The Chorreador Revisited

I've been away from my blog for years but today I had an incredible inspiration.
Almost 5 years ago I posted about the Costa Rican Chorreador (The Chorreador).

Today is my first day of a week long trip to San José, Costa Rica.  A couple of hours ago my hostess served me some fabulous coffee made from her chorreador.  The coffee was perfect! No need for sugar or milk.  It was black coffee perfection.

Then, I got this niggling thought that I had seen this before and that it should come as no surprise to be served coffee from a chorreador in Costa Rica.  After 4 years of being absent from my blog, I looked it up and there it was.  My post talked about the daily use of the chorreador in Costa Rican homes.  Well now I have experienced it in all its perfection.  I can't wait for my morning cup!

It figures I would get inspiration to blog the very same week I'm supposed to be living, breathing, speaking only Spanish!!!

Hasta pronto mis amigos.

And we’re off!

wednesday.5.october.2011

We’ve launched! Friday 30th September was our tasting day! The Pro did make it into the shop on Thursday evening after all. Installation was a fairly painless affair with the steely Dawson at the helm. Taste testing began right away much to the delight of all in close enough proximity to smell the glorious coffee filled air. We fiddled around with the milk trying to find just the right one to best complement our espresso house blend; and our taste testers were more than happy to sample and offer opinions.

Special thanks to all our friends and family who came out on Friday evening to the official coffee tasting and ‘soft launch’ of Perfect Cup Espresso Bar. We spent a very busy but exciting and entertaining evening serving coffee drinks and chatting with everyone. We were actually too busy to even take pictures! Thankfully, our friends at YTP snapped a few pics for us!

I must admit it was quite surreal standing there on Friday looking around at all we had accomplished. Our coffee shop is finally a reality. Thanks to everyone who offered encouragement, support and help over the last year. We greatly appreciate it :o)

We still haven’t decided on a definite opening date. It should, however, be sometime next week. We’ve got to wait for our next shipment of coffee to land and we are still waiting for our signage!!!! Once we’ve got those two biggies out of the way there’ll be no holding us back. In the meanwhile, Father Dearest continues to familiarise himself with the DC Pro and our friends continue to drop by to sample the coffee. I’ve gone back to the world of work, where I try not to spend all day thinking about Coffee Bean or my cosy little shop and all the yummy coffee that lives there. Speaking of which, can someone deliver me a latte… please?????

Waiting Game

Our darling DC Pro still hasn’t been tucked into its new home. We’ve been trying to free it from the airport since Tuesday morning. We needed all sorts of clearance and had to fill out numerous forms and meet with several different clerks and officers. (Nothing unusual actually, but time consuming nonetheless). I believe we’re towards the end of this tedious process now. Keeping our fingers crossed, Father Dearest should be able to collect it within the next couple of hours. Only then can we begin the more enjoyable task of installing and playing with --- umm--- oh --- I mean working with the Pro. In the meanwhile, we wait… and wait... and wait…

Facebook Launch

We've launched our Facebook page!!!
As our opening date draws ever nearer (and as I whittle away at my poor nails), Perfect Cup's online presence is being expanded. Check us out at Perfect Cup on Facebook.

Other cafe updates:

• The DC pro is due any minute. Really wish that minute would arrive sooner rather than later. (Ring phone Ring)
• Some of our decorative pieces are in.
• Some opening day gastronomic goodies have already been ordered.
• Coffee from Social is on the way!

Lots of work still ahead!  Will keep you updated as things progress and I have a chance to actually sit at my computer for more than five minutes at a time  :o)

On target, on target… stay on!

Phew! It has been a looong two weeks and looks set to be another long week and a half ahead. Perfect Cup espresso bar is moving full speed ahead despite a few hiccups here and there. Hurricane Irene did have an impact, after all, and our darling Evolution machine was damaged. However, a new Evolution Pro was sourced and is now most definitely on the way to its new home. Keeping fingers crossed to have that baby in the café by the weekend or thereabouts.

Sister-in-law # 2 has been hard at work on our graphics. We now have artwork for all our signage… and most beautiful artwork it is! Anyone looking for a topnotch artist give Creative One a call! (message me for contact details :o)

Shopping for furnishings continued throughout last week. Cushions, table cloths and napkins are all being made; artwork is being framed; and the menu is being finalized. Father Dearest is currently in Toronto with the roaster and will be returning on Monday with Dawson; and then our work with the coffee and the Pro really begins.

Keeping fingers crossed and sending up prayers for a Friday 30th opening date. Will keep you posted.


The beautiful DC Pro!



The Expobar

tuesday.20.september.2011

Father Dearest has flown off to Toronto for a week to finalise all shipping and coffee selection details with our roaster; and to do some café shopping. While I’m overseeing things on the shop preparation front, I decided I’d also step up my latte making practice during this week before the Evolution arrives. Father Dearest decided that my Rancilio wasn’t up to the task of heavy duty practice. What an insult to my poor faithful little machine! Although, in fairness, I’ll admit that the Rancilio really doesn’t allow for more than 2 very good shots in a row.

So, Father Dearest took his beloved Expobar out for a spin and brought it to my house. I’m currently playing landlord to two espresso machines, two coffee grinders, two French presses and several bags of coffee. Mother Dearest now has a delightfully clear kitchen counter top and I have a veeerrrry cluttered one. Husband would complain about this lack of space except that he’s being plied with sample lattes every day. Poor long suffering man…




The Expobar- newest member of my kitchen counter



Perfect Branding

Perfect Cup’s logo is ready for unveiling. Thank you Sister-in-Law Number 2 for this fabulous emblem. Our gorgeous new logo will also be featured on our website and Facebook page. Stay tuned for the launch of those pages as well!