Evergreen Coffee

Evrgreen Staff Rocks!

2010-11-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Another season behind us...

2010-10-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all our loyal customers as another coffee season has come to an end. Some have called it the "Summer that wasn't", but for us at Evrgreen, it was a great chance to see more of you. Hopefully next year we will have a few more beach days; we plan to have a whole new offering of icy tea and coffee drinks for those hot days. As of now the cafe is closed for the season, and will be reopening on May 1, 2011.

To gain a little perspective, I have embarked on a bit of a coffee journey to visit Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle and Portland. So far the coffee has been amazing, and the espresso the source of much inspiration. I will have more info on the trip soon. Until then, be well.

Thanks again for the great season.

All in a days work...

2010-08-24T01:12:00.000-07:00

The life of a barista is more than just the glam of standing behind the espresso machine pumping out a steady stream of delicious drinks and doing rockstar style high kicks - it also means rolling up the sleeves and getting the hands dirty from time to time. At Evrgreen our espresso machine is the heart of the cafe, and its important to keep it in tip-top shape.

In the last 60 days roughly 18 000 drinks have exited our front door- about 70% of which have been produced by our machine "Big Red". Tonight it was time to give the old gal a break and do some much needed maintenance.

After steaming roughly 2400 litres of milk, it was time to take apart the steam wands and give them a good cleaning. Here (above) you see Jay working on the steam valve mechanism. Aside from rebuilding the steam valves we also replaced the water filtration cartridges which have filtered hundreds of litres of H20 - and gave the boiler a good flush to ensure that the water quality in your cup is top notch. Regular cleaning of the machine is a must for any barista serious about making great drinks.

Here you get a birds eye view of the inner working of the machine, at the centre of which is a 5000w boiler which delivers the steady stream of 202 degree water we use to make that delicious espresso you enjoy so much. So next time you're by Evrgreen, be sure to give big red a little pat on the back and say "keep up the good work!". I'm sure the encouragement will be appreciated!

Evrgreen Coffee goes bottomless...

2010-07-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well friends, I'm sure you've all heard of topless bars!? What about bottomless espresso bars?
Here at evrgreen we've removed our bottoms permanently - well, the bottoms off of our portafilters anyways! By taking the bottoms off the portafilters (an open basket- see the picture above) it gives our staff a direct look at whats happening in each extraction - ensuring that you get the best shot of -spro possible. Why do we do this you ask? Well, as each shot is ground, tamped and pulled by the barista there are a number of factors that affect the end quality of the drink. For example, if a portafilter basket is unevenly packed - say higher density on one side - the water will tend to follow the path of least resistance and form a channel through the less densely packed espresso. This results in an uneven extraction - and more importantly - bitter espresso. By having the open basket the barista is able to view whats happening first hand, and adjust the various factors to produce the best result! So the next time you're in evrgreen have a look to see what we're doing. We spend a bit more time making each drink, but the end result is a better tasting drink for you. Can starbucks offer you that?
Why Evergreen... because you deserve a better cup of coffee.

Evrgreen Coffee; whirlwind tour Edmonton.

2010-06-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a glorious occasion this past week when Evrgreen Coffee ventured out from our lake paradise to visit our friends at Transcend Coffee in Edmonton. This espresso laden tour de force lasted a mere 36 hours, but generated a months worth of memories. The focal point of the trip was a visit to Transcend's roasting facility where participated in a cupping with their talented team of transcendent coffee guru's (hows that for alliteration?). We cupped their Decaf la Florida "decaf that actually tastes like coffee" , as well as the individual beans that make up their organic espresso blend (Amaro gayo + Helsar de zarcero) . Be sure to stop into Evrgreen and check it out while it lasts in our grinders!

After our cupping we headed to a great new Cafe called The Elm; it was rumored that Barista Rock star Sammy Piccolo (of 49th Parallel) was going to be there pulling shots; all rumors were true! Sammy was very hospitable and was happy to make us a round of drinks.

Here's the team with Sammy.

Aside from the fanfare of having my macchiato made by a champion barista, the Elm Cafe did well to pique my interest in many other ways. At a mere 200(ish) square feet, the Elm packs more hip design and good coffee in than 100 other shops combined. The owner Nate Box, having followed a similar path as me, has left a job as a chef to pursue the idea that small really is beautiful and that his local Edmontonians deserve a better cup of coffee.

Here's me with Nate out front of his new shop.

The lunch I had at the elm was dee-lish, a nice accompaniment for Sammy's macchiato - although I had expected to have a dragon with three heads breathing fire (with a rendition of the ceiling of the sistine chapel in the background) as art - he must save that for his Lattes.

