Workshop Level 1

Workshops will be held at JOSEPH KITCHEN, Solaris Dutamas

Correction: WORKSHOP LEVEL 1
28th January 2012 (Saturday)

Case study: Dec 2011

I got a call from a young couple recently. They asked me a very interesting question, and I was immediately drawn into a whirlpool of emotions, happy, puzzled, surprised and grateful. Why? Read on.

"My friend recommended me to your Level 1 workshop. But I dunno if it is worth paying to attend the workshop. So I call you. Is it worth it ah?"

I paused for a moment, dosing my thoughts with a blend of emotion from the regions of happiness and sadness. And, I answered. "Our workshops are very valuable and informative for people who appreciates the learning process. The value of the workshop depends on you, and to really rate it will depend on your experience at the workshop."

After the call, I was asking myself a list of questions.

1) Will I recommend something to a friend, if I was not satisfied with it?
2) Will you recommend a product or service to your friend if you did not like it?
3) How can I know if the workshop is worth going to? Defining 'worth' is by being in it or participating as part of your experience.
4) Are you going to stop yourself from learning? Because you are afraid of something that you do not know yet?
5) Why are we putting a limit to our personal development?

Life is a journey of continuous learning. If we are not learning, we are dead. Isn't this true?

Dear friends & readers,

Workshops and classes will resume in October. I will be on 'study leave' this month. When I am back, I will bring more knowledge and information to share with you at the workshops.

Please feel free to visit our primary website for more updates.
http://www.coffeeconnectionmalaysia.com/2011/09/updates-for-september-activities.html

Looking forward to see you awesome people at the workshops soon!!!

Regards,
Cheryl

Training Calendar Updates

We have updated our Training Calendar.

Please click on the Training Calendar tab to view. Thank you.

Coffee Appreciation Seminar @ SS 2, Mojo Upstairs Cafe

Date : 22nd May 2011

Time : 11 am - 1 pm

Venue : Mojo's Upstairs, 8, M-Floor, Jalan SS 2/61, Petaling Jaya.

Workshop Fee : RM 65.00 per person

What's install for you? Lots of coffee and lucky draw prizes. 2 lucky participants will get a COMPLIMENTARY ESPRESSO FOR BEGINNERS workshop.

You will also get, meal vouchers and a Free Home Brewing Starter Kit to kick start your coffee journey.

To register, send MOJO, SS2, Your Name, NRIC, Email  sms to 012 398 3054.

Details and payment method will be send to you for confirmation.

Oh one more thing, bring along a business card / call card for the luck draw session.

Appreciation Workshop Level 2 & Luwak Appreciation

5th March 2011

Coffee, Nose & Tongue

Read more...

Kopi Luwak Appreciation 5th March

Balinese Coffee

Luwak, the traditional way!

Both coffee come from the same farm, but produces totally different taste.

The difference is, one is eaten by the luwak and produced kopi luwak.

The other is processed with the normal method.

Both coffee delivered 2 dimension of aftertaste and character.

Message from Bali...

Kopi Luwak is on the way back to hotel now...

ETA Kuala Lumpur 27th February.

Ready for appreciation : 5th March

Visit us again on 1st March, for more updates on how to join us for the appreciation session.

Limited CUPS (seats) available. 

RESERVE YOUR CUPS NOW!
~by email or post to comment box

Coffee On Holiday ~ February

Hey there...

I will be away for holiday in Indonesia from 21st - 27th Feb.

Email me at BaristaMalaysia@gmail.com if you have anything you wanna ask about our services or products.

I will reply to you when I resume operations on 28th Feb.

Bye!

Enjoying Instant Coffee from a different dimension

Every cup of coffee has it's magic.

I've always been fascinated with the flavors and aroma of freshly roasted gourmet coffees.

Grinding on Demand is when I indulge myself in the 'courtship' stage with coffee. Brewing in my press, I witness the 'marriage' of coffee.

The challenge comes when I'm travelling. The easiest method I can settle with is instant coffee. Coffee aroma BUT no flavors! Creatively, I tried this as shown in the picture.

