Tag Archives: coffee

“Bean Everywhere”: A video ode to Scandinavian and Turkish Coffee


denmark_flagsweden_flagturkeynorwayWe recently wrote about the vibrant coffee culture in Scandinavia, particularly Norway. Adding credence the near-mythic status of Scandinavian coffee is “Bean Everywhere” a wordless video tribute to Scandinavian coffee by the South African Coffee publication, The Coffee Mag, with the much different Turkish coffee in the mix as well. If you are a coffee lover it is definitely worth a watch.

Shops featured in the video:

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September 5, 2013 · 8:25 AM

Coffee Culture in Norway

norwayOne half of the ETW team is crazy about coffee. However, we were both surprised to learn about the corner of the world where coffee reigns supreme: Scandinavia. Honestly, when we first think of coffee, our mind goes to Italy (Bialetti, Cappuccino, etc), but per capita, Scandinavians consume more coffee than any other countries (think of the Swedish tradition of Fika). It turns out that Finland is the number one consumer of coffee per year at 12 Kg, followed by Norway and Iceland at over 9 KG apiece. Norway in particular is known for its particularly fastidious coffee culture, and Norwegians often win the World Barista Championships.  

Fuglen Cafe in Oslo

Fuglen Cafe in Oslo by Nicholas Lundgaard

So how is Norwegian coffee different? Norwegians tend to like their coffee black (called sort kaffe in Norwegian), prepared one cup at a time. The roasting is also different in Norway, and is particularly light, imparting an almost fruity flavor in the coffee. World Barista champion Tim Wendelboe discusses some of his tips for brewing a good Norwegian cup of coffee here, with emphasis on every step of the process. The Dear Coffee I Love You blog took a coffee-tasting tour of Oslo, and found a wealth of cafes serving amazing coffee, including Wendelboe’s cafe. Obviously, the Norwegian coffee scene is thriving, and you can keep up with the latest updates on the Nordic Coffee Culture Blog. The particular Norwegian way of making coffee has even reached Tokyo, with the opening of furniture/coffee shop Fuglen.

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Filed under Coffee, World Eats

New Zealand: Flat White Coffee

New Zealand FlagThough only one half of the ETW team is a coffee lover – we’re both always interested in learning about different coffee cultures around the world. Just when we feel like we are getting a handle on the latest trends and variations – we encounter a totally new drink – in this case: The Flat WhiteThough it is becoming popular worldwide, we were interested to learn it was invented in New Zealand, a country so far not on our coffee radar. The Flat White is a double-shot coffee drink topped with foamed milk, somewhere between a latte and a cappuccino, but with a smaller size than typically expected of a latte. Still sound a little obtuse? There are several definitions on the Coffee Hunter site. Anyone have a place to order a flat white in Chicago?

Flat White

Flat White Coffee by Cygnoir

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Filed under Coffee, World Eats

Amazing Japanese Latte Art

Latte Art

The cast of Charlie Brown in Latte form – NPR.com

JapanWe enjoy latte art, though it usually doesn’t go much beyond a leaf or a heart. However, Japanese barista Kazuki Yamamoto takes latte art to a whole new level – even including some 3D creations.

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Filed under Design and Photography, Reviews

Pastry Post-Doc: Cappuccino at Confetaria Colombo

brazilM does not like cappuccino. Or coffee of any kind. At least this is the story he told himself, until an encounter with the most delectable, sweet, delicious coffee drink he has ever sampled: the famous cappuccino at Rio de Janeiro’s landmark Confeitaria Colombo. It took a lot of nudging for him to try it. With the parents visiting us in Rio for a week, M’s Mom raved about her cappuccino, proclaiming that it was the favorite thing she ate during her week in Rio. “Could it really be that good?” M thought to himself. A week later, having breakfast together with a friend, both L and friend were sampling cappuccinos in front of M, and finally, on a whim, he decided to go for it.

Colombo Cappuccino

The famous Colombo Cappuccino

He would end up having two. Topped with a generous amount of homemade whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon, this is more a sweet coffee drink than a real Italian cappuccino, hitting sweet and spiced high notes that purist coffee drinkers may scoff at. But not M: this was a pastry in a coffee cup, and just what he needed to get over his dislike of coffee drinks. If you are ever in Rio, do yourself a favor and head into Confeitaria Colombo, even if just to sample its famous – and very worth it – cappuccino. Score local points by standing at the bar!

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Filed under Coffee, Pastry Post-Poc, Reviews

A Quick Bite: Kudu Coffee House [Closed]

Kudu Coffee House
4 Vanderhorst St.
Charleston, SC

Charleston is a beautiful city, almost freakishly so – it seems like every elegant building is perfectly preserved in time (okay, maybe this creeps us out just a little). Amidst the grandeur, we noticed a relative lack of independent coffee shops. However, Kudu coffee house, an African-themed coffeehouse is filling the void.  What really sets Kudu apart is its extensive selection of single-origin coffees from all over the continent: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda and Tanzania. A must-get is their signature Meru Mocha – a drink made from chocolate, mint, espresso and steamed milk. Kudu’s decor is bright and sunny, with African art pieces, flags and plants gracing the walls. Kudu also boasts a cool courtyard, and free wifi. Even on a hot summer day, the place was filled with groups of people puttering away on laptops.IMG_1271

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