To say that Edmonton was a great trip for us is a huge understatement! A big shout out to the fine folks at Transcend for the warm hospitality. We look forward to our next visit. For those of you not yet acquainted, be sure to check them out online @ www.transcendcoffee.com. And, if ever in Edmonton, do also make an effort to see Nate at Elm Cafe. www.elmcafe.ca

I've so much more to say, - but the hours are few before I'm back behind the machine...

Peace out.
jw

p.s. also - its to late to edit...go easy on me!

May long Kick off Season's Concert series.

2010-05-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

This May Long weekend marked the first installment in the summer concert series at evrgreen coffee & food. Carrie Catherine put on a fantastic show for a full house! Thanks to all who attended, keep posted for upcoming events....

jw

The Espresso boys in full chorus...

2010-05-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

The team of three put on an impressive show this past mother's day weekend in Waskesiu, slinging some of the finest lattes this town has ever seen. A new addition to the team, Scott (the hammer) Walker has proven to be a valuable asset at this early juncture; perhaps in line for the MVP award, only time shall tell. Last years Rookie of the year, Jason Surkin returns for his second season as the assistant team captain. It is rumored that Jason was offered a hefty signing bonus to join a barista team in China.Surkin, however, turned down the offer to pursue greatness on his home turf. And, of course, seasoned veteran Jackson Wiebe is back in the ranks to lead the charge for year number three. Be sure to stop by to see the Espresso boys in action. Daily vocal performance at 6am, and interpretive dance at 10pm. See you all then.

jw

The Beers are here!

2010-05-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Its here! What you ask? ... cold, delicious BEER!

That's right sports fans, evergreen coffee now stocks 2 fantastic local beers. The BLACK CAT from Paddockwood is a Black German style lager. I really fell in love with this style of beer when I was last travelling in the Czech Republic; it is a rich dark beer with hints of caramel and espresso. Perhaps that's why I sometimes sub this for my morning coffee - noon somewhere, right? Also, sitting at about 0 degrees Celsius is the Brecknock ORGANIC Pilsner. A great local expression of this classic style. Next time you're around stop in and consider one of these fine brews - and try one of our new tapas plates to go with!

Open for the Season!

2010-05-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Coffee drinkers and Waskesiu-ites everywhere. Evrgreen Coffee has come out of hibernation and is back for another season - and we are excited about it! Big news: Now, aside from great organic espresso, coffee and tea - we also offer a selection of Local/Organic BEER AND WINE!
Baileys for the latte? - you bet!

Here are our hours of operation for the beginning:

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm Back at 7pm Come down for locals night. All beer and wine 4$
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9am - 11pm

Thanks for reading, hope to see you all up there soon!

jw

2010-01-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

The countdown is on!
Opening day - Saturday May 1, 2010.
Can't wait to see every one again for our third season. The winter has been good so far. To update you on staff whereabouts - Megan and Mason have been working diligently at thieir studies - sources tell me that Mason has been recently spotted at Caffe Sola in Saskatoon! Pat "the espresso maniac" Thompson has headed for greener pastures and is currently employed by the government out in Vancouver ;). The lovely Ashley is also rumored to be keepin Pat in line out in Vancouver. Jason Surkin our team captain has been hard at work as well. Notable mention to his excellent performance at Mustang Volley back in the fall. Other than that it is rumored that Jay has set up an Espresso lab in his family home's kitchen and is practicing his moves for next season. The good Doctor Harvie has resumed his posting at St. Marys University College in Calgary where he is doing a stellar job - congrats on the book being published btw.
As for all the many very very lovely Caffe Sola Gals that helped Evergreen this summer - well, they can be found at the hippest Cafe in Saskatoon located on the corner of 23rd and pacific. Check it out. Our newest convert Arden is rumored to have been accepted to do a 2 month student exchange miles above the earth on the International Space Station - way to go kid! Can't wait to have you back next year! Also, the lovely Ang is busy feeding her baby "The GAB" who is growing like a bean shoot. As for me? Well I'm busy getting ready to do what need to be done to bring great coffee back to the north - and I can't wait. See you all then.

-j.

2009-10-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Finalement!

Even the best things have to come to an end, and it was with just a little sadness that I pulled the last shot of espresso today! It's been a great season with many many outstanding moments. I would like to sincerely thank all of the customers for their continued support, and most of all I would like to thank my wonderful staff for all the fantastic work they did this summer! See you all in the spring! -jackson

ONE LAST WEEKEND...

