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Weekly Newsletter: 25th January, 2019

Coffee of the Week


Monsooned Malabar

Have you been to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose? Last week I got to tour it with my daughter’s sixth grade class, and we saw some amazing artifacts. Some of the highlights were the jewelry, statues, a tomb replica, mummies, jars, and tools for daily life. It’s a gem for sure, and only a few hours away. The grounds were also beautiful, even in the winter, and the building itself is a unique piece of architecture. We also had the chance to spend hours at the Lawrence Hall of Science, where the kids got to explore all kinds of hands-on exhibits.

This week both of my kids got to go skiing with their Uncle Dave (known around here as the roaster extraordinaire), and I got to play with Archie and Lucy. I think that a good time was had by all. I followed Archie all over the property, and he directed my every action: “we go this way, Holly.” We built a train track (which MUST use every piece), and even spent some time pretending to sleep/snore and then being awakened by a rooster. Which was hilarious every time, based on the quantity of giggles.

This week we got a coffee shipment, and we were able to obtain Moonsooned Malabar for you. This coffee is grown in the Chikmagalur region of southwestern India, not far from the Malabar coast. Neel, a longtime customer, has given me two books about this area, true stories written by Jim Corbett about his experiences hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the early 1900’s. The books are a fascinating glimpse into another era and the geography and customs of the hill people of the area–in a time when most of the country could only be traversed on foot. You get a sense of the ecology of these hills, where now coffee grows and tigers are seldom seen. Thank you Neel!

We do not often have the opportunity to try Indian coffees, since so much of it is consumed in country. This one in particular is a unique bean, one that some people swear makes the best espresso crema. If you aren’t familiar with it, this Monsooned Malabar is harvested, processed, and then left in an open sided warehouse to be exposed to the monsoon winds. The beans absorb the moisture from the monsoons, and grow in size. This creates a mellow bean, with earthy, deep flavors. Delicious.

Keep reading for a snapshot of Alina, who left us this week to move to San Jose with her husband. We will miss her smile, her friendship, and her cheerful hardworking energy–but we do wish them all the best in their future together. Thanks for being such a valued member of the Carolines crew Alina!
–Holly Fike

Employee Profile


Name Alina
Position Either stressed supervisor or crazed barista
Fav quote “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.”

Weird Fact My thumbs are different shapes and sizes
Most unique experience marrying my husband in Jerusalem.
Guilty Pleasure popcorn

Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter? Fall
OCD tendency overthinking
Most recent movie making my way through the Quentin Tarantino films for the first time

Tattoos or piercings? Aslan and Lucy are tattooed on my forearm
Hair mistakes growing my hair out
Embarassing moments (early childhood) I ran into a fence post while flying my kite the day before I turned eight.

Pet peeve being interrupted
Would rather be in Ashland, OR with my husband
Barista secret Organic milk is noticeably more delicious than the regular milk

Other deets you want to share: I will miss Carolines so much. This job has been my constant, and I have felt so supported and enriched by my coworkers.

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Monsooned Malabar?
Use the code Paddington Bear at the register.
(Alina’s spirit animal)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured Monsooned Malabar. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA. Code/Offer valid until 1.31.19.

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Weekly Newsletter: January 11th, 2019


Coffee of the Week

Organic Timor-Leste Ermera Letefoho


I wish that I had a great picture from our staff Christmas party to share with you, but we were all having so much fun that I never stopped to take pictures. Our gift exchange was a blast, as usual, with the most notable “item” being a performance of the Schulyer Sisters song from Hamilton, complete with custom lyrics to make it personal for the recipient. Suffice it to say that a good time was had by all. In lieu of a party pic, I’ve inserted a cute picture of Jack and Lucy going for a walk–because smiley babies are the best.

On Monday we celebrated the birthday of the lady who created this establishment, Caroline Fike. She’s in her eighth decade, or maybe she’s 49? It’s one of those. No matter her age, she is a strong personality, with a determination that kept this business going for many years. She is a woman of faith, a business woman, a wife, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and she’s my mentor, my mother-in-law, and my friend.

