The Tala Blog

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Indulge In The Perfect Affogato

Welcome to the world of affogato! If you're a coffee lover with a knack for sweets, this Italian dessert is about to become your new obsession. Picture a velvety scoop of ice cream drowning in a pool of rich, robust espresso—truly a match made in heaven.

Joanna Tong Joanna Tong

Kopi & Kaya

We recently launched our summer drinks at our cafes, and this year, we decided to bring back one of our all-time favorites: The Kopi & Kaya. It’s been a few years since we’ve had it on the menu, and we’ve gotten a lot of questions about it—mostly, what is kopi and what is kaya?

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Marissa Cummings Marissa Cummings

Barista Beats: Libertyville Cafe Playlists

There’s nothing like stepping into our Libertyville cafe and being greeted with the intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee and the friendly faces of our staff. But arguably one of the best parts of the experience is the song you get to jam out to while you sip your coffee. Our baristas have the freedom to curate their own playlists for our café, bringing their own personal flare to the shift. Have you ever wondered what they have next on the queue? We’ve gathered a few favorites from each of our Libertyville baristas (so you can curate a playlist of your own!).

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Mike Michalak Mike Michalak

Birthday Coloring Contest Gallery

As part of our 8th birthday celebration at our Libertyville Roastery, we hosted a coloring contest, and let’s just say, our community showed up with some serious creativity! We were blown away by the range of entries — from playful to impressively detailed — and had a tough time narrowing down our favorites. Check out our gallery of all of the amazing entries below!

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Rachel Severyns Rachel Severyns

A Kiddo’s Guide to “Coffee”

While we don’t have a formal kids’ menu, we definitely have a handful of drinks that cater to young tastes (or those looking for something sweet, comforting, and caffeine-free). Whether you’re a parent stopping in with your little one or just someone who’s craving a nostalgic break from the usual espresso routine, these drinks are for you.

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Rachel Severyns Rachel Severyns

Staff Cookout Recap

This past week, our team came together to celebrate the start of summer with a summer cookout at our Libertyville Roastery — a perfect way to enjoy good company and great weather. Our evening was filled with delicious food, plenty of over-caffeinated staff members, and lots of laughter!

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Marissa Cummings Marissa Cummings

Dads Of Tala

This Father’s Day, we wanted to shine a light on the amazing dads who are part of the Tala family. We’re excited to share what they had to say about their favorite parts of being a dad, what surprised them, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

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Marissa Cummings Marissa Cummings

What’s Your Tea Personality?

In honor of those iconic Seventeen and Teen Vogue days, I’ve brewed up a throwback-style quiz to help you find your perfect Rishi tea match! Whether you’re a grounded Jade Cloud or a bold China Breakfast, your ideal steep is waiting.

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Marissa Cummings Marissa Cummings

Moms of Tala ​

As we approach Mother’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible moms and motherly figures who make Tala feel like home. Whether they're raising little ones, offering a listening ear, or simply bringing kindness and strength to every shift, these women embody the heart of motherhood in all its forms.

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Mel Kreppein Mel Kreppein

Tala-To-Go: Chicago Botanic Garden

This past weekend, we started our Mother’s Day celebration early by catching the flowers in their spring bloom at the Chicago Botanic Gardens — and of course, the day always kicks off with a little coffee. 

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Maya Johnson Maya Johnson

Grounds For Your Garden

Your morning coffee can do much more than just energize you—it can give your garden a boost too. From backyard pots to larger agricultural applications, coffee grounds are an eco-friendly addition to any soil system.

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News Joanna Tong News Joanna Tong

Party Planning Tips

Over the past several years, I’ve become the go-to party planner for most birthdays, engagement parties, baby showers, etc. that happen in our friend group. I’m here to share some of my top tips for making party planning fun, easy, and successful!

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Marissa Cummings Marissa Cummings

Drink & Book Pairings

Spring has officially sprung in the Midwest! While the spring equinox brings about sunnier weather and longer days, it also signals the rotation of our seasonal menu at Tala! There’s no better way to celebrate spring than with a refreshing drink in hand and a great book by your side.

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Rachel Severyns Rachel Severyns

Behind The Bar With Alo

Our “Behind The Bar'“ series highlights one of our team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our team puts a smile on the faces of so many each day by simply serving delicious beverages and being an authentic presence in each person’s day. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.

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Rachel . Rachel .

Behind the Bar with Mike

Our “Behind The Bar'“ series highlights one of our team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our team puts a smile on the faces of so many each day by simply serving delicious beverages and being an authentic presence in each person’s day. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.

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Rachel Severyns Rachel Severyns

Barista Beats: Highwood Cafe Playlists

When you walk into Tala, the first thing you notice is the atmosphere: the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the soft hum of conversations, and the comforting hiss of the espresso machine. But there’s another key ingredient to our cafe’s vibe—the music. The playlists you hear are handpicked by our baristas, adding a personal touch to your Tala experience. Ever wonder what they’re queuing up while they’re behind the bar? Let’s dive into our Highwood baristas’ favorite tracks and discover the sounds that fuel their shifts.

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Rachel Severyns Rachel Severyns

Brewing Romance

For Marissa and Zak, coffee isn’t just part of their daily routine; it’s where their love story began. Marissa, a barista at our Libertyville cafe, and Zak, a member of our production team, have spent countless hours together in cafes, both at work and in their free time.

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Rachel Severyns Rachel Severyns

Tala Valentine’s Day Guide

So, you forgot Valentine’s Day. Or maybe you didn’t forget, you were just waiting for divine inspiration (or for the caffeine to kick in). Either way, we’ve got you covered. If coffee is your Valentine’s love language, like ours, you’re in the right place. Luckily for you, we’ve got some unique ideas to turn your last-minute scramble into a perfectly brewed romantic gesture. 

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Community Viscaria Liu Community Viscaria Liu

Tala-To-Go: A Cozy Christmas Adventure

Join us with ‘Tala To-Go” as we take our coffee beyond the café and into the heart of our local communities. Whether it’s a festival, a neighborhood market, or popular spot, we’re there with a cup in hand, discovering what makes each area around our cafes unique.

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Community Viscaria Liu Community Viscaria Liu

Winnetka Holiday Shopping Guide

The holidays are here, and with them comes the artful chaos of finding just the right gifts for your loved ones. Don’t stress—Winnetka’s local gems make holiday shopping feel more like an adventure and less like a chore. We took a trip downtown and found some great spots to buy holiday gifts for friends and family.

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Community Marissa Cummings Community Marissa Cummings

Tala To-Go: Hot Drinks and Local Finds

Libertyville is full of so many cool things to explore! But first—arguably the most important stop—a warm drink from Tala on this chilly day. We picked up hot chocolates, the perfect treat to sip while strolling through Libertyville.

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