Brewed Awakenings: New Coffee Book Launches
The Coffee Book: Anatomy of an Industry from Crop to the Last Drop
By Nina Lutinger and Gregory Dicum

San Francisco, CA—Authors Nina Luttinger and Gregory Dicum have just launched their new book on coffee, “The Coffee Book: Anatomy of an Industry from Crop to the Last Drop” (New Press; 2006). They will be signing books at the Western Guild Barista Jam on Sunday, June 4.

Their book explores the coffee trade from bean to cup, including production, the history of café society, dramatic tales of high-stakes international trade, health aspects, the industry’s major players, and the specialty coffee revolution—including the very latest developments. Finally, the book considers the labor and environmental issues behind mass cultivation, and explores the growing sustainable coffee market.

“Most people who enjoy coffee know very little about where it comes from or how it’s grown,” says co-author Gregory Dicum. “Our book lays it all out in an accessible, fun way that makes you appreciate that your daily ritual is so much more than just a simple pick-me-up. It’s an unassuming tropical plant that’s evolved from the highlands of Ethiopia into a global commodity that makes and breaks national economies and provides the livelihood for up to 20 million people—most of them struggling farmers who make about 3 cents from every $3 latte we enjoy up here.”

“There is no shortage of books on coffee,” says the SCAA’s Chief of Staff, Mike Ferguson, “but none provide the academic depth of The Coffee Book while remaining highly accessible to all levels of interest, making it a ready-reference for both coffee lovers and coffee professionals.” The book is also reviewed in this month’s Tea and Coffee Trade Journal.

Come visit the authors and check out the book at the Western Barista Guild Jam
SUNDAY, JUNE 4
Professional Culinary Institute
700 West Hamilton Ave
Campbell, CA

So all of us not quite on top of it Baristas who will be attending the Jam. A few tidbits to streamline the process. Since there looks like there will be quite a few coffee hands at the Jam and early morning registration will be a serious bottleneck unless we do a few things to move it all along (nothing to see here! keep it moving!)

So to streamline the whole process:

• Please print out and complete your registration form and either fax it in to the SCAA or bring it complete with you when you arrive.
• We will NOT be accepting credit cards for registration at the door. So if you are using a credit card then it is better to fax your app in to Michelle TODAY.
• Those who fax their application in have their space reserved and will be guaranted a spot in case we sell out.
• If you want to reserve a space for you and your team then please email us and let us know your cafe name, your name and the names of all your Baristas who are coming. Or better yet fax in your registration forms.
• For Barista Guild members you must bring your member card if youhave it. We will have a list of members but help a friend out here.
• If you are joining the Barista Guild to join the Barista community and to save the $25 registration then also download and complete the BGA application and bring it with you.

The Western Barista Guild Jam is shaping up to be an incredible good time! We have Coffee people coming from Seattle, all over California, Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada and maybe even some midwest folks. The speakers are getting jazzed up and the machines are getting warmed up.

And we are getting excited about welcoming you al to our wonderful little Bay Area.

Top seven; comrades:

1. Monica R Hill will be there
2. Attending is the ONLY way you can get one of the “Make Coffee. Not War” tshirts
3. Mirage, GB5 and lever all in one spot
4. Ken Davids cupping with YOU
5. Iron Barista Competition
6. Breakfast and lunch is included
7. You are breathtakingly close to the Barefoot

So what are your top seven reasons for going?