We have the privilege of living together, and I am daily impressed with her hard work, her listening ear, her strength and her humility. And not to make you all jealous, but she is a world class baker, and regularly whips together biscuits on a Saturday morning or pies for any occasion. Thanks for being your amazing self Caroline, and here’s to many more years!

This week we have a new coffee for you, from the country of Timor-Leste, or East Timor. This independent country occupies the east side of island of Timor, while West Timor remains a part of Indonesia. East Timor was originally a Portugese colony, which was occupied by the Japanese during World War II, and then went back to the Portugese after the Japanese surrender. Following the Portuguese Revolution in 1974, Indonesia invaded and took over Timor. The path to independence was long, and violent, but in 2002 East Timor became the newest state of the 21st century.

Most of the country is rural, and survives on subsistence farming. Coffee is their most exported crop, and this particular bean comes from farms that are part of Cafe Brisa Serena. You can find their website here, and read about how the Japanese NGO Peace-Winds partnered with Timorese farmers to “improve the quality of life of coffee farmers in Timor-Leste, especially in Letefoho. CBS support high quality coffee production in Letefoho.” The beans are hand-picked at optimum ripeness, and fully washed and dried on raised beds. There’s a great video on their site that shows the entire process.

In the cup this Organic Timor-Leste Ermera Letefoho is a delicious brew. It has earthy and nutty aromas, but the taste is crisp like sweet peas complemented by the fruit notes of apricots. It’s unique and special–not a bean we get every day. Come try a cup on us this week, and enjoy your weekend. Cheers!
–Holly Fike

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Organic Timor-Leste Ermera Letefoho?
Use the code entrepreneur at the register.
(in honor of Caroline’s vision to roast coffee so many years ago)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured Organic Timor-Leste Ermera Letefoho. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA. Code/Offer valid until 1.17.19.

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Weekly Newsletter: 4th January, 2019


Coffee of the Week

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Dumerso Natural


Happy New Year! It’s 2019 y’all. Can you believe it? This has been a relaxing week for our family, starting with a family game night on New Year’s Eve. Both kids jumped in the pool at midnight–they’re crazy. We followed with both hiking and skiing in the next few days. The slower pace was great, as was time with family and friends. Next week it’s back to school, so we’re enjoying our last few days of sleeping in while we can.

Tomorrow we’ll be closing an hour early for our annual staff Christmas party. As you’ve probably noticed, we all like to hang out, so it’s sure to be a fun event. That’s our final change in business hours for this holiday season–after that you can count on seeing us 6 am – 5:30 pm M-F, and 7 am – 5:30 pm on the weekends.

This week we are featuring our Natural Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. We’re glad to have this back in stock–we have been waiting on the next harvest. This bean comes from the Gedeo zone, and is picked from indigenous heirloom varieties. This is a natural processed coffee, meaning that the fruit is left intact while it is carefully dried on raised beds. For the first few days, it is turned every 2-3 hours, so that no mold grows. After a month or so of drying, the rest of the processing occurs, and the beans are dehulled.

We’re excited to share this brew with you this week. It was processed at the Dumerso mill, owned and operated by Surafel Birhanu and his family. Their care with the coffee shines through, and we hope that you enjoy the distinct fruit taste of this natural coffee. It has strong berry notes and a beautiful fruity nose.

Enjoy your weekend, and the new year. Cheers to 2019!
–Holly Fike

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Natural Ethiopian Yirgacheffe?
Use the code NEVADA COUNTY at the register.
(in gratitude for this place we live and work)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured Natural Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 1.10.19.