The coffee is served hot. The apple is cold. Take a bite of the apple, chew and swallow. Then take a sip of coffee. This combination can actually give you a different taste dimension with instant coffee. It doesn't work well with all instant coffee though. It is up to you to take the risk...

Try it, if you dare... :D

Then tell me your story... Just post your story in the comment box...
You may get a surprise from me...  

Happy Valentine's Day!

Show your love for coffee at our Coffee Appreciation Workshop Level 1, on 19th Feb '11.

Register between 14th - 16th Feb for this love-hate relationship promo.

Couple = You and your spouse or a friend or your mom, or your dad, or .... it doesn't matter. as long as 2 person, it's a couple. Cool?

There's a surprise waiting for you...

McD's Premium Roast Coffee

"Better Coffee at a Better Price" is indeed true!

The new premium roast coffee served today is much more enjoyable / palatable than the past.

RM 3.10 (8oz)

RM 3.60 (12oz)

Read more here...

The Star Sunday Metro

I was in Taiwan when Star Metro published this article. I wish to thank The Star & Flavours Magazine for the awesome article. I want to highlight that my surname is LEE, not Yee as mistakenly published in both the mag and papers.

While I was on my coffee tour in Taiwan, SMS-es came flooding my inbox since noon till late evening and I was really really tak sabar wanna read the article. As soon as I step into the hostel's living room, i started browsing and got the article online.

I'm lying to you if I said I was not disappointed with my surname typo error. Anyways, it cant be undone now.

To all my friends, readers, coffee lovers and especially my family THANK YOU! for all your wishes and support. Thank you thank you thank you... ~Hugs and kisses~

Read more here...

Gong Xi Gong Xi!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Pros & Cons of Drinking Coffee

Coffee Pros

1. Coffee has Antioxidants that helps to prevent Oxidation that contributes to aging.

2. Parkinson's disease. Regular coffee drinking reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease.

3. Diabetes. Coffee drinking has the potential to protect against the development of type 2 diabetes.

4. Liver cirrhosis. Coffee drinking may protect against liver cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis.

5. Gallstones. There is some evidence that coffee drinking may be protective against gallstone formation in both men and women.

6. Coffee consumption lowers the risk of kidney stones formation.

7. Caffeine in coffee is a well-known stimulant. Coffee promotes alertness, attention and wakefulness. The cup of coffee can also increase information processing.

8. Regular coffee drinking may help to protect against Alzheimer's disease. .

9. Caffeine in coffee is related to theophylline, an old asthma medication.

10. Caffeine safety. In 1958, caffeine was placed on the Food and Drug Administration's list as generally recognized as safe.

What about the Cons?

Juju has quiet a good post about the pros and cons. Click on the link to read on...

http://juju-coffeehouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/pros-cons-of-coffee-drinking.html

Kopi Luwak - Greater taste brewed using AeroPress

Kopi Luwak, the most expensive coffee in the world.

Kopi Luwak or Civet Coffee is made from coffee cherries which have been eaten and passed through the digestive track of the an animal called the Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxorus Hermaphroditus).

After it comes out in the form of 'poop', the beans are processed hygienically, and given only a medium roast to maintain the complex flavors that were developed through the gestational process.

Kopi Luwak originates from the island of Bali, Java and Sumatra in the Indonesian Archipelago.

At one of our Coffee Appreciation Workshop, we had the opportunity to share with the participants this very expensive coffee brought back from Bali.

We tasted the Luwak using the AeroPress method at the workshop, which is the best equipment, given that the coffee was in powder form.

Tasting Notes:
1) Complex aroma

2) Syrupy body

3) Fruity, dark chocolate

4) Very low acidity

5) Smooth and sweet finish

There are many methods to enjoy Kopi Luwak (powder form). Listed below are the methods that we have tried and the results were amazing! Each method offered different taste, aroma and flavors. The best method that offered the optimum enjoyment was the AeroPress.

