Hospitality Through Coffee
We all remember that coffee commercial. The one where the son surprised his mom by sneaking into the house, brewing a pot of coffee, and shocking her with his presence. That soldier boy knew the way to her heart and coffee was it. Coffee has long been considered a welcoming gift — something to offer a guest to make them feel welcome. It's the smell of a brand new day and the drink associated with friendly gatherings. According to the European Coffee Symposium, more bars and pubs are offering breakfast and brunch simply because the demand for gathering around a cup of coffee is on the rise. And at Mugshots Coffee Co. in Bloomington, Minnesota, coffee is helping to foster community through creativity and hospitality. The rise of the coffee shop isn't just because of a good brew. People gather for atmosphere and camaraderie.
If there is one universal beverage, it is coffee. Aside from water, it is the one thing that you can always count on someone having. Whether it's in drip form or espresso, black or with milk, most cultures have a traditional form of the stuff that is offered to welcome someone. Coffee is the second-most traded commodity in the world, second only to crude oil. It has been cultivated in over 70 countries by thousands of independent farmers for centuries, making it one of the oldest commodities in the world. Arrive in any house in Ethiopia, Italy, Colombia, or New York, and the first thing you will likely be asked is if you would like some coffee. In Italy the tradition is to serve espresso after noon. Arrive before then and a cappuccino may be waiting. In Cuba, dark roast coffee is mixed with evaporated milk and sugar for a sweet little drink that is enjoyed all times of the day. In Colombia, expect a rich cup of black coffee upon your arrival at someone's home.
Coffee is especially important during the holidays. Guests will be coming and going and you've got to be sure to have enough to go around without adding on extra work for you. Your grinds will be ready to go in the KitchenAid Burr Grinder. The stunning set up lets your guests get a glimpse of the grinding process and enjoy the subtle aroma of the fresh grounds. The KitchenAid Pour Over is another ideal solution during the busy season. The advanced electronic brewer brews a flavorful and rich, full-bodied coffee at the touch of a button. You can set it and enjoy your guests while it does all the work, perfectly timed and calibrated to extract every nuance of coffee flavor and aroma.
If the kitchen is your gathering place, make sure the KitchenAid Siphon Brewer sits center stage. The brewing process is as theatrical as it is delicious. The brewer uses vacuum technology to brew a delicious, velvety, and complex cup of coffee with a fuller body. The distinctive glass globe design offers a dramatic view of the siphon brewing process and it automatically turns off after water reaches ideal heating temperature.
And no holiday meal is complete without an offering of coffee to your dinner guests. Instead of having them wait for cups to be delivered to them, or asking them to leave the dining room table, break out the KitchenAid Precision Press. You can fill and brew and bring to the table to share with the entire group. A great feature is the dual wall, stainless steel construction that retains heat and ensures proper extraction for optimal flavor. So, you and your guests can linger around the table as long as you want — the coffee will always be hot and ready for you.
No matter where or how you choose to spend your holidays, there is always hospitality when coffee is around.