The Coffee Collective #05: Prioritizing health and self-care
I am truly moved by so many of you asking about my next newsletter. It warms my heart to know that you are reading it and for that I am grateful. Over the past month, I have been feeling under the weather. Thankfully, it’s nothing serious, but it has served as a crucial reminder that our bodies can only endure so much before they need a break.
This experience has taught me the invaluable lesson of prioritizing health above almost everything else. Taking care of ourselves is essential, yes, but it also gives us an opportunity to think of those who are less fortunate who do not have access to basic amenities like food, clothing and shelter, let alone healthcare.
The Allure of Sabaku
I love Japan. I love the desert. Combining the two creates a harmonious blend called Sabaku. The Japanese word translates to “desert”, symbolizing a serene oasis that offers a fusion of Japanese flavors and specialty coffee.
The interiors of the cafe draws heavily from wabi-sabi aesthetics, a Japanese concept that embraces transience and imperfection. Inspired by the vastness of the desert, you’ll find natural wood grain patterns on the furniture adding warmth and simplicity; muted marble countertops seamlessly integrating into the space; oriental rugs add touches of color, culture, and richness; various ferns and shrubs elevating the tranquility of the café.
The overall space is clean, uncluttered, with muted color palettes and simple lines that create a serene, calming atmosphere.
I opted for the espresso flight on the menu, featuring a Colombian espresso and a piccolo perfectly blended with distilled milk, tasting almost like melted ice cream. My coffee, expertly prepared by Kohei Miyagawa, was flawless.
I personally cannot recommended the Omurice enough — Japanese fried rice topped with a tornado egg. Something you shouldn’t leave without trying.
August, the Aeropress month
As the UAE AeroPress Championship approached, I had to connect with Alex Bernardo, the 2023 UAE Aeropress Champion who also placed top 4 in the World, to understand what’s at stake. This year’s event was the biggest in the world with over 400 competitors making it a world record.
I met with him at Toga Coffee, not to brew coffee with an Aeropress, but to sit down and enjoy a good conversation. Alas, a good cup of coffee was needed to share the excitement. He prepared a washed Colombian from Bob Coffee Lab, part of their exclusive series with primary notes of berries and orange candy in this beautiful coffee.
Alex spoke about the Aeropress competition and reminded me that no matter what the recipe was going to be, practicing the technique incessantly and being composed during the competition is what will separate you from the rest. Words of wisdom right there.
Before the UAE Aeropress Championship kicked off, a warm-up session was organized at ROR Coffee Solution. Estella Zuleta Carmona, Mohamed Alameeri and Dragoslav Džudović delivered an impressive presentation on how to elevate your Aeropress skills. A small competition was then held replicating the rules of the Aeropress Championship which gave attendees a glimpse of the experience they were about to encounter on the big day. Nour AlBaash, Mbonye Brigth Richardz and Pradeep secured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the warmup competition.
And then came the actual championship — 403 competitors battled it out over 3 days with Sonam Dorje Sherpa emerging as the 2024 UAE Aeropress Champion. Congratulations to the runners up — Patrick and Alfred Samson for placing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Upcoming Events
We are in peak summer, people, and the events are in full swing with no signs of slowing down. Something tells me that September is going to be even more busy with everyone back after their break looking forward to welcoming the winter.
M-Cultivo Auction Cupping in Dubai at Victoria Arduino | Esmeralda Auction 2024
The first cupping event in collaboration with M-Cultivo and Victoria Arduino took place last month and was an instant hit amongst the attendees. This time around, the cupping table is going to feature coffees from Hacienda La Esmeralda roasted by Gold Box Roastery.
Date: Wednesday, 7th August 2024
Time: 5.30 PM - 7.30 PM
Kranti Coffee x Ferment Journey
After Kranti Coffee’s first cupping event with S3 Cafe last month, they are back at a different venue. Div Khush, Sonam and the rest of the Kranti team will be present to highlight some of most extraordinary selection of coffees from India and the sub-continent.
Date: Thursday, 8th August 2024
Time: 4.30 PM onwards
Venue: Ferment Journey
Coffee Architecture x Oatly
Oatly is back again to showcase their brand new Oatly Barista Light. The Dubai event took place not too long ago at Gold Box Roastery, and Oatly plans to do the same tomorrow in Abu Dhabi. Who better to do it with than Coffee Architecture.
Date: Thursday, 8th August 2024
Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
Venue: Coffee Architecture
Journey Through Cezve/Ibrik Coffee Experience & Signature Beverage Creation with Champion Mariam Erin
An exclusive workshop with Mariam Erin at the Brewing Gadgets Talent Academy is taking place next week with limited seats available. Expect to learn the secrets of Cezve/Ibrik coffee and create signature beverages under the expert guidance of Mariam Erin, the celebrated coffee champion!
Date: Tuesday, 13th August 2024
Time: 10 AM onwards
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