1) Press Method

2) Drip Method

3) AeroPress

4) This method will be revealed on 5th March at the Level 2 Appreciation Workshop.

PROMOTION! Coffee Workshop Level 1

Current Promotion!

Register and pay for 19th February workshop;

~ by 31st Jan : RM 59.00 per person (including free Starter Kit)

~ before 16th Feb : RM 69.00 per person (including free Starter Kit)

~ after 16th Feb : RM 98.00 per person (including free Starter Kit)

What are you waiting for???

Act Now! Register Here

Hey...

I recently found a blog, introducing our Coffee Appreciation Workshop Level 1. Juju was with us in the Private Gathering for Coffee Lovers held in September 2010.

This is Juju (on the left) and Shirley (on the right)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for being such great people and students. I truly enjoyed that few hours with you people. I was absolutely touched, seeing everyone open their eyes big big and with the satisfied 'mmmmmm' expression on their faces and mouth movements.

Really unforgettable. This is the moment that I truly enjoy, always. Seeing your expressions, I uttered silently... THIS IS IT. I did it! They got the zest and essence of coffee.

I was jumping from joy in my heart. Of course cannot show at that moment la... Must maintain ma.. haha!

And then, I did the most wonderful thing for them. Apart from the Lucky Draw, I gave out extra coffee and stuffs as a reward to them, from them bottom of my heart with love. :D

Click here to see what was written:

http://juju-coffeehouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/coffee-workshop-by-coffee-connection.html

For your viewing pleasure...

Here are some of the photos taken during Workshop Level 1, courtesy of Angie Lim.

Beautiful photos!

Thanks Angie!

Hands On Barista Training December 2010

Coffee training in action @ Joseph's Kitchen

At this session, we were discussing about the importance of properly frothed milk vs. bubbly boiled milk. Properly frothed milk should welcome you with it's natural sweetness, and creamy body that enhances the taste of the coffee. Have you had a cup of cappuccino or latte that you felt it was 'empty'?

Tasting the frothed milk.

To properly froth milk, you need to practice. Practice, practice, practice.

Anyone out there knows of a place that serves absolutely incredible cappuccinos?

I would love to know about it.

Brewing Turkish Coffee

Things You will need:

Finely Ground Fresh Roasted Coffee

Ibrik Sugar

Heat Source Filtered Water

Cardamom is optional

Preparation Steps:

Step 1

Use cold filtered water for best results. Pour cold water into the Ibrik or Turkish coffee pot.

Measure 180ml of water for each cup of coffee you want to make. (1 cup = 180ml)

Step 2

Measure finely ground Turkish coffee into the pot, using 12gms of coffee powder for each cup of water. Stir. Add the cardamom pods (optional).

Step 3

Now, measure 5gms of of sugar (or to taste). for every 12gms of coffee. Add your sugar during the brewing process for a properly brewed cup of Turkish coffee – adding it after it has been brewed gives it a different taste.

Step 4

Put the ibrik over low heat – the lower the heat the better. Bring it to a boil, but pay attention not to let the coffee boil and overflow. Do not boil the coffee. You must immediately take away the ibrik from the stove when it starts to bubble and the foam rises a little.

Step 5

Once the coffee boils and the foam rises to the surface, pour some of it into your Turkish cups. Fill each cup with a spoon of foam to ensure everyone gets a fair share the coffee's foam. Without the coffee foam, Turkish coffee loses much of its flavor.

Step 6

Put the ibrik back over low heat and bring it back to slightly under boil, letting it foam up again. Pour the remaining coffee into each cup, distributing an equal share of the precious froth into each cup.

Step 7

Let the coffee grounds settle to the bottom of your cup before you indulge in your Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee is enjoyed without straining the grounds. Sip carefully to avoid stirring up the coffee grounds.

There! You have the post now. Will you try out this method? Do share your experience with me.

This post is only 1 of the methods to make Turkish Coffee. With a few tweaks, you can actually brew up different taste dimensions.

