The Tala Blog
Featured Article
The Return of the Baklava Latte
It started as an experiment, and now it’s the drink our regulars refuse to let us take off the seasonal menu. The beloved Baklava Latte was formerly an exclusive drink at our Libertyville café, but it was met with such rave reviews that we knew it needed a semi-permanent spot on the seasonal menu at all of our cafes.
New Coffee Arrivals!
You have been patiently waiting to find out the big secret: what new coffees are arriving. We have been searching for some good options to add to our lineup this spring. In order to find the perfect coffees we cupped 14 different coffees from regions all over Africa and South America from multiple importers. Out of those 14 coffees, these 2 stood out among the rest.
Iced Cascara
With the warmer weather right around the corner its perfect time to get your iced tea game down. If you're looking for a twist on your regular iced tea routine look no further. Try using our cascara to make a cold spring beverage!
A Cafe in the Works
We are excited to officially announce that our first cafe will be in Highwood, IL opening in the spring of 2018.
Coffee Cocoa Frosting
This coffee frosting recipe will stop you in your tracks. It's decadent, rich, buttery and perfectly sweet. This frosting pairs well with chocolate or vanilla cake or cupcakes, and can even go beautifully with lots of other desserts like cookies, bars or--my personal favorite--straight from a spoon. There's really no way to lose.
Changing Variables
Brew methods ultimately determine all other variables. It is important to maintain time above all else, as determined by your brew method of choice. Dose and yield are codependent variables that can be manipulated as determined by how much coffee you want to drink. Your grind setting will change based on your dose and brew method in order to keep your brew time accurate to your brew method.
Holiday Gift Guide
It's that time of year again! Everyone is searching for the perfect gift. But look no further for the coffee enthusiasts on your list this year. Check out this years holiday guide.
What is Cascara?
Coffee beans are actually the seed of a fruit. This cherry-like fruit has a skin that must be removed during normal coffee production to get to the bean, and is usually a by-product used as compost for the new crop. However, these skins can also be dried in the sun and steeped to make a delicious hot or cold drink called Cascara.
What is Coffee?
Coffee is a familiar part of most of our lives. Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world so its no surprise that even people who don't love coffee know a little bit about it. Even with all its time in the spotlight, there's still so much more to know about coffee. Like honestly, what's even in that cup you're drinking?
Making the Most: Coffee Grinding
Grinders either fall into the category of burr or blade. Burr grinders are a little higher-end and therefore tend to be more expensive. Average coffee consumers usually opt for a blade grinder because of its attractive price point. Although burr grinders are more ideal for coffee grinding, you can still yield a quality cup with a blade grinder. Let's explore optimizing blade grinders. There are two obvious potential problems with typical blade grinders that you want to watch out for: gauging the correct grind size and even particle size.