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Pairing Wine with Wings: A Guide to Balancing Heat and Flavor

Pairing Wine with Wings: A Guide to Balancing Heat and Flavor

The verdict is in: pairing wine with wings is less about matching flavors and more about balancing chaos. Sticky fingers, shared glasses, and a chorus of “I’m fine” are the price of entry. But the real magic lies in understanding how wine can tame spice, cut through grease, and elevate the sauce without drowning out its character. It’s not about finding a perfect match—it’s about finding a partner that doesn’t fight back. Buffalo wings, with their buttery base and fiery kick, demand a sweet, acidic wine to temper the heat. Riesling, with its zesty citrus and honeyed finish, is a…
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Spro Bro’s Brew Victory: How Chaos and Connection Won the Barista League Africa 2025

Spro Bro’s Brew Victory: How Chaos and Connection Won the Barista League Africa 2025

There’s something brewing in Johannesburg that defies the script. The Barista League Africa 2025 didn’t just crown champions—it redefined what it means to pour passion into a cup. James Odendaal and Chris Fourie of Team Spro Bro’s didn’t chase perfection; they chased authenticity. Their win wasn’t about flawless technique but about turning coffee into a conversation. The competition’s unpredictability is its heartbeat. For Spro Bro’s, that meant ditching rigid strategies. “We leaned into our strengths, not a playbook,” James says. Their Drinks Round performance was a masterclass in balance—espresso, filter, mocktail—all served with a wink. The crowd didn’t just watch;…
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Kansas City’s Tea Scene: Where Culture Meets Cup

Kansas City’s Tea Scene: Where Culture Meets Cup

Here’s what you need to know: Kansas City’s tea scene is a hidden gem, blending tradition, innovation, and cozy vibes. From the smoky aroma of a well-brewed pu-erh to the floral whisper of a hibiscus blend, these shops are more than just places to sip—they’re portals to global flavors and local craftsmanship. Start at Shang Tea, tucked beneath Crown Center’s glass dome. Owner Shang, a self-taught tea sommelier, curates white teas that feel like a quiet rebellion against caffeine. His Aged Wu-Long, a 2012 harvest aged for 18 months, is a study in subtlety—sweet, nuanced, and packed with antioxidants. For…
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Royal Flamingo Coffee: Columbus’ Secret to Award-Winning Roasts

Royal Flamingo Coffee: Columbus’ Secret to Award-Winning Roasts

Get ready to sip on this: Columbus’ Royal Flamingo Coffee isn’t just another local roastery—it’s a story of restless ambition, meticulous craft, and a few well-placed flamingos. Bryan Brzozowski and Beth Stallings turned a home hobby into a globally recognized brand, earning medals at competitions from North America to Australia. Their journey began in 2018, when Brzozowski, a former banker, decided to roast coffee at home after being inspired by Columbus’ specialty shops. What started as a side project evolved into a full-fledged business, fueled by a relentless drive to push boundaries. The couple’s approach is as bold as their…
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Behind the Scenes: How Typhoon Coffee Roasters Turn Prague into a Coffee Tech Lab

Behind the Scenes: How Typhoon Coffee Roasters Turn Prague into a Coffee Tech Lab

Get ready to sip on this: Typhoon Coffee Roasters isn’t just brewing coffee in Prague—it’s engineering the future of coffee roasting. What starts as a sleek café in the heart of the city becomes a hidden lab for innovation, where electric roasters hum behind glass windows and machines are built to scale. For customers, it’s a chance to witness coffee’s transformation in real time. For the brand, it’s a blueprint for blending hospitality with high-tech precision. The café itself is a masterclass in understated ambition. Designed to feel like a modern oasis, it’s packed with seating and curated details that…
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Dekáf Coffee Roasters: The Game Changer in Specialty Decaf Coffee

Dekáf Coffee Roasters: The Game Changer in Specialty Decaf Coffee

Dekáf Coffee Roasters, a small operation based out of Salem, Massachusetts, is turning heads and shaking up the specialty coffee world by making decaf their primary focus. Anil Mezini and Khanh Nguyen are not just another boutique brand; they're redefining what it means to enjoy high-quality coffee without caffeine. Their approach is revolutionary, and it all starts with the roasting process. Dekáf uses a Ghibli R15 for decaf exclusively, while the Loring Kestrel is reserved for low-caffeine profiles. This dedication to decaf is not a compromise; it's an operational choice that sets them apart from the industry norm. With over…
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