Wanna know about the tweaks? Join us for Coffee Appreciation Level 2, 5th March. Visit Coffee Appreciation Workshop Level 2

Happy New Year 2011!

Wishing you Happy New Year!

May the Year of 2011 be The Year of Opulence, Health and Peace!

Merry Christmas!

Coffee Connection wishes all readers and coffee lovers a

Merry & Jolly Christmas!

Coffee Workshop Level 2

Hi everyone!

Our workshop level 2 will be held this Saturday at Joseph's Kitchen Bangsar!

Date : 11th Dec 2010

Time : 10.30am ~ 3.30ppm

This workshop is a "not to be missed" session as we will be serving the best coffee we tasted from Taiwan! We have very limited amount of this spectacular coffee from Taiwan and its only enough for 1 workshop. SO... don't miss out on this coming workshop level 2.

The coffee that we got from Taiwan... Panama Honey

Taste : Apple, citrus, pamelo and caramel sweetness

It doesn't just end here! Wanna know more? Then come join in the fun! Wait no more, take action now.

Come have fun and enjoy the beauty of coffee with us!

ps: Turkish brew in the next post. hehe...

Away from 23rd Nov ~ 1st Dec

Dear Friends,

I will be away from 23rd Nov to 1st Dec. Do send me your enquiries at BaristaMalaysia@gmail.com and I will respond to your email when I return.

Stay safe my friends.


Get Inspired by Coffee...
Cheryl Lee

Correct vehicle, wrong direction, wrong journey.

In my previous post, Coffee is a destination, Flavour is a journey. We discussed about using the correct vehicle or rather brewing equipment to start your journey to discovering flavours in a cup. In this post, we will dwell a little deeper into 'vehicle'.

I visited a cafe at Sunway Giza recently. I ordered an espresso and a Turkish Coffee. Turkish coffee as printed on the menu, 'Dark roasted coffee boiled slowly to produce a thick and black coffee'. Priced at RM 13.90 per cup.

Sadly, the Turkish coffee that was served to me was not good at all. I tried to give them a feedback, but they were not ready to accept it. Listening to a feedback without an open mind will definately hurt the business. Worst still, you will not be expecting repeat customers.

My observation on steps and how my Turkish Coffee was served to me.

1) Very fine coffee powder was added into the ibrik.
2) Stale coffee powder was used.
3) Hot water was poured into the ibrik.
4) The coffee and water was then left to STEEP for few mins.
5) After STEEPING, it was finally brought to my table to be served.

Verdict:
The drink was bland.
It was not hot.
It was watery.
Just not right.
WRONG BREWING STEPS!

What was right?
They used very fine or turkish coffee grind size.
They used an Ibrik.
and... just that.

They got the vehicle right. To brew Turkish coffee, use an Ibrik. But... how to brew it correctly? They certainly did not brew it right. The 'know how' is important and practical application of the knowledge is vital. The knowledge will give you a clear direction to complete your journey.

I would like to use this example to illustrate. You are driving an Altis. You fuel your car with unleaded petrol. The engine performs. If you fuel it with diesel, can your engine perform? Or even work correctly? Absolutely not! Simply because it is not right.

My dear friends, brewing Turkish coffee requires specific steps to extract the zest. There are 8 steps involved in brewing a Turkish coffee. Certainly not what I've observed and written here. Using the correct fuel (direction) is the 'know how'. What is missing in this cup is, the acquirement of the correct knowledge.

They certainly can do better, only if they had an open mind.

In my next post, Steps to brew Turkish coffee.

Nov & Dec 2010 Training Schedule

November

Coffee Appreciation Workshop Level I

1st Session : 13th November 2010
Time: 10.30am - 1.00pm

2nd Session : 20th November 2010
Time: 10.30am - 1.00pm

Coffee Connection will be out for Coffee Break ...
Dates : 22 November to 2 December.



December

Coffee Appreciation Workshop Level II
Date : 11th December 2010
Time: 10.30am - 3.30pm



Latte Art
Date : 12th December 2010
Time: 12.30pm - 3.30pm


Barista Basics
Date : 18th December 2010
Time: 12.30pm - 4.30pm

http://baristaworkshop.blogspot.com/

Coffee is a destination, FLAVOR is a journey...