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Weekly Newsletter: 28th December, 2018


Coffee of the Week

Sulawesi Toarco Jaya AA


I love the header picture. We took it on Christmas Eve, when all of those folks were here and working. There were so many of us (because there were so many of you!), and we took a quick break between helping customers to grab this shot. The thing I love about it is how the smiles are not forced–this is a group that enjoys each others company. This crew loves each other, in a genuine way. We spend time together even when we’re not working, and there are often extra employees hanging around.

We hope that all of you feel that sense of community on the other side of the counter. That you feel included in our family and a part of the conversation around here. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we appreciate each of you who have taken the time to be with us this year. Thank you. We’ve had a great 2018, and it is all because of you.

This week we are featuring our Sulawesi Toarco Jaya AA. This is a fully washed coffee–unusual on this tropical island (formerly Celebes). It comes from the indigenous Toraja people, who are known for their elaborate architecture and funereal rites (see article here). The coffee is grown in the high mountains of the central part of Sulawesi, and processed at the PT Toarco Jaya Estate, a joint Japanese and Indonesian collaboration for over forty years. You can read more about PT Toarco Jaya Estate on their website here, and see their contributions to improving the region.

This is a delicious brew, and we’re excited to bring it to you. The nose is beautiful, almost spicy, and in the cup it tastes of a clean sweet fruit flavor, with a touch of nutty cashew at the finish. Use the code below for a cup on us.

From our family to ours: a heartfelt thank you for choosing to spend time with us this year. We appreciate your business. We know that there is a lot of competition out there in the coffee world–thanks for choosing local; choosing to be a part of the Carolines family. Here’s to a new year, full of great coffee. Cheers to 2019!
–Holly Fike

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Sulawesi Toarco Jaya AA?
Use the code THANKS at the register.
(WITH OUR GRATITUDE FOR A GREAT 2018)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured Sulawesi Toarco Jaya AA. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 1.3.19.

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Weekly Newsletter: 21st December, 2018


Coffee of the Week

Christmas Coffee 2018


There haven’t been many newsletters this December. Between a busy Nutcracker weekend and another one where I was sick, I haven’t been able to write as I would like. But it seemed important to make the time to wish you all a Merry Christmas this week. This season can be chaotic and busy, and sometimes downright stressful, but I hope that each of you finds peace in the next few days. Whether it’s a restful day, or a moment of pause watching a sunset or taking a walk, time with family, or time reflecting on being apart, I wish you all joy and serenity and light.

I feel like I have had more rest than usual, mostly because of an enforced stillness that comes from being sick. But it helped my body to slow down, and for that I am grateful. I loved eating breakfast in the living room with my kids, with only the light of the Christmas tree. And listening to the kids decorating cookies, mostly cheerfully, while I lay in bed, made me smile. We skipped a lot of days of our advent celebration, but we have also skipped a lot of the activities that traditionally fill our December days, and that has made for more space and time in our day.

Tonight is the final Cornish Christmas, and we’ll be open until 9 pm, rain or shine–but it looks like it will clear up. We’ll be open until 7 pm for the next two days, and then closing early on Christmas Eve, Monday, at 3 pm. So if you need coffee to sustain your last minute shopping, we will be here. Or if a coffee gift is on your list, we have those too–wrapped and ready to go. Also, speaking of gifting, have you checked out the Holiday Giveaway over at the Outside Inn blog? This annual community collaboration features items from over 70 local businesses, and is valued at over $3000. It’s always fun to read the comments and see what people love about our area.

In the last two weeks we have featured our Aged Sumatra and our Costa Rica Dota El Vapor. I’ve left both of them on sale for the next week, if you would like to purchase either (or both). For this coming Christmas week, we would like to offer you a cup of our 2018 Christmas Coffee, while it is still available. Stop by and have a cup on us. All our gratitude goes out to all of you who have made this season special for us. Thank you for your patronage. May your Christmas week be full of peace. Shalom.
–Holly Fike

 

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our 2018 Christmas Coffee?
Use the code Peace at the register.
(our wish for you all this season)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured 2018 Christmas Coffee. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 12.28.18.

