Latte Art and La Armonia Hermosa


Some people have been asking about latte art. This delicate art is not required on a great latte but it helps to show when a shot is pulled perfectly, and shows when the milk is frothed correctly. Basically it's just the frosting on the cake, but isn't it a beautiful cake? Here is a great example from a superb barista trainer and coffee shop co-owner in Cincinnati, Ohio. Les Stoneham received 9th place in the Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition a couple years ago. He is also helping to start up a direct trade coffee co-operative in Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala. Please check out their website for more information... www.laarmoniahermosa.com. We are happy to be joining in this venture. In the near future we will be roasting and selling some of their coffee. So check back to find out when we will have that available!

This is my attempt at latte art. I was trained by Les, but please note I haven't done latte art in almost a year.  What do they say? "Practice makes perfect," and I obviously haven't been practicing.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!


It's coming up on the Holiday season, and we would like your advice. Here are a few travel mug ideas we have come up with. We would love to have your opinion on which of these might become your next favorite travel mug...  To respond please just leave a comment!

Thanks in advance!

Smoky Mountain Knife Works and Foothills Fall Festival


This weekend Erin, John, and Chuck are setting up a booth at Smoky Mountain Knife Work's vendor's rep weekend.  VCC and Remington will be doing a joint venture with Smoky Mt Knife Works and this weekend is the beginning stages of this venture. 
The World's Largest Knife Showplace hosts this annual event in their massive retail showroom in  Sevierville, TN. Vendor Representatives come from around the world to share their product knowledge. There will be giveaways and special events for the whole family, including knifemaker demonstrations, knife and tomohawk throwing demonstrations, a re-enactment of the battle of Boyd's Creek on Friday at 4:30pm, and much much more! 

Sounds like a fun weekend! If you can take yourself away from the Foothills Fall Fest
ival, then come on down to Sevierville and see VCC and other vendors show their wares.

If you are in the Maryville area you should check out the Foothills Fall Festival.  USA Today said, "The Foothills Fall Festival is one of the Top Ten Fall Festivals to attend in the country!"

While you are down at the festival go to the vintage, Capitol Coffee and Theater (127 Broadway Ave.) and enjoy some of VCC's yummy brewed coffee or go to Lamar Amburn's Produce Market (222 W. Church street) and buy a bag of our fresh coffee. Perfect to take the chill off while roaming around the festival.

Blount County Food Connection


It's another dreary day today in beautiful Maryville, Tennessee, but it's hopping at the roastery. With the flavorful smells of roasted coffee wafting through the air,  we are preparing our space (which we just recently renovated... come check us out!) and teaching new staff in preparation for our new 35 Kilo roaster.  Check in later to find out when we will have it up and running (it'll be a great thing to come see). 

Also today we are proud to support Blount County Food Connection in donating a large amount of coffee to give to their families that they provide food for. If you are also interested in donating, they are always eager for donations. Please check out their blog...