These are the equipments or rather vehicles, to brewing a cup of coffee.

Coffee is a destination, FLAVOR is a journey... Just like life is a journey with multiple destinations. Why do I say coffee is a destination? The answer is simple. We have coffees from Latin America, Africa and Asia Pacific. Let's take African coffees as an example. We have Ethiopia Yigarcheffe, Harrar and many more.

Yigarcheffe is a destination. Harrar is a destination. In both coffee (destination) they have different flavor profiles. Yigarcheffe's profile ~ berrylike, floral aroma, citrusy. So, why is flavor a journey?

Berry-like can be blueberry, strawberry or even black currant. Citrusy can also be lemon or grapefruit. These are what I refer as journey. For most of us, it is a challenge to identfy currant or lemony in a cup of Yigarcheffe, hence I relate it as a journey. It is a learning experience, drinking experience from the 1st cup to maybe the 6th cup. Finally, getting the 'aha' moment. "Aha! I finally identified lemony! Hurray!!"

Are these some of the issue you encounter?
1. How do we come to the 'aha' moment if we don't know much about coffee.
2. I drink coffee, but I never tasted currant or grapefruit.
3. I bought a bag of Yigarcheffe, but the flavors doesn't show itself in the cup. Why?
4. This is interesting, where can I learn more?

My question for you is;

1) How much do you know about your destination (COFFEE) ?

2) Are you using the correct vehicle (BREWING EQUIPMENT) to start your journey (FLAVORS)

3) If you have limited knowledge along the journey, do you need a GPS navigation system (COFFEE KNOWLEDGE) ?

We at Coffee Connection, is and always will be your GPS. We provide you the complete travel guide. We will tell you where are the pothole to avoid, which waterfall you can stopby to refresh and the attraction spots you should visit.

Come take a short trip with us. We have 2 travel options for you.

Option 1 : If you are tight an a budget but still thirst for some adventure, you can consider our backpacking package.

Hostel (Course) : Coffee Workshop Level I

Room Charges (Fees) : RM 98.00 (Bring a Friend for FREE)

Breakfast : Includes 1 set Home Brewing Starter Kit

Departure Date (Next class) : 13th November 2010 (10.30am - 1.00pm)

Airport : Joseph Kitchen, Menara UOA, Bangsar.

Option 2 : Travel Business Class

Click here for Business Class Travel Itenarary

16th October, Hurry...

Seats are filling up fast! Only 6 seats left for the up coming workshop level 1.

We have a very special suprise for you at the workshop... not to be missed.

25th Sept, Registration Closed.

We are delighted to inform our dearest coffee lovers and readers. Our Coffee Workshop Level I that will be held on 25th Sept, is fully booked for a private gathering.

Our next workshop level I is scheduled on 16th October. Do register quickly to secure your seats. Mark this date on your calender "Date with Coffee" and spend time with us for an exciting weekend with a difference.

16th Oct, Seats Availability (as of 24th Sept) : 6/16

Make a date with us... Now!

Out for Coffee Break...

Dear Coffee Lovers,

We are out for Coffee Break begining 15th September and will be back on 22nd September. Do drop us an email at BaristaMalaysia@gmail.com for any enquiries. We will respond to your email as soon as we are back, with more coffee adventure to share with you.

Remember to register for our upcoming Coffee Appreciation Workshop Level I, on 25th September and be inspired by Coffee...

Bean on Holiday....

Our Date with Coffee, 4th Sept

In our previous session, we were thrilled playing with coffee toys and brought into coffee wonderland. Today, we were not thrilled, but we blew the roof off Joseph's Kitchen!!!

Our date with coffee was held at Joseph's Kitchen, Bangsar. It was supposed to be from 10.30am to 1pm. Unfortunately, we ended at 2.30pm! Haha! We were having loads of fun till we lost track of time. The environment at Joseph's was cozy and the food, exceptional.