2009-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well everyone, that time has come. We are fast approaching our final days of the year. Or hours for this weekend are:
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9-am - 5pm
Monday 9am - until we run out of stock!
See you then!

2009-09-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well, with the passing of summer we say goodbye to the crowds, the line-ups and the days of hundreds of lattes. In its place we find quiet and cool fall afternoons; a welcome transition. A big thank you to all of our loyal customers, it was great to have such a strong following this summer. Also, a big thank you to all who attended the Fall Yoga Retreat - A smashing success!

FALL HOURS
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Yoga retreat info

2009-09-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

What: Northern Saskatchewan’s First ever Yoga Retreat!

Where: The retreat is located in beautiful Waskesiu SK, which is 86kn north of Prince Albert. All meals and social functions will be held at Evrgreen Coffee and Food. All yoga will take place in the Terrace Gardens Community Hall.

When: Check in starts at 3pm on Friday September the 18th at Evrgreen Coffee and Food, The First session of Yoga Will be held in the early Evening on Friday night (approx 7pm-9pm) Two session will be held on Saturday (10:00am & 5:00pm) and one final session on Sunday (10:00am).

Cost: Package 1: $250 Accommodations included (based on double occupancy)
This includes:
• Accommodation in a shared cabin (each cabin equipped with full kitchen and bathroom. (Access to hot tubs may be available)
• Meals –Friday evening night lunch, Saturday Brunch and Evening Meal and Sunday Brunch at Evrgreen Coffee and Food
• 4 two hour sessions of Yoga Led by YogaOne of Saskatoon
• Saturday evening Social Event

Package 2: $150 Guest provides their own accommodation.
This Includes:
• Meals –Friday evening night lunch, Saturday Brunch and Evening Meal and Sunday Brunch at Evrgreen Coffee and Food
• 4 two hour sessions of Yoga Led by YogaOne of Saskatoon
• Saturday evening Social Event
**Please note, there are limited number of spots available for each package, application does not guarantee entry. Additional charges apply to guests who require singe occupancy.

YOGA RETREAT...more details to follow!

2009-09-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a good summer...

2009-08-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well everyone, as you may have noticed the blog has gone without an update for quite some time. Sorry to leave everyone in suspense, but we've been really busy making coffee. Now that summer has nearly come to an end, things here at the cafe are starting to quite down. For now our hours will remain the same (8am - 10pm daily). In the near future we will be changing our hours to 9am - 9pm daily. But, just because summer is turning to autumn, don't be strangers. We will be open all all of September with regular hours, and then will remain open on the weekends in October up until thanksgiving. Here are a few pictures of the cafe this summer. Cheers!

2009-05-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Wireless internet now available!
Well sports fans, the day has arrived; wireless internet for everyone.

2009-05-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

OPEN FOR BUSINESS (more or less)!
Hey Coffee fans, we're glad to be back for another season. We are making coffee on a daily basis these days. Here's a rough outline of our hours:

8 am - 9pm DAILY

See you at the lake!

2009-04-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well, nearly open. Final preparations are bening made and we will be making the trip up to Waskesiu this weekend. Look for us Saturday, May the 2nd, bright and early.

New seating!

2009-04-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

Today I'm busy in the shop building what are to be the new tables for the cafe. I'm a better Barista than carpenter, but luckily I've got some good help. Check out the plans for what we are up to...

Planning for the season...

2009-03-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on; open in less than 40 days! In preparation for the new season I will be working at our sister cafe in Saskatoon. For those of you not familiar with Caffe Sola, stop by and visit us on the corner of 23rd Street and Pacific Avenue. (Or visit us on the web www.caffesola.ca) If you like Evrgreen, you will love Sola! During my time at sola I will have a chance to try out new recipes as well as hone my espresso skills.

Opening soon!

2009-03-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Just as the fall turns to winter, so winter turns to spring. We'll be headed up to the shop to start getting ready within the next month. After a few minor renovations it will be time to open the doors for season number two. Many thanks to all those who supported us in our first business season. Some things to look forward to this year are:

Extended business hours
New menu items
Wireless internet for everyone
Increased selection of Organic Tea from our supplier Silk Road
New seating, and more of it.
Can you say Patio, Patio, Patio!
Same GREAT COFFEE!

Looking forward to seeing everyone again this season.

Peace and happiness to you all.

2009-03-11T21:55:00.001-07:00

Barista becomes web savvy...?

Well, not really. But, after an hour or so of trial and error, Evrgreen Coffee and Food finally has a presence on the web. Many thanks to my good friend and confidant Curtis Olson. Be sure to check out his blog http://saskatoonhayloft.blogspot.com.

Stay tuned for posts to come...