Lifestyle

When Top Chefs Choose Coffee: The Roasters Behind Their Best Dishes

When Top Chefs Choose Coffee: The Roasters Behind Their Best Dishes

This might just change your routine: Inside the kitchens where coffee is treated like fine wine. Chefs who once focused on perfecting sauces and plating now spend equal time curating beans, sourcing roasters, and crafting brews that elevate their menus. The shift isn’t about pretension—it’s about precision. “Great coffee has become so common in coffee shops,” says Tim Wendelboe, a World Barista Champion and founder of his namesake roastery. “Why would a restaurant still serve mediocre coffee?” The answer is evolving. At Noma, Denmark’s Michelin-starred icon, chef René Redzepi and Wendelboe redefined the relationship between coffee and cuisine. Their collaboration…
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Filipino Coffee’s Global Rise: Michael Harris Conlin’s Mission to Shine

Filipino Coffee’s Global Rise: Michael Harris Conlin’s Mission to Shine

Here’s what you need to know about the Philippines’ coffee revolution—and the man leading it. Michael Harris Conlin isn’t just a barista; he’s a storyteller, an inventor, and a bridge between Filipino farmers and the world. His journey began in 2001, when a single bag of green coffee beans from a supplier transformed his life. “That moment sparked a curiosity that turned into a mission,” he says. Today, he’s the first Filipino to reach the World Barista Championship semi-finals and the 2025 Philippine National Champion, carrying Philippine coffee—especially Liberica—into global conversations. Conlin’s work isn’t just about flavor. “Filipino coffee is…
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A Multicultural Coffee Experience Emerges in Kansas City’s Garment District

A Multicultural Coffee Experience Emerges in Kansas City’s Garment District

In the heart of Kansas City’s Garment District, a new coffee destination is redefining what a café can be. Veil Cafe blends vintage charm with modern flair, anchoring itself in the history of its brick-walled space while embracing bold, global influences. The result is a place that feels both rooted and restless—a nod to the cafes of Mexico, where old architecture and new ideas collide. Owner Benicio Baeza, a half-Mexican, half-Filipino entrepreneur, designed the space to mirror that duality. “We wanted to challenge ourselves,” he says, “to work with the historic nature of this space.” The café’s warm wood accents,…
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Coffee Buyers Must Embed Sustainability in Core Procurement

Coffee Buyers Must Embed Sustainability in Core Procurement

This might just change your routine: A new report from the VOCAL Coffee Alliance is urging coffee traders and roasters to stop treating sustainability as a separate project and instead embed it into their core buying practices. The findings, based on consultations with producers across eight coffee-growing countries, argue that corporate sustainability efforts have failed to address systemic inequities in the value chain. Instead of siloed initiatives, the report calls for a radical shift—rethinking procurement to prioritize living income, timely payments, and risk-sharing as non-negotiables. The report dismantles the myth that sustainability is a checkbox exercise. Project-based initiatives, often funded…
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American Distillers Are Rethinking Grappa’s Classic Roots

American Distillers Are Rethinking Grappa’s Classic Roots

The Italian spirit everyone loves to hate is getting a fresh twist—thanks to American distillers. Grappa, that fiery, often polarizing digestif made from grape pomace, has long been a divisive favorite. But as its traditional roots face scrutiny for intensity and complexity, a new wave of American craft distillers is redefining the category. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and refined flavor, these producers are crafting grappa that’s less about the burn and more about balance. The result? A category that’s evolving beyond its Italian origins. Grappa’s story is one of ingenuity. For centuries, it’s been made from the leftover…
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Zabaglione: The Timeless Italian Dessert That Never Fails

Zabaglione: The Timeless Italian Dessert That Never Fails

Let’s talk about zabaglione—the custardy marvel that’s been satisfying palates since the 15th century. It’s not a fancy technique or a complicated recipe; it’s a simple alchemy of egg yolks, sugar, and booze, whipped into a silky, boozy cloud. While it’s lesser known than its Italian counterparts like panna cotta or tiramisu, zabaglione’s charm lies in its effortless elegance. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a secret shared between generations, perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat. The method is deceptively straightforward. Start with a bain-marie—a pot of simmering water and a heatproof bowl. Whisk egg yolks,…
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Italian Desserts: A Symphony of Bold Flavors and Layered Delights

Italian Desserts: A Symphony of Bold Flavors and Layered Delights

Real talk: Italian desserts aren’t about restraint. They’re about unleashing the full spectrum of flavor, texture, and aroma—think almond extract’s creamy nuttiness, lemon zest’s zesty punch, and espresso’s dark, brooding allure. These desserts are maximalist in every sense, layering ingredients like a painter’s palette to create sensory fireworks. From the first bite of a crostata to the final swirl of a boozy glaze, they’re a love letter to indulgence. Almond extract is the unsung hero here, weaving through doughs, fillings, and glazes with a richness that feels both familiar and surprising. Take the crostata: its crisp crust, made with blitzed…
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The Artificial Aftertaste of Dutch Bros’ Watermelon Matcha Lemonade

The Artificial Aftertaste of Dutch Bros’ Watermelon Matcha Lemonade

Here’s a drink that promises summer vibes but delivers a taste of synthetic disappointment: Dutch Bros’ watermelon matcha lemonade. Amid the chain’s growing matcha lineup, this blend stands out not for its harmony but for its alarming reliance on artificial sweetness. Our taster described the watermelon syrup as tasting like cherry cough syrup—sweet, cloying, and entirely unconvincing. Pair that with a matcha concentrate that’s more syrup than powder, and you’ve got a drink that feels like a chemistry experiment gone wrong. The first sip is a shock of bitterness, artificial fruit, and sugary overload, leaving your palate numbed before it…
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Morning Brews: Coffee vs. Tea—Which Wins for Your Health?

Morning Brews: Coffee vs. Tea—Which Wins for Your Health?

Your morning ritual isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about what your body needs. Coffee and tea are both powerhouses, but their effects diverge in ways that matter for energy, focus, and long-term wellness. The debate isn’t about which is “better,” but which aligns with your unique physiology. Coffee delivers a quick hit of antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and polyphenols, which combat oxidative stress and support brain function, metabolic health, and liver detox. Caffeine itself may reduce inflammation, according to dietitians. Yet, its jolt can trigger anxiety or disrupt sleep for some. Tea, meanwhile, offers a gentler awakening. Green and black teas…
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Tea and Slime Collide in Truckee’s Latest Community Hub

Tea and Slime Collide in Truckee’s Latest Community Hub

Real talk: Truckee’s newest hotspot is where tea meets slime in a way that’s equal parts whimsical and wise. The rebranded Truckee Teas, now part of a shared space with Slime Kitchen, isn’t just a quirky combo—it’s a masterstroke of community-driven creativity. This isn’t your average tea shop; it’s a hybrid destination where parents sip matcha while kids mold glittery sludge, and grandparents find common ground with toddlers over a shared cup of warmth. The shop’s owner, Leanne Johnson, isn’t just selling tea. She’s redefining what a local business can be. Truckee Teas offers 50 proprietary blends, from sleep-supporting chamomile…
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