I can’t remember the last time cheese and grapes were ever paired so perfectly as at the Matador Coffee Bar opening at Sagasta Salon. On Saturday evening I stopped in to check out the new place and for the grand opening party. A large crowd had formed both inside and outside and appeared to be having a very good time. The late September weather is perfect for this sort of thing.
The coffee and booze were flowing all night. The food pairings may have been intended for the wine, but I thought the cheese and grapes went really well with my latte.
I made my way through the line of people to the bar and finally had a chance to meet Mario Martusciello (one of the owners of Matador Coffee Roasters). He was behind the counter working the espresso machine. Of course, being the rebel that I am I had a latte. It was excellent. Since it’s so close to my office, I’ll no doubt have to make it a regular stop whenever I’m driving on Indian School Rd.
The Matador Coffee grand opening was THE coffee-event of the month for sure. Be sure to stop in and support local coffee.
Hey, I noticed that my favorite coffee house is not on your list for Flagstaff, AZ. Their name is Jac’s Coffee Shop [at] 2285 E.Butler Ave. Flagstaff, AZ 86004. They not only have coffee but awesome breakfast specials, and really friendly service. they also have free wi-fi. I give them 5 stars, or two thumbs up!
Please add them to your list, thanks, Earl Hedges Jr.
Tomas just emailed this to me and I had to share it. For all of you font lovers, it has a double meaning.
Coffee, like Helvetica, is an acquired taste. To satisfy both habits, this white ceramic mug features four weights of the timeless font – in corresponding caffeinated shades – and a sensibly squared handle. Holds 15 ounces of your favorite beverage but, like the typeface that adorns it, has bottomless potential.
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of stopping in at Mountain View Coffee Company’s Scottsdale location which also doubles as the company’s bakery. This is the 3rd location in this small locally owned and run chain. It was also my first visit.
I was rather surprised by the variety of baked goods available. They have everything from baklava to jelly doughnuts. I decided on a scone and it was really good. I had them warm it up for me. It was obvious that it had been baked that morning, as it was very fresh.
Since it was a hot day, I decided to get an iced vanilla latte and when they offered it to me blended I couldn’t refuse. Just right. While this particular location does not have very much seating, it’s worth a stop for when you need a coffee on the go.
Mountain View Coffee & Bakery
Ranch Center
9393 N. 90th St. #115
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-391-0751
A hot cup of joe isn’t the only thing on the menu at Mocha Mocha Me, a new coffee shop midway between downtown Glendale and University of Phoenix Stadium.
You’ll find java drinkers chortling at stand-up comedy shticks during Tuesday open-mike nights, singing karaoke songs on Thursdays and enjoying music from live performers and DJs.
Mocha Mocha Me
7448 W. Glendale Ave.
Suite 120
Glendale, AZ 85303
Phone: (623) 518-2906
I have some news. The Southwest Barista Guild Jam originally scheduled for October has been postponed. Currently, plans are under way to have this event in 2008 and I’ll update everyone when I hear more.
Update: It’s definitely not canceled and will happen, just more time is needed to plan, coordinate volunteers, and get sponsors lined up.
Remember how Sagasta Salon was looking to rent out the coffee bar portion of their shop? I have good news which I received from Mario Martusciello (one of the owners of Matador Coffee Roasters):
Hey, Just wanted to give y’all a heads up… Matador Coffee has finally opened a coffee shop and retail!!!
Starting Oct.1 we’ll be @ “The Coffee Bar” 2540 E Indian School rd. (next to Sagasta Salon). We’ll be serving Panini and Pastry as well as our freshly roasted coffees, lattes, Macchiatos, cappuccinos, and Mochas. Stop by and see us Mon. – Sat. 7:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. and taste the difference.
We also invite you to join us @ The Grand opening party Sept. 29th starting at 7:00p.m. and going ’til the dawn. Come by and enjoy some of our coffees or other goodies and live sounds of Van Halen!! YEAH!!!
Word on the street is that they are now open, so stop in and say hello.
What happened to the Coffee Plantation on 16th Street & Glendale? I was there almost all afternoon Wednesday, but today I show up and the place is gutted, and the signage is gone?
