We had our 5th annual "Calle de Cafe" (street of coffee) last week. I think I have just now recovered.
Three years ago, my good friend Oscar Restrepo and I were getting hammered in his coffee shop when we became inspired to start an informal "Espirituosos" (coffee cocktail) competition. Every year we have grown a bit, but this year it turned out to be the most fun and attended show of the 3 day Calle de Cafe. Me, Mama, our niece Angie and a local restaurant owner, Yeison, formed a committee for this year's event. I provided funding for prizes and booze as well as sarcasm. In addition, we had several local sponsors. Angie and Yeison did all the work and I could not have been more proud. The mayor kicked off the event for us at 2100 with folk dancers that he provided. We had 11 baristas and a bartender competing and we had prizes for everyone. We finished up at 0300 in the morning after all the alcohol for the competition and my friend's coffee shop was wiped out.
Over 200 tourists attended as well as locals.
In addition to our event, there were over 48 coffee farms present to display their specialty coffees. There was folk music, hand brew competitions, coffee tasting competitions and judging as well as auctions for top rated coffees in bulk. If you never thought you could OD on coffee, you should come here for next year's event.
View attachment 623989
Day after recovery with a refreshing cold brew breakfast cocktail.
View attachment 623984View attachment 623985View attachment 623986View attachment 623987
View attachment 623988
View attachment 623990
View attachment 623991
View attachment 623992
Mama and I are taking a "coffee taster, grader and evaluator" course. Last week we graded and market priced specialty coffees.
View attachment 623993
View attachment 623994
View attachment 623995
Safe travels and remember.........please drink small farm, produced and processed coffee of origin from Colombia!