One of my regular customers is an Italy native, and he loves his coffee roasted to an “Italian” crisp… In fact, he sometimes says I don’t roast it dark enough for him.. I feel like suggesting he’d try getting a stronger coffee by brewing up charred firewood (I kid).
At any rate, we are both coffee geeks from different continents. Some of the best coffee I’ve had came to me in the Richmond District of Portland Oregon, from a little micro-roaster we all know and love as “Stumptown” … whereas his mind conjures up a far away memory of a coffee he had in a little town in South Italy.. Being that I’ve never been, I can’t compare, but neither has he on my end. But we both obviously come from two different schools of thought.
Up until a while ago, I thought that the proper pronunciation for espresso was … well… ‘espresso’ … And every time I heard it referred to as ‘Ex’presso I would freak out inside.. My ego would scream ITS PRONOUNCED ESPRESSO!!! Nails on a chalkboard.
Well, my Italian friend continually kept saying ‘expresso’ and I would keep myself from pointing out his folly at the risk of causing un-warrented embarrassment on his part…. but a man can only bare the torture for so long.
One night after a few beers, we’re discussing proper brewing methods on a traditional machine… Pressure of the tamp, heat of the water, length of extraction… And he says “the best EXPRESS-O I’ve had” …. to which I said “Its pronounced Espresso, not Express-o.. You don’t ‘express’ anything” … soon after, I was faithfully chastised for my ignorance.
The first espresso machine was invented by a guy named “Luigi Bezzera” in Milan, Italy, in 1901. The word “expresso” is rooted in literal translation… esprimere is ‘to press out’ , which is from the Latin word ‘exprimere’ : ex + premere is ‘to press’.
So, express-o is a correct Latin rooted pronouncement… And espresso is the end-child and example of how language evolves from dialect to dialect over time. Both are correct, and I can really be a jerk sometimes. Dastardly ego.
We’re going to be pulling about a billion shots of espresso tonight as we tune up the new machine and grinder.. I’ve got two pounds of an SO-Spro to slay the night with, so if you read this today, and are in Scranton tonight, stop by the vintage and flex your caffeine tolerance (or not) , for it will flow like the waters. Yell at the cell or gratefulroast@gmail.com if you need directions.
Scranton Rhythm and The Vintage Theater are in the final works of the long awaited Cafe! Sunday, November 1st they will be hosting a screening of a special movie. The price of admission???? your extra coffee mugs and cups, and the coolest one gets free Grateful Roast Coffee for a month! FREE Coffee the day of the party to anyone who brings us a mug.
Keeping with our Progress before Profit business model, Grateful Roast is honored to announce it’s partnership with Seva (pronounced say-va). If you are unfamiliar with Seva, please take a few moments to browse their website. The foundation was created with one goal; to serve the marginalized . Their mission is universal, and their hearts are all-encompassing. Grateful Roast will actively sell coffee on their behalf, and donate 25% of every “Coffee for Seva” sale to the foundation. When you purchase a pound of coffee 25% of every dollar is returned into the world on Seva’s behalf. Coffee is a vehicle for service, and we hope you will join us in the trip!
-Brian and Sarah, Grateful Roast Coffee Roasters
We had a great time at the fair.. definitely something we will do again. Putting the roastery back together to make room for a new shipment of greens.. we’ve got a new Full Natural Brazilian available. Smooth, Balanced, Clean.. it’s the Coffee Drinker’s Coffee. – City (medium) Roast. Also.. we’ve got our espresso back with the website update to come later this week.
I met some amazing people last week who are opening up an amazing cafe in an amazing building in downtown Scranton. How do I know its an amazing cafe? They showed me… trust me, its amazing. This cafe is the result in a union of The Vintage Theater and Scranton Rhythm. They’ve got some awesome things going, from floor seating, a huge stage with bay windows overlooking the street, recessed lighting, art exhibits… ok.. I’m not saying any more.. you’ll just have to stop in and see for yourself….
And while you’re there, be sure to pick up a cup of Grateful Roast Coffee! They’ve decided to feature our coffee, and we couldnt be more honored! Not only are they passionate about coffee, but also passionate about making positive waves in the ocean of humanity! And I couldnt be more passionate about providing them with our best coffees.
In light of our recent marriage, I’ve created Scranton Rhythm a unique house blend that will only be available at their cafe. It’s a melange blend for an anytime, sweet, deep, complex in body yet easy on the palate.
In addition, they will be carrying a Grateful Roast Espresso Blend and a rotating Single Origin.. and oh yes…. a decaf.
Be sure to visit The Scranton Rhythm and The Vintage Theater to keep updated on the opening, hours of operation and events.