Last week I decided to try skipping my usual whole bean purchase, and instead picked up the buzz for home use at Trader Joe’s. I was pleasantly impressed!
I chose the Dark Sumatra whole bean coffee, part of their Ultra Dark Roast Blends. It comes in a 12 oz airtight can for $4.99. The beans are very dark, perfectly oily, and surprisingly delicious! I saved money, but did not have to sacrifice taste. Go Joe!
Carmen is an “almost native” to the Grand Canyon State. She has been a coffee fan since childhood (tasting sips of her parents’ coffee), and is now a full-blown addict. She now resides in San Diego, CA.
I’ve been pulled out of my “break” to report on a screaming deal at Princess Coffee. Scottsdale’s newest kiosk/coffee cart is located in the lobby of one of the medical office towers at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea. Michael, the owner and operator writes with the following:
Princess Coffee Clearance Sale!
Limited-time offer to AZ Coffee readers: $7 per pound artisan-roasted, organic, whole-bean coffee. I have an espresso blend (that makes an awesome french-press too), and decaf espresso.
Please bring a container/bag (preferably airtight), because if you don’t, you’ll get your coffee in 16 ounce cups! This coffee is months younger than you’ll find at the grocery store, dollars cheaper than at your local roaster (or coffee chain), and, unfortunately, 2 weeks older than Princess Coffee serves in-store. So, really, by buying some coffee you’ll be helping me out during my turbulent start-up phase (and getting some really good coffee). Your friendly Princess Coffee barista (me) will be happy to tell you how to brew an excellent cup with your new purchase, and throw in a cup of drip for good measure.
Thanks for your support, and happy brewing!
Michael Terlisner
You’ll no doubt want to order a coffee! Reports around town say it’s superb.
Here at Arizona Coffee HQ we’ve been enjoying some coffee from Lost Dutchman Coffee Roasters. The coffee is a Kenyan Nyeri Peaberry, and it was a very smooth and lightly roasted coffee with fruity flavors. Most excellent.
If you’ve seen a strange-looking man bundled up in a ski jacket and sweat pants at the Mokarabia Coffee Bar in Buckeye’s Verrado community, don’t be fooled.
The man isn’t real. It’s a mannequin, and it’s all part of the Italian coffee retailer’s summer marketing campaign.
The store worked with Phoenix marketing firm Santy to come up with a strategy that would reel customers into the coffee bar even during the sultry summer months.
In addition to the mannequin, Santy created direct mailing materials and in-store posters featuring different people donning winter gear. The point was to get customers thinking about Mokarabia’s cold drinks.
“We wanted to do something pretty fun and different, said Dan Santy, president of Santy.
John Martinson, owner of the coffee bar, agreed.
“What we’re trying to do is get people to realize we have cold drinks,” he said.
So far, the mannequin has caused the most commotion.
“We had one resident flag down a police officer to say there was a homeless man drinking coffee in front of our coffee bar,” Martinson said, who noted residents likely haven’t seen the last of the stone-faced figure currently known as Moka Man.
“We’re planning on taking him to play golf. We’re going to take him around the community. We’re going to take him to baseball games.”
Aloha, We would like to post this ad in your jobs listings.
We are Looking For
Energetic, enthusiastic team-oriented counter staff needed for new Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies Café and Drive-thru opening in September 2007 at 3722 E. Indian School Road (Shops at 38th Street) in Phoenix. Part-time, all shifts available. Coffee or smoothie shop experience helpful, but we will train.
I can’t remember the last time cheese and grapes were ever paired so perfectly as at the Matador Coffee Bar opening at Sagasta Salon. On Saturday evening I stopped in to check out the new place and for the grand opening party. A large crowd had formed both inside and outside and appeared to be having a very good time. The late September weather is perfect for this sort of thing.
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of stopping in at 
What happened to the Coffee Plantation on 16th Street & Glendale? I was there almost all afternoon Wednesday, but today I show up and the place is gutted, and the signage is gone?
Last week I decided to try skipping my usual whole bean purchase, and instead picked up the buzz for home use at Trader Joe’s. I was pleasantly impressed!