Posted in Celebrations, Downtown Events, Giveaway, Holidays, Local Beauty, Weekly Newsletters | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Weekly Newsletter: 21st December, 2018


Weekly Newsletter: 30th November, 2018


Coffee of the Week

Organic Galapagos: El Cafetal San Cristobal Island


Rain, rain, rain. What a wonderful sight that has been for the last week. We had an extremely dry fall, but today there is over a foot of new snow in the Sierras, and the ground is squishy, instead of rock hard. The fire danger is over for the year. I’m sure the wildlife loves it too, as evidenced by the header pic of the nineteen turkeys that were in my yard this morning!

The drops on the windowpane seem to add to the ambience of the Christmas scene painted on our large windows. Shout out to my many artistic employees who decorated this place, especially Savannah, Kelsey, and Emily. We are celebrating the holidays with much laughter around here, and hot drinks for all.

This week we have a coffee which Trace has been trying to find for over twenty years, since we last carried it. This special selection comes from the Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador. You might know them from Darwin’s studies of the unique flora and fauna, or from various movies and books–like the 2003 Master and Commander. There are 18 main islands in the archipelago, and many other smaller ones.

Our Organic Galapagos El Cafetal, San Cristobal Island is a unique origin, with coffee grown at a much lower elevation than other quality arabicas. Although the islands are at the equator, the cold Humboldt current and the trade winds provide a unique microcosm, similar to much higher conditions elsewhere. The archipelago is a UNESCO world heritage site, with plants and animals found no where else. The use of chemicals or pesticides are forbidden, so this is a completely organic bean.

Only four of the Galapagos islands are inhabited, and coffee is only grown on two of them. This comes from Hacienda El Cafetal, the oldest farm on San Cristobal Island. You can discover more about the islands, and about how this coffee is grown at GalapagosCoffee.com. This week you can try a cup on us with the code below. It’s nutty and sweet, with a lingering caramel finish, and we’re excited to share this hand-picked bean with you.

Tonight is the second Cornish Christmas, and the it looks like the next storm will hold off until it’s over. Come on out and check out the festivities downtown. December starts tomorrow, and we’ll be here slinging espresso and steaming eggnog the whole month. Happy holidays!
–Holly Fike

Around the World Gift Box


Know a coffee lover? This is one of our most popular holiday gifts: the large Around the World Gift Box. Features six different half pounds. Order online here.

Free shipping on orders over $50 with code FREESHIP

 

 

 

 

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Organic Galapagos?
Use the code Galapagos Tortoise at the register.

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured Organic Galapagos. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 12.6.18.

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Weekly Newsletter: 23rd November, 2018


Coffee of the Week

2018 Christmas Coffee


Watching the news in the last few weeks about the most devastating wildfire in California history, and watching the death toll rise daily, puts into perspective how much we all have to be thankful for. My gratitude this year was very specific: for the rain that started Wednesday night, and put an end to the fire season locally, for family safe around me, and for the roof over our heads.

While my heart is heavy for those who lost so much, I am thankful for all the helpers who have supported those affected by the Camp Fire. I appreciate the firefighters, the law enforcement and the medical personnel who have been working nonstop, and the neighbors who helped each other and continue to help. When the world looks divisive on social media, it’s encouraging to see that in real life most people do everything they can to help others. For that I am thankful.

I hope that each of you found a reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving. We started our day at the annual MEB II Turkey Trot, started thirteen years ago by the Bratton family in honor of Michael Bratton II, who took his own life. His family hopes to reach out to others suffering from depression in our community. I love that it has become a family tradition for us, and a good way to talk to our kids each year about suicide and depression. As Mike said at the beginning of the race, “The message is there’s hope. There’s help. There’s counseling. There’s diet. There’s medication. There’s exercise. There’s so many things that go into helping someone recover from depression. No different from any other illness that we may have” (see The Union, here).

