Thunderbird Coffee Serves Counter Culture
This is taken straight from their e-newsletter:
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Coffee breakthrough
First, we’re very proud to announce that we are currently brewing Counter Culture’s single-origin Tekafrom Muramvya, Burundi, at Thunderbird Koenig. What’s so special about this? Plenty. Based out of Durham, North Carolina, Counter Culture is one of the pioneers of direct-trade coffee in the United States, and T-bird is the first shop in Austin to deliver their incredible coffees to you. It’s DELICIOUS and it’s available now in French press and to take home by the bag. There’s plenty more informationHERE. We’re committed to carrying the best coffees from all over the world, traded sustainably and roasted by the only the best. Stay on the lookout for more new coffees!
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From what I remember, Counture Culture did not take on any wholesale accounts west of the Mississippi river. It is possible that this is a limited-time offering. At any rate, Counter Culture is one of the “Big Three” in the quality niche of the specialty coffee industry, and to my knowledge, Thunderbird is the only shop in the state to be serving it (assuming that they are now a wholesale account).
They are also now serving parfaits.
Reminder: SNS, Feb. 6th (This Saturday)
REMINDER
This Saturday
FRANK – Austin, TX
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Duncan Coffee Company Hiring: Jobs
I received an email from Mr. Duncan letting us know that they are hiring.
Looking for sales people in Houston
base + commission
Simple enough. Thanks!
The job posting (along with contact info) can be found on the Jobs page here at tx-coffee.com
Wall Street Journal on Coffee’s Benefits
Good News in the Daily Grind
Your Coffee May Have Some Health Perks, but Can Brew Trouble in People With Certain Conditions
To judge by recent headlines, coffee could be the latest health-food craze, right up there with broccoli and whole-wheat bread. more…
- Diabetes: Many studies find that coffee—decaf or regular—lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, but caffeine raises blood sugar in people who already have it.
- Cancer: Earlier studies implicating coffee in causing cancer have been disproven; may instead lower the risk of colon, mouth, throat and other cancers.
- Heart disease: Long-term coffee drinking does not appear to raise the risk and may provide some protection.
- Hypertension: Caffeine raises blood pressure, so sufferers should be wary.
- Cholesterol: Some coffee—especially decaf—raises LDL, the bad kind of cholesterol.
- Alzheimer’s: Moderate coffee drinking appears to be protective.
- Osteoporosis: Caffeine lowers bone density, but adding milk can balance out the risk.
- Pregnancy: Caffeine intake may increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth-weight babies.
- Sleep: Effects are highly variable, but avoiding coffee after 3 p.m. can avert insomnia.
- Mood: Moderate caffeine boosts energy and cuts depression, but excess amounts can cause anxiety.
Source: WSJ research
The article is rather long, but worth the read. There is not too much new information if you are already familiar with health benefits and harms that coffee consumption may cause. The video is hokey, and I apologize in advance for the lame jokes in the video.
Bon Appetit Names Progress Coffee In Top 10 List: Austin
9th item down on the list of Bon Appetite’s list of “Top 10 Best Boutique Coffee Shops” is Progress Coffee in Austin, TX. (go Progress!)
Progress Coffee
Austin
Favorite coffee shops don’t just serve terrific joe; they also act as a modern-day meeting place. This Eastside spot with Owl Tree coffee and fresh biscuits is the best hangout in town. 500 San Marcos Street, Studio 105; 512-493-0963; progresscoffee.com
http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2010/01/top_10_best_boutique_coffee_shops
(if you love to cook, this magazine has a lot of great info for a shockingly low subscription price)
The author (Andrew Knowlton) begins his list with a disclaimer of sorts:
A coffeehouse used to be just a few couches, ho-hum muffins, and free Wi-Fi. But a new generation of artisinal roasters and enthusiastic baristas is offering not only a quality cup of joe, but also sophisticated menus and innovative design. End result? Now you’ve got a real reason to hang out.
So take from that what you will, but you’ve got to love seeing Progress on the list! Congrats!
(Congrats to Owl Tree for the mention as well)
Anonymous Review of The Pearl Cup: Dallas

I saw this on the net and got permission to stick it up here.
Let me preface this by saying I hate coffee. Pearl Cup rocks.
They must be doing something right to get a simple, yet glorious, review like that. Way to go!
It probably doesn’t hurt that D Magazine voted their “Pearl Latte” the best latte of 2009.
If you’re in Dallas and in need of a decent cup of coffee, you might consider dropping in.
The Pearl Cup
1900 N. Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
SB’s Espresso Happy Hour: Lubbock, TX
Via Facebook:
Sugar Brown’s Coffee is feeling generous. Espresso happy hour – take a break from your back-to-school shopping with a free espresso macchiatto Tuesday from 1-3 pm!
You heard it here. What a great way to promote new customers to try them out. Also a great way for existing customers to try a real macchiato, risk free.
Fusion Beans – Houston
Fusion Beans has been working on building a new website for awhile, and Sean Marshall informed me that it is finished.
The front page now serves as a blog featuring updates about company activity. There is an about page with a lengthy introduction to the faces behind FusionBeans. There is a Coffee 101 section with basic brewing instructions. And, of course, there is a page where you can order freshly roasted coffee from the comfort of your computer task chair.
Sean is the owner, and is quite active in the regional coffee community in TX. If you care to, take a peek at their new site. http://fusionbeans.com/
For Hire: Jerry S. Caunca, Philippines
I received an email from a gentleman in the Philippines named Jerry Caunca who is looking for work as a Barista.
Jerry writes,
(paraphrase)…I‘m from the Philippines. I want to go to Canada or the United States. I have been a coffee barista for 5 years here in the Philippines.
His resume is quite interesting. He has been a barista (coffee professional is probably more accurate. He has some background in roasting as well.) for a few years, and has been in the service industry for his entire career. He seems to enjoy serving and interacting with people.
Any roaster and/or retailer looking to take on some fresh talent should probably take a look at his resume and contact him. His phone number is in his resume.
Jerry S. Caunca’s Resume (PDF)
Fioza Cafe: Houston
Some readers may already know about Fioza, but since I just found out about them via Flickr (and their ties to Catalina), I figured I’d give them a mention.
I have not been, but I get the impression that they care about the quality of their coffee.
Fioza wants the best that coffee has to offer. We are constantly learning, constantly improving, constantly creating, and constantly adjusting anything that can be improved. From fresh locally roasted coffee to well crafted espresso drinks using the best equipment we know, we strive to create a great coffee experience.
Pair that with the fact that they hosted/sponsored a latte art throwdown with Catalina Coffee, and the implied result sounds promising.
Here are a couple of pictures from their website as well:

Have you been to Fioza? How was it?
Fioza Cafe has been added to our list of Retailers.
Fioza Cafe9002 Chimney Rock Rd, Suite F
Houston, TX 77096


















