The Tala Blog
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March Events
March always feels like the deep breath before the exhale. The light lingers a little longer, the air softens (just slightly), and we start emerging from full-on winter mode. After months of bundling up and keeping cozy, it finally feels like we’re stepping out of hibernation — and we’re celebrating the best way we know how: with coffee, community, and a lineup of events at Tala.
A Cozy Comeback - Meet The Igloolong
Meet the Igloolong, our newest winter seasonal drink, and a true Tala success story.
What originally started as one of our Winnetka café’s exclusive winter drinks quickly became a fan favorite, ultimately earning it a permanent spot on our Winter Seasonal Menu this year.
BTS: Cafe Exclusive Drink Development
When you walk into Tala Coffee Roasters, there are three notorious features, just like the North Shore Roaster’s three café locations. Whether you’re in the renovated firehouse of Highwood, Libertyville Headquarters, or the revamped Winnetka gas station, Tala boasts a wide variety of drink offerings ranging from traditional coffee house wares to seasonal and specialty drinks.
Tala-Ween Party Recap
Last Saturday, we threw our Ice Cream Social and Costume Party and had a great turnout! The cafe was buzzing all day, and our one-day-only affogato special was a huge hit, with espresso poured over Oberweis ice cream
Behind The Bar With Alejandro
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.
What does Tala Mean?
This is one of our most common FAQs. If you’ve ever asked someone at Tala this question, they may have answered with “It means sweet, and beautiful,” which is true, but it isn’t the full story. Let’s explore the full meaning and thought behind our name: Tala Coffee Roasters.
Tala Food Features
As of October 9th at Libertyville, and for the entirety of Winnetka’s existence, we’ve had six distinct food items on our menu, each filled with great flavors and good protein. The menu came together with the efforts of our amazing production team, as well as a Lake Zurich vendor called Zelda’s Sandwich Joint. Whether you’re planning on hanging out in the cafe for a while (and concerned about over-caffeinating) or needing a bit of grab-and-go fuel, these quick and delicious meals are definitely worth checking out.
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Christmas Cookie Box
Two years ago, I ventured into this tradition for the first time, and while I was overwhelmed and exhausted, it became a highlight of my holiday season. In this post, I’ll share tips to make your cookie box journey smoother, more organized, and full of cheer, along with a couple of recipes inspired by Tala’s signature flavors.
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.
Friendsgiving Recipes
While some skip right to Christmas, the season’s changing leaves and cooler days remind us Thanksgiving is near. This time of year is all about gathering and sharing meals, with traditions old and new to savor—including a holiday that’s become a favorite for friends: Friendsgiving.