This week we are debuting our 2018 Christmas Coffee. It features Archie and Lucy on the front, and the back label reads:

Generations. Our family has raised at least three generations of kids in this store since it was started by Grandma Caroline in 1982. Today Archie and Lucy (pictured on the front) come in daily.

Generations. From customers who become staff, regulars who form lasting friendships, teens who come back as college students, former employees who bring their kids to visit: in our 36 years, generations of families have grown up alongside us. We appreciate each of you who have been a part of our lives for so long.

Each year we release a limited edition Christmas Coffee–a tradition for all generations. This year is an organic blend of our sweet, nutty, Fair Trade Organic Mexico Oaxaca, with a touch of our Fair Trade Organic Peru and our Organic El Salvador. This is a delicious brew, with chocolate flavors and a full-bodied finish. Enjoy it with our gratitude for another great year.

Gratitude for Generations. I’ll drink to that. Cheers!
–Holly Fike

 

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our 2018 Christmas Coffee?
Use the code Generations at the register.

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured 2018 Christmas Coffee. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 11.29.18.

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Weekly Newsletter: November 16th, 2018


Coffee of the Week

Colombia Cauca El Totoro and Papua New Guinea Kimel Estate AA


Wow, the last two weeks have been nonstop. Two weeks ago I had the fun of being gone with my daughter’s class to San Francisco, where we toured the California Academy of Sciences. Then after a night at the Marin Headlands hostel, we headed to Point Reyes for the Earthquake Walk. The kids were amazed by the fence that had moved sixteen feet along the San Andreas fault.

Then this last week was an odd schedule, with school closed Monday for Veteran’s Day and again on Friday for poor air quality. Our hearts go out to all those affected by the Camp Fire. Every day comes news of more lives lost, and more tragic stories. At the same time, each day I have also heard stories of helpers, from this county and others around Northern California and even further away. I have so much gratitude for this community and the many ways we come together to help our neighbors.

This week brings both Thanksgiving and the first Cornish Christmas. We will be open until 9 pm Friday night, so come see us if you’re around downtown. You can also find us in the trolley out at the fairgrounds for the Country Christmas Faire. We’ll have eggnog lattes, peppermint mochas, and hot chocolates ready to keep you warm. Both events are rain or shine, so you can count on us being there.

I ran out of time last week to tell you about our Papua New Guinea Kimel Estate AA. I brought this home to drink because I love the full-bodied chocolate tones it has. The estate is 100% owned by indigenous people, who came together to purchase the plantation in 1979. The estate provides schooling for the children, and medical care for all the employees. Their water comes straight from Mt. Hagen, in the Western Highlands Province, and it is recycled after use.

This week we have a Colombian for you, that cupped beautifully when we tried it. It has citrus and stone fruit notes, with a twinkling acidity that finishes with a creamy caramel flavor. It is grown by seven farmers: Ciro Antonio Camayo, Maria Teresa Paz, Ramiro Antonio Vainas, Arley Arturo Camayo, Edelmira Camayo, Loborio Zambrano, and Aiber Fredy Vainas. According to our broker, they work closely with:“an export company called Banexport to gain access to technical support for best agricultural practices. Banexport has matched these regional producers because of their shared commitment to exquisite coffee processing and loving care for their farms, which produce complementary profiles (see Royal Coffee).”

After decades in the coffee business, I am still impressed by the transparency that allows us to know the names of the farmers that grow our coffee. That kind of direct relationship is invaluable, for the farmers and for us. So this week I will drink our Colombian Cauca El Totoro with thanks to Ciro, Maria, Ramiro, Arley, Edelmira, Loborio and Aiber.

