The Coffee Break

In many workplaces, coffee is more than just a caffeinated beverage. It's a ritual that kickstarts the day, fuels creativity, and brings people together. Recognizing the importance of coffee in the lives of employees, many companies have embraced the idea of providing our coffee catering services as an on-going employee perk. In this post, we will explore the numerous benefits that come with offering espresso bar catering in the workplace, and why it can be a game-changer for both employees and the organization.

The focus extends beyond mere coffee

Coffee breaks have long been recognized as an opportunity for informal conversations, idea sharing, and collaboration. When employees gather for coffee, it naturally encourages these interactions, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among colleagues. The relaxed atmosphere of coffee areas or break rooms provides an ideal setting for team members to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Improved employee engagement not only enhances morale but also boosts creativity and teamwork.

Providing an espresso bar as a perk sends a powerful message to employees: the organization values their well-being and wants to create a positive work environment. Coffee breaks serve as an essential part of the day, allowing employees to recharge and take a moment for themselves. By facilitating this routine, companies demonstrate their commitment to work-life balance and employee satisfaction. Such initiatives contribute to a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, fostering loyalty and retention.

Where We Can Help

Compared to many other employee perks, providing coffee is a relatively cost-effective way to motivate and reward employees. While the financial investment may seem minor, the impact on employee morale and job satisfaction can be significant.

We are always looking for ways to work with organizations to facilitate a small but meaningful gesture that contributes to a positive work experience.

A Primer on the Basics of Latte Art

Latte art is a skill that has become synonymous with the specialty coffee culture. With its intricate designs and delicate patterns, latte art has the power to transform a simple cup of coffee into a work of art. If you're eager to add a touch of creativity to your morning brew or impress your friends with your barista skills, this blog post is for you. We'll dive into the basics of latte art, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques needed to create stunning designs atop your espresso creations.

The Canvas:

Before diving into the artistry, it's crucial to start with a solid foundation—your espresso shot. A well-extracted shot forms the canvas upon which your latte art will come to life. Ensure your espresso is properly ground, distributed, and tamped, resulting in a balanced extraction with a rich crema. If your shot is running too fast for a good crema to form, try tightening your grind. If it’s not running quickly enough, try loosening your grind or playing with the volume of espresso beans in your porta filter. Take note that espresso beans will pull different depending on numerous factors including ambient temperature and freshness of the beans.

The Base:

To create latte art, you'll need properly steamed milk with a velvety texture. Begin by selecting fresh, cold milk with a higher fat content for better frothing. Position the steam wand just below the surface of the milk, creating a gentle whirlpool motion to incorporate air and achieve a creamy micro-foam consistency. Pay attention to temperature—around 150-155°F (65-68°C) for optimal results. Ensure that you introduce a moderate amount of air to the milk's surface using several brief bursts, each lasting only a few seconds. The objective is to incorporate approximately three seconds of air into the milk, and then create a swirling motion in the pitcher by tilting the steamer to the side. With proper technique, it is possible to eliminate all the bubbles by guiding them towards the center of the swirling whirlpool.

A common question I receive from customers is how they can create latte art at home using their machine. The key requirement is ensuring that your machine possesses adequate steam pressure to swiftly heat milk from 40 degrees to 155 degrees within approximately 30 seconds. Additionally, it should retain enough steam power for subsequent use before entering a rest period. Not all home espresso machines are created equal.

The Artistic Techniques:

Heart:
- Start by pouring a small stream of milk into the center of the espresso.
- As the cup fills, gradually move the pitcher closer to the surface and increase the pour rate while gently moving the pitcher side to side until a large circle is formed.
- Once the cup is nearly full, gently move the pitcher further away from the circle and begin moving it through the center of the circle to create the top indent and bottom point of the heart shape.

Rosetta:

Begin by pouring milk slowly and steadily into the center of the cup.
As the cup fills, gently move the pitcher from side to side, creating a pattern of alternating dark and light lines. It’s important to move slowly and watch what is developing. You will be moving the pitcher away from the bottom of the Rosetta to give it length. Your side to side movement of the pitcher should be getting tighter and narrower as the Rosetta lengthens.
Once the cup is full, continue the motion slightly curved to form a leaf-like shape.

Latte art is a skill that takes patience, and repetition to create beautiful designs on your espresso beverages. By mastering the basics of pouring techniques and understanding the nuances of milk steaming, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning latte art. So, grab your favorite coffee mug, embrace your creativity, and elevate your coffee experience to a whole new level with the artistry of latte art.