The Coffee Collective #07: International Coffee Day
Where are you having your coffee on International Coffee Day?
Today is about more than just indulging in the rich flavors and aromas that coffee brings into our lives, kick-starting mornings, and fueling conversations around the world. For me, this day goes beyond enjoying a complimentary cup at your local café. It’s a moment to shed light on the challenges faced by coffee growers globally.
You’ve probably noticed the rising prices of green coffee and the decreasing supply due to challenges at the origin. The coffee crisis is real, people, and it’s crucial that we stay informed not just about the coffee we consume but also about the hardships faced by those at the source.
As we raise our cups today, let’s remember that coffee is about more than just caffeine. It’s about honoring the journey from bean to brew and supporting the people who make it possible. Here’s to coffee — today, tomorrow, and every day to come.
Featured
Jazz, Mocktails & Beyond
Historically, coffee shops have always been important as social hubs — a place to gather, share ideas, and build connections. While this still holds true today, we’re witnessing the start of a new era. Coffee shops are evolving beyond just a hobby or passion project. Gone are the days when great coffee and aesthetics alone were enough.
Now, coffee is often paired with other interests, redefining the entire experience. Cars, bikes, streetwear, and even pizza are becoming part of the coffee culture. In the past year, we’ve seen even more unexpected pairings like music and eyewear offering a fresh, unique twist.
Imagine a space where every element within it is a representation of your persona duplication, imitation and replication is the norm. Things literally changed the way coffee shops and concept stores should look like.
So, what is The Jazz Club, you ask? This is Sulaiman’s interpretation of an exclusive insider’s club, infused with the grooviest, smoothest jazz tunes — the kind you’ll catch on his reels during breaks from work.
The experience is complete with mocktails inspired by jazz legends and live jazz nights to keep the vibe alive. It’s a smooth, immersive visual and auditory experience.
Discover Khawaneej’s Hidden Coffee Gem
When you search for coffee shops on Google maps, you will see hot spots of cafes scattered around in the city. I have just discovered a new hot spot in the far end of Khawaneej slowly driving traffic in this area. But, how does one stand out in a sea of coffee shops? Brand logos are often used to define a brand’s identity but I love it when brand mascots are used to depict a coffee shop’s creativity.
This is where Monty comes in. I have now learned that looks can be deceiving. Using the finest coffee isn’t always the answer. Skills are very important and who better to lead the team than Suraj who has years of experience being a barista and a trainer under his belt.
Now that the personnel’s capability has been established, the coffee being used here is The Espresso Lab, which sets the benchmark for one of the highest quality specialty coffee available in the UAE. Being a coffee junkie, I always look at the space by their coffee of course, but I have lately realized that this is not always the case. Other factors like freshly prepared sandwiches and bagels really hit home the feeling that this coffee shop needs to be considered seriously on the block.
Wawe’s Winning Formula
When opening a specialty café, having a rock-solid concept is crucial for success. But that doesn’t mean you have to go at it alone. Collaborating with the right partners can be the key to ticking all the boxes and standing out.
Take Wawe, for example. They saw an opportunity in Dubai, in a mall where specialty coffee was lacking, and they seized it. With someone as experienced as Irina Sharipova on board offering deep market insights, coffee consulting expertise, and certified training, they ensured their team and coffee were perfectly calibrated.
Partnering with a roaster like Archers Coffee, the undisputed leader in the UAE coffee scene, further elevated their game. Archers didn’t become the biggest overnight, it’s their team and the quality of their coffee that speak for themselves.
Location is also critical. Wawe’s choice to open in the newly launched Market Island was a strategic move, offering something unique in a space surrounded by fine dining options. In my opinion, Wawe is well worth a visit.
The opening event was a head-turner, with a curated coffee cupping session and specially crafted coffee mocktails. My personal favorites were the Rosemary Cold Brew and the Clarified Espresso, the latter boasting a luxurious touch with gold sparkles floating in the ice. These are the experiences that make Wawe stand out — and I believe this is just the beginning.
Yemeni Launch at Grandmother
I’m excited about this stellar Yemen release from Grandmother Coffee Roastery — a region that’s not just connected to coffee’s history but deeply intertwined with humanity’s relationship with this cherished beverage.
It’s a reminder that without these origins, our daily ritual would feel incomplete.
The Coffeevine October 2024 Box
Another month, another stellar release from The Coffeevine. Every month, some of the finest coffees from around the world make their way to Dubai, thanks to The Coffeevine.
For the month of October, get ready to sip on 7 delicious, mind-blowing coffees from some of the best roasters around: Sweven Coffee, Nano Kaffee, Andy Roasters, Offshoot Coffee, Shavi Coffee, Ojode Cafe and Shokunin Coffee.
The order form closes on the 9th of October.
We have also set up a group on Instagram to communicate with the members directly when a new edition is launched and coffee has been delivered. Feel free to join here.
What I’m Brewing
ICON - 43 by Plot Roasting
Sometimes, connections happen effortlessly. Interests align, and conversations flow, just like when I met Andrew at a cupping event last month.
He introduced me to a true gem from Plot Roasting – the Typica Mejorado. This coffee, grown at Finca Soledad by Pepe Jijon, a Brazilian-born psychologist turned coffee farmer and mountaineer, truly stands out.
Pepe’s journey took him from conquering the world’s highest peaks to mastering coffee processing.
The Typica Mejorado, processed using the tyOxidator washed method, showcases the natural beauty of the land with its rich caramel sweetness, vibrant stone fruit notes, and a touch of coconut. What a coffee!
Events
BEST OF PANAMA 2024 Cupping
Picture Credit: Harvestbelt
Join this one-of-a-kind experience and explore the top coffees from the Best of Panama Auction across three categories prepared to perfection using the official BOP auction profiles on the LINK sample roaster in collaboration with Harvestbelt.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, 5th October
⏰ Time: 11am - 3pm
📍 Venue: Victoria Arduino Experience Lab
💵 Entry fee: AED 150 (pay at entrance)
Dubai Coffee Festival 2024
Picture Credit: Dubai Coffee Festival
This is the inaugural Dubai Coffee Festival that is set to launch later this month for 10 days by DXB Live.
Visitors of all ages can dive into the world of coffee with an engaging, gamified experience, where they collect coffee stamps to earn exciting rewards and incentives.
The 10-day festival will feature an array of coffee and F&B offerings, along with plenty of Instagrammable moments and activities designed to appeal to a diverse audience.
🗓️ Date: 11th October — 20th October
📍 Venue: Dubai Festival City
💵 Entry: Free
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