This week we are featuring our cook, Tyler, who is pictured below with his lovely wife Elyse (also an employee). Enjoy reading about Tyler, and I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of good food and gratitude. In the midst of so much tragedy brought on by wildfires in this state, it seems especially important to be thankful for all that we have.
–Holly Fike

 

Employee Profile


Name Tyler Hargrove

Position Cook, “Thursday Roaster”

Nickname T-Harg

Weird Fact “You have the most energy at 5 am” -My Wife

Hobby collecting: coins, Star Wars figures, books, rocks, vinyl (records)

Guilty Pleasure I embrace all of them

Most unique experience watching the sunrise over Crater Lake with my wife

Most recent book “Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional” -Anne Steele; “Thrawn: Alliances”-Timothy Zahn

Musical instrument guitar, trumpet, saxophone, harmonica, mandolin

Spirit animal my Patronus is a Jedi

iPhone or Android? rotary

Secret river spot a secret spot on Rock Creek. You can fish there, nap there, or get engaged.

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Colombia Cauca El Totoro?
Use the code Azaleas at the register.
(Tyler’s answer to “Dog or Cat?”)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured Colombian. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 11.23.18.

Posted in Coffee Descriptions, Coffee Trolley, Downtown Events, Employees, Holidays, Vacation, Weekly Newsletters | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Weekly Newsletter: November 16th, 2018


Weekly Newsletter: 2nd November, 2018

Coffee of the Week

Fair Trade Organic Nicaragua


There was no email newsletter last week because we were out of town, making the most of

the kids’ week off of school. We took our new-to-us RV and visited 6 national parks/monuments, and got to see relatives in Oregon and in Washington. The weather was so nice that the Rim Road was fully open around Crater Lake, we could drive through Lassen, and all the roads in Mount Rainier were still accessible.

Gold leaves greeted us along every river bed and back road, and although a lot of the campgrounds were closed, we were able to find somewhere to stay every night. It was a memorable trip, made even better by the fact that we had no agenda or plan, and weren’t even sure we would get beyond Downieville (we had only owned the RV for a week).

Then this week we had the fun of the Downtown Trick or Treat on Wednesday. Our theme was “Neverland,” and Peter Pan and Tinkerbell came to visit us in person. Then my kids had two more days off school, so we ran up to Tahoe for a quick extension of our vacation. Archie, Lucy and their parents came too, and we were all entertained by Archie contradicting Caroline’s “look at Lake Tahoe!” comment with a “no, it’s water, Caroline.” They argued about it all weekend, with big smiles on their faces. They also enjoyed riding bikes/scooters around the mostly closed Sugar Pine Point campground, and playing in the water (they’re crazy–it’s cold!).

Since I didn’t get a chance to tell you about last week’s featured coffee, we’re keeping it around for another week. This is our Fair Trade Organic Nicaragua Segovia. It comes from the Promotora de Desarrollo Cooperativo de Las Segovias (PRODECOOP), an organization with the stated goal (translated) to “contribute to the sustainable improvement of the quality of life of the families of the small and small producers affiliated with PRODECOOP” (see their website here). They have a dry mill for their members to use, and they are able to help with education, business skills, gender equity, and economic improvement for the farmers.

In addition to all that, this is a delicious cup of coffee. It has bold nutty and chocolate flavors, and is easy to drink. You can support small farmers and enjoy your morning brew at the same time: always a good goal.

This week we are featuring someone who has worked for us for 13 years! That milestone came just last week. Our deliveryman, Mike, keeps us all on our toes with his great sense of humor. Enjoy reading his profile, and enjoy this November weekend. And most of all, drink good coffee. Cheers!
–Holly Fike

Employee Profile


Name Michael Robbin Nightingale

Position Wheel Man

Nickname Malcom Roosevelt Naughton

Fav quote “I would rather be lucky than smart”

I decompress by irritating my wife

Most recent song you jammed to Antonin Dvorak “New World Symphony”

Hobby Archery: the way I shoot, it can only be a hobby

Craziest injury? broken elbow

I won’t eat . . . cilantro

Most unique experience witness relocation

Always in your fridge I am not.

I am happiest when I know the answer.

 

 

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Fair Trade Organic Nicaragua Segovia?
Use the code Loud Music at the register.
(Mike’s pet peeve)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured FTO Nicaragua. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 11.8.18.

