Many thanks for your on-going support!
Mount & Crew
The concept of me telling someone not to drink coffee seems foreign. However, this past week, I received an e-mail from someone asking if our coffee was "gluten-free"? My initial reaction was ... I won't mention what I said.
After considering the question, I decided I should do some research to see if there was anything definitive before responding to the e-mail. Here's what I found.
Apparently, those who are gluten intolerant, may experience gluten-like side effects when drinking coffee due to similarities in the proteins present in coffee being similar to proteins in gluten.
Another culprit is when coffee is processed in the same facility as products containing gluten, there can be cross-contamination that takes place. And while I don't believe any of the coffees I purchase have been processed in this manner, I cannot guarantee it.
So the long and short of it is that for folks who find themselves gluten intolerant, you may want to find another option to coffee. I can't believe I just said that!
This Monday, we will be closed for the Fourth of July. If you are on schedule for home delivery on Wednesday, there will be not any interruption to your normal delivery.
The big news on the jazz scene is that on August 8th and 9th at 7:30 pm, Alan Broadbent will be returning to Classic Pianos for two shows. For those of you who are familiar with Alan's music... you'll know what his performances are like. Electric, profound, intimate and humble are just a few adjectives that come to mind.
He's performed at Classic Pianos multiple times and I've attended each of his performances. I have yet to be disappointed. If you would like to experience one of his shows, please call Peggie at Classic Pianos and reserve your tickets. They're guaranteed to sell out quickly. Peggie can be reached at 503.546.5622.
Be sure to check out our selection of coffees on Amazon. You may find them here - www.amazon.com/shops/stjohnscoffee.
Thanks for your continued support!
Mount & Crew
Memorial Day is generally the kick-off to a season of bbq'ing so I thought I'd share a recipe for dry rub for any type of meat you choose. Oh and of course, one of the ingredients is coffee. Duh!
Many of you probably remember the amazing Brazil Grota Sao Pedro we had last year but sold out. Well, I have good news. It will be returning to our line-up in the very near future. Last time we described it as being like drinking Cremè Brulee and I have a feeling this year's crop will be comparable. Perhaps more like Tiramisu. :)
If the Memorial Day weather proves too hot to serve your guests hot coffee, consider brewing some cold-brew coffee. We have a large selection of Toddy Brewers and accessories and are happy to teach you the process. It's quite simple. Or, if you decide you'd like to serve something with a little "kick" to it, consider a coffee martini. We can show you how to make those as well! They're delicious!!!
Meanwhile, have a great weekend and keep the coffee flowing.
Mount & Crew
This week we'd like to welcome another new member to our staff. In addition to a passion for excellent coffee, Kirk Sanchez brings a nice quiet energy and attention to detail and I believe is going to be a nice fit here at the shop.
This Saturday is the 54th annual St. Johns Parade and 10th annual St. Johns Bizarre. The past few years we've been blessed with beautiful, sunny weather for these events but it doesn't look like we're going to have a repeat performance of that this year.
These two events draw thousands of people come from miles around because it is the proverbial "small-town" parade filled with marching bands, car clubs, etc.
In any regard, we'll be here ready to serve lots of organic and fair trade coffees, both hot and cold-brewed as well as delicious French pastries and Spielman bagels to keep you fueled.
And don't forget, we now have a nice assortment of organic juices from Columbia Gorge Organic Juices.
I'm often looking for different ways in which coffee can be used and found this recipe the other day which sounds like a splendid refreshment for a hot summer day.
Beginning today, St. Johns Coffee Roasters' coffee will be available in the Greenway location of Whole Foods Markets. If you live or work in the Southwest area of Portland/Beaverton, stop in and check out this beautiful store. It's located at 12220 SW Scholls Ferry Road - Tigard, OR 97223.
And this Saturday, Greg will be handing out samples of our coffee at Chuck's Produce in Vancouver from 11 am - 2 pm. Stop by and say hi if you're in the area and sample some REAL.GOOD.COFFEE.
We're also scheduled to receive a new shipment of the Baratza grinders tomorrow. We recently sold out but thankfully, the company is located in Seattle so it was a quick-fix. If you're not familiar with the Baratza grinders, come in and ask for a demo.
This was the grinder that changed my life.
Meanwhile, have a great weekend and keep the coffee flowing. I hope you're able to make it to the St. Johns Parade and St. Johns Bizarre.
Greetings Everyone!
Most of you probably know by now I'm a motorcyclist. Several months ago, meteorologists were saying how we were going to have a warmer and dryer winter this year. I know we need the rain but COME ON! A friend sent me a cartoon the other day saying I was suffering from PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome). I digress...
Lot's of things happening this week. Our new logo travel mugs arrived yesterday and I'm so proud of the way they turned out! Not only do they look great but they're a great design, functionally. Insulated stainless steel and slim enough to fit smaller hands as well as vehicle cup holders.
Yesterday we were visited by a couple of film makers who produce documentaries focusing on small businesses and, they want to feature St. Johns Coffee Roasters in Season Two. Sometime before Christmas, they'll be in the shop filming for what will ultimately air sometime after the first of the new year. I guess I'll need to buy a beret and new sunglasses. :) Anyway, it's pretty exciting! I will let you know when the show airs.
The Travel Presses and Espro Presses are proving to be popular items as well. It's looking like I'm going to have to order more of both these items. We still have some in stock but they're selling well, as they should.
Amidst all of this, we've been busy roasting and roasting and roasting. Our shelves are stocked as well as those of the grocery stores who offer our coffees. Some of the coffees I've been drinking this week are the Honduran, the Ethiopian Sidamo and the new coffee from Java. So good!
Time for more jazz -
George Fendel Presents: Mike Palter and Lynne Jackson Concert
And on Sunday December 13th, we're going to hold a benefit here at the shop. My son, who is a ballet dancer, attends a performing arts high school called Arts & Communications Magnet Academy. The dancers from their dance department, Dance West, will be traveling to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania next Spring to compete in the National High School Dance Competition and are raising funds to defray the expenses for this trip. So on Sunday December 13th, we will donate 15% of the days sales to go toward this effort.
The shop is beginning to look pretty festive. Bestow has a variety of holiday wreaths available, both in traditional styles as well as something more unique.
I think that's about it for this week. I hope everyone has a great weekend and keeps the coffee flowing.
Many thanks,
Mount & Crew
Thanks to all who made it to our grand opening/first-year anniversary celebration last Saturday evening. It seemed like folks had a great time and I believe the coffee martinis and band were a "hit".
I had planned to make a brief statement during the evening but the timing never seemed right so I'd like to take the opportunity to do so now.
I would also like to thank the James John Cafe, Proper Eats, Barrique Barrel, Dina y los rumberos and Marly, Becky & Cameron, for making the evening so special.
We had a drawing the night of the celebration and just drew names last night to determine the winners. Congratulations to all of you. We will be contacting each of you to arrange delivery of your winnings.
This week we would like to welcome Sock Dreams to our growing list of offices who are keeping their staff fueled with our coffees. http://www.sockdreams.com/
Time to say good-bye, at least temporarily to two of our cherished coffees. The Bolivian Cenaproc and Brazil Grota Sao Pedro have both run out. I just roasted the last of both coffees yesterday so we have some on the shelf but when they're gone, they're gone. As soon as more becomes available, I'll bring it in.
It's perfect coffee drinking weather with the cooler temps and morning rain today so come visit us. And for those who haven't seen our new logo hoodies, 'tis the season! Warm, soft and cozy with a new stylized version of our logo adorning the back.
Many thanks and keep the coffee flowing.
Mount and crew