www.TheCarriageLight.com

COFFEE MAY BE BENEFICIAL FOR HEAVY DRINKERS

A recent study performed by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. showed how coffee may counteract alcohol's damaging effects on the liver. A total of 125,000 men and women from different backgrounds were tested.

It seems that one cup of coffee a day cuts the risk of cirrhosis by 20 percent, and four cups reduce the risk by 80 percent.

Here is the link if you want to read the entire article on the study,

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13281392/

GIZZY'S GOURMET COFFEE (DELRAY BEACH, FL)

Some coffee shops can be really busy and if you feel like you want to concentrate or read in peace Gizzi’s Gourmet Coffee is the perfect alternative. This huge coffee shop offers lots of space and a lounge area with a massive fireplace. The walls are decorated with cool black and white pictures from Hollywood’s golden era.

Good points......

*FREE WIRELESS INTERNET
*GOOD AND INEXPENSIVE BREAKFAST MENU
*KID'S MENU
*LIVE MUSIC (EVENINGS)
*GOOD CUBAN COFFEE (COLADA)

This is a perfect place to study, surf the web and enjoy a delicious Zebra (dark and white chocolate mocha).

GIZZI'S GOURMET COFFEE
2275 Federal Hwy, Delray Beach (561) 266-9797

CAFE ITALIA

CAFE ITALIA (Hollywood, FL)

Nila and Carlo are the owners of Café Italia, they are originally from Italy. This super Italian place is located in Hollywood FLA, on the Hollywood Blvd strip. The menu is full of delicious choices, from 50 kinds of espresso and coffee drinks, to teas, wines, paninis, sandwiches and gelato. Yes, it looks like a regular coffee shop but, this hidden treasure has very interesting items to offer.

Every coffee is served in a different cup. Double cappuccinos are served in over sized porcelain mugs while lattes are served in skinny glass mugs. For those who prefer tea instead, these are served in classic tea cups along with an "Alice in Wonderland" decorated porcelain teapot in pink for the girls and blue for the boys. I completely recommend this place a 100%!!!

Good Points....
*Food is good and inexpensive
*Unique service
*Great atmosphere

I had a fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich on a bagel for $5.00, with a small latte for $2.50. Delicious!!!

CAFE ITALIA
2025-A Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, FL. 33020
(954)925-8815

The BLACK GOLD movie.....

This documentary abot Ethiopian coffee growers and their struggles is an eye opener for coffee lovers. Check this out....

Multinational coffee companies now rule our shopping malls and supermarkets and dominate the industry worth over $80 billion, making coffee the most valuable trading commodity in the world after oil.
But while we continue to pay for our lattes and cappuccinos, the price paid to coffee farmers remains so low that many have been forced to abandon their coffee fields.

Nowhere is this paradox more evident than in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. Tadesse Meskela is one man on a mission to save his 74,000 struggling coffee farmers from bankruptcy. As his farmers strive to harvest some of the highest quality coffee beans on the international market, Tadesse travels the world in an attempt to find buyers willing to pay a fair price.
Against the backdrop of Tadesse's journey to London and Seattle, the enormous power of the multinational players that dominate the world's coffee trade becomes apparent. New York commodity traders, the international coffee exchanges, and the double dealings of trade ministers at the World Trade Organisation reveal the many challenges Tadesse faces in his quest for a long term solution for his farmers."

Taken from The Black Gold Movie website . I will be posting screening announcements in our area.

Bye, bye bad reputation!!

Coffee has always been linked to pancreatic cancer, cellulites, bladder cancer, heart disease and sleeping problems among other health issues. However, many studies have shown no linkage between coffee consumption and cancer.

According to the Institute for Coffee Studies at The Vanderbilt University Medical Center recent studies have shown that coffee actually has protective effects for suicide, liver cirrhosis, and colorectal cancer.

“More recently, preliminary studies suggested that coffee consumption helps reduce cardiovascular mortality and could have a positive impact on Parkinson's disease”. The Institute for Coffee studies is dedicated to investigate coffee and its chemical nature. Their purpose is to find potential therapeutic uses of coffee and also to educate the public.

Visit their website at http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/coffee/index.html

OH STARBUCKS.... $$$$$

I am a very good client of this place. I go at least four to five times per week to Starbucks. My mom always complains and tells me how much money I am spending there and how is her coffee different from theirs? Well mom, you don't make foam, right? But as I was listening to her one day I was throwing some numbers in my mind and the figures that I've come up with kind of scared me. Starbucks I love you, I love your coffee, the music, the atmosphere but you don't offer a rewards program for good and loyal costumers. I want my little card that reads "buy three (any coffee or espresso drink) and we will give you one free." At least that will help somehow. Well I know that little or nothing they care about my idea but is always worth trying. My mom is probably right, I am spending a lot of money just in coffee. Hopefully I will win the lotery soon so I don't have to think twice when I go to get my fix.

Here is how much I spend in my vice a year...
*GRANDE Non-Fat Latte $3.78
*$3.78 five times a week, $18.90
*$18.90 a month, $75.65
*$75.65 a year, $907.80

Here is an example of what I can do with $907.80.....

Fort Lauderdale to Paris (round trip)
*Flight + Hotel Package $860 all taxes included
*Six nights at the Best Western "Le Saint Maurice Paris Porte de Bercy
*$47.80 left for some coffee!!!!!

JUAN VALDEZ, WHO???

In September of 2005 Juan Valdez was chosen as the most famous icon at the advertising week in New York City. The contest organized by advertising agencies from all over United States is known to be a showcase for new tendencies in the market . Among 26 advertising simbols such as the Energizer bunny, Juan Valdez and his donkey Conchita won with an astonishing number of 200.000 votes. The irreverent GEICO lizard won the second place. This recognition goes beyond marketing and advertising strategies it goes directly to all the colombian hearts spread around the world. BUENA POR ESA!!!

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY.....

The plant of coffee is originaly from Ethiopia. From Ethiopia went to Arabia and then to India. This happend probably through travelling Muslims who traveled to Mecca. Peregrinations routes were great commercial routes as well. But the great propagators of the coffee plant were the Dutch, that operated great plantations in their colonies of Ceylon and Indonesia.

The Dutch imported the coffee plant and acclimated it in the botanical gardens of Ámsterdam, Paris and London, from where it went to the Dutch Guayana, Brazil, South America, Central America and other countries.

The Arabs were the first in discovering the virtues and the economic possibilities of coffee. They developed all the process of cultivationg and processing coffee and kept it like a secret.

Coffee began to conquer territory in the world like the favorite drink in Europe, and arrived at Italy in 1645 thanks to the Italian retailer Veneciano Pietro Della Valle. England began to consume coffee in 1650 thanks to the retailer Daniel Edwards, who was the first person who opened a coffeeshop in England and Europe.