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Weekly Newsletter: 19th October, 2018

Coffee of the Week

Sulawesi Toraja (Celebes Kalossi)


 

Can you believe the fall colors? I took the header picture outside the kids school the other morning. Wow! I hope that you are enjoying autumn like I am. It’s a great season to get outside and enjoy the changing scenery.

Our big project this week was installing new registers here at the store, so honestly I have to say that I spent a lot of time at my desk. A big thanks to all of you for your patience as we make this transition. In the long run we should be able to serve you better–but there is certainly a learning curve.

I also spent time this week training new supervisors. It’s always fun to spend time with some of our employees and give them a more in depth look at what we do here. Training will be continuing for the next month, and we’re glad that Rachel and Kelsey were willing to step into this new position. This week we’re profiling Kelsey, so you get a glimpse at who she is. She has worked for us since she was in high school, and we appreciate her cheerfulness and longevity.

The coffee of the week is a favorite around here. It comes from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi (formerly Celebes), where recently a tsunami devastated the coast. This coffee comes from the central mountain area, but our thoughts are with all those affected by the disaster.

In the cup this is a full-bodied bean with nutty chocolate flavors. It’s almost the opposite profile from the Kenya AA that we featured last week. If you prefer an earthier and smoother flavor, try this Sulawesi Toraja. I’m taking some home to enjoy this weekend. Cheers!
–Holly Fike

 

Employee Profile



Name Kelsey

Position Barista, substitute baker, governess to Archie and Lucy

Nickname Kelso, Shakelsey

Most unique experience living in Uganda for two weeks

I decompress by baking and yard work

Most recent song you jammed to Waterloo, Abba

Childhood Goal Orthodontist for the vast majority of my childhood . . .Lame!!

Thinking about? Probably tacos.

Would rather be . . . eating tacos.

Barista secret Marry your favorite customer 🙂 (shout out to her fiance, Josh!)

 

 

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Sulawesi Toraja (Celebes Kalossi)?
Use the code Pink Lemonade at the register.
(Always in Kelsey’s fridge)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured Sulawesi Toraja. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 10.26.18.

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Weekly Newsletter: 12th October, 2018

Coffee of the Week

Kenya AA


We are a family business, and nothing says that more than the camaraderie behind the counter and the kids running in and out of the office. This week Archie and I were out front throwing paper airplanes, and after close Caroline loves to do ballet out front. We hope that you feel that sense of community when you come in: that you feel included and accepted here. That’s our goal, to welcome you to our space like you belong.

Last weekend we had a family day at Lower Scotts Flat Lake. The kids kayaked, Trace walked up to the dam, and I sat and read a book. It was a completely relaxing afternoon. I heard mostly bird noises while I was reading, except a few shrieks from my kids. We are so lucky to have so many local outdoor recreation opportunities, within just a few minutes of home.

The leaves are finally starting to change color around here. The liquidambars in front of City Hall look like they’re wearing red caps, and we’ve had several windy days with leaves racing like wild children at the end of a school day. Pumpkin spice lattes are flying out the door, and I’m ordering more hot cups than cold. The seasonal shift is happening, and we’re enjoying autumn this week by featuring our Kenya AA.

This Kenya comes from the central part of the country, and it’s grown in the volcanic soil surrounding Mt. Kenya. Mt. Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain at over 17,000 feet, and these farms range from 4500 to 6500 feet. This is high grown coffee, with superb flavor. In the cup it tastes of sweet citrus and apricots. It has a medium body that complements the bright acidity.

This weekend will be Dave’s birthday, and since we all love Dave around here, I thought we would embarrass feature him in our employee snapshot this week. He’s not admitting his age, but he has a youthful spirit that relishes life and the people around him. He enjoys good coffee and good beer, so whatever your beverage of choice, raise a glass to Dave. Cheers!
–Holly Fike

Employee Profile


Name Dave

Nickname Old Bean

Weird fact about you I’ve never been to Chico

Most unique experience it’s gotta be the all night rave in Prague back in 1999

Guilty pleasure B.B.C. murder mysteries

True Story After wandering off in a beer tent at Oktoberfest in Munich, my brother found me at a table full of Italians, celebrating like old friends–even though I didn’t speak any Italian and they didn’t speak any English (Beer = the greatest).

Spirit Animal Coyote

Always in your fridge? Ice Cold Water

Probably shouldn’t have . . . Mentioned the rave in Prague

You wouldn’t believe it but I have been to over 200 concerts.

 

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Kenya AA?
Use the code Log Cabin at the register.
(Dave’s childhood dream was to live in a log cabin)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured Kenya AA. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 10.19.18.

Posted in Coffee Descriptions, Employees, Local Beauty, Weekly Newsletters | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Weekly Newsletter: 12th October, 2018


Weekly Newsletter: 5th October, 2018

Coffee of the Week

Fair Trade Organic Mexico Jaltenango Chiapas

I wish I had a great picture of the rain on Wednesday and Thursday for the header: it was truly beautiful. I was driving home from the grocery store on Wednesday evening and saw the most sparkling bolt of lightning split the sky, while the rain poured. This is our first rain of the year, so to get such a display was a real treat. We had a bedroom window open all night, and I kept waking up to the pinging sound of the rain dripping on the metal flashing. It made me smile every time.

Then yesterday I drove Caroline and some classmates to visit the seismology lab and the Keck museum at UNR, and the whole way up highway 20 it dumped on us. It made for slow, careful driving, but it was such a fun marker of the change of seasons that I really enjoyed it. Plus the alders and aspens were starting to turn yellow, so it was a particularly lovely view as they shook in the wind.

This week we have a new Mexican coffee for you: our Fair Trade Organic Mexico Jaltenango Chiapas, from the far south of the country. These are high grown beans, sourced from family farms that have come together as part of the Sociedad de Producción Rural Unión de Ejidos y Comunidades San Fernando. The Sociedad:
“has invested in nurseries to support more than 1,300 farmers to renovate their coffee farms. The organization is also leading efforts to assist their members to make improvements to their houses, and diversification initiatives such as coffee shops, and training programs to use Vermicompost that uses earthworms to turn organic wastes into very high quality compost (source: Royal Coffee). ”

This is a Fair Trade and organic coffee, and the care that went into the growing can be tasted in the cup. It has great chocolate tones, with a nutty finish. It’s easy to drink, and it would be a great way to start your day.

If you keep reading, we are featuring Kristina this week, because last weekend she and Evan got married. Congratulations from all of us Kristina! We all wish you both all the best.
–Holly Fike

Employee Profile



Name Kristina Murray

Position Barista

Weird fact about you I like to dip tortilla chips in blended margaritas

Which coffee describes you best? Special Blend, because I like variety.

Most unique experience marrying my best friend last weekend
Signature dance move the lift from “Dirty Dancing” with my husband (see submitted photo)

Childhood goal Olympic gymnast

Always in your fridge? Peanut Butter

I am happiest when I am on an adventure with friends.

 

Coffee Coupon


Want a free cup of our Fair Trade Organic Mexico Jaltenango Chiapas?
Use the code Dirt Biking at the register.
(Kristina’s outdoor activity love)

Code good for a 12 oz cup of our featured FTO Mexico Jaltenango. Limit one per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, Grass Valley, CA.
Code/Offer valid until 10.12.18.

Posted in Coffee Descriptions, Employees, Weekly Newsletters | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Weekly Newsletter: 5th October, 2018




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530 273-6424 | 800 600-6424

 map-marker Carolines Coffee Roasters
128 S. Auburn St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
clock Monday-Friday: 6am-5:30pm,
Saturday-Sunday: 7am-5:30pm 

Fridays for
Cornish Christmas: 6am-9pm