See how much fun they are having? Big smiles, lovely expressions, forging friendships!

We tasted various types of coffee including Kopi Luwak.


According to Murphy's Law "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong". That is exactly what happened! As we prepare ourselves for the next tasting - Iced Coffee, my crew accidentally brewed it hot. Haha! So, I took the opportunity to have some fun and showcased "Coffee Tarik" on-the-spot!

After 4 hours of coffee gossip-ping, everyone was 'drunk' and under the influence of caffeine. Guilty as charged with "DUI,C" (Driving Under Influence of... Coffee...)

We parted with a heavy heart, but it was time. We had to say our goodbyes but, this is only the BEGINING! The coffee journey for each of us has just begun and we'll meet again this coming October!

Perfect Cup is like Marriage... Seriously?

14th August, marks our 3rd session conductingworkshop level 1.

To love coffee, is to know coffee. And it is my dream to share my passion for coffee and inspire as many people as I can to find their own perfect cup. Each and everyone of us have different coffee personality and taste profile.

Perfect Cup is like Marriage. When 2 becomes 1, you get the best of both worlds. The good and the bad. But if you know how to appreciate the strengths both world has to offer, that is when your miracle is born. ~ Cheryl Lee.

It is what we dont know that we feel inferior about. Do you remember the time, you went to a cafe and dint know what to order? Latte? Cappuccino (capp)? Which should I drink? After struggling for 5 minutes looking at the menu, you gave up and settle for a Capp. Well, at least I did exactly that years ago, when I dint know much about coffee.

Little that I know, Latte and Capp are both coffee with milk but prepared with different proportions. So my friends, I am seriously dedicated to help you understand what is coffee. The black beverage that you drink almost everyday, to keep you hyped.

Have you tasted fruity coffee? Coffee that smells like the fresh breeze welcoming you in the morning? Or coffees that gives you goose bumps? Coffee that will make you sexy???

Well... at Coffee Connection's Coffee Appreciation Workshop Level 1, you will be riding on a roller coaster of flavours. Get in touch with your senses and cruise on an adventure with our hands on brewing techniques.

What are you waiting for? Make a date with us, Now!


Hands on brewing and demonstration by our student.

It's graduation! ~ group photo.

A: Can I have that Cappuccino with the heart please...?
B: You'll have to wait. It's so beautiful I HAVE to take a picture first!


Latte Art Workshop (Beginning October '10)

25th September, Next Coffee Workshop Level 1

To love Coffee... is to know Coffee.

Come join us for a fun-filled Saturday morning doing something different. Something called... coffee!

Many of our participants and guests were thrilled 'playing' with coffee and learning a trick ot two what is coffee about. Come experience the hands on coffee brewing techniques and submerge yourself in the aroma of coffee. Let us dazzle you with the our stories and coffee 'toys' that will bring you into coffee wonderland!

Come join us this 25th September (Saturday). Don't just come alone, bring your spouse, bring a friend or even your secret admirer t0 spend time in a different environment.

Make a date with us NOW!

Register Today and SAVE RM 98.00!

Register Today and SAVE RM 98.00! SAVE SAVE SAVE!!!

Register for Workshop Level I at RM 98.00 and bring along a friend for FREE!

*FREE 1 set Home Brewing Starter Kit and Welcome Gifts worth over RM 100.00 (for each paying participant)

Only 4 places left for up coming workshop level I.
Register before 13th August, 4.30pm.

Sharing is caring! It is PROVEN, you will learn more when you bring friends along to our workshop. Our learning system works the best, especially for those who come in groups of 3-4 friends in a group. So why wait?? Register NOW to enjoy great savings! The earlier you register, the more savings you'll enjoy!

Tantalizing Coffee & Temptations

What I love most about coffee? It is the connection that brings people of all walks of life, to gather at one place, enjoying the presence of each other. Forging friendships and enlighting relationships.

On 7th August, we conducted the Coffee Appreciation Workshop Level II. We spent around 4.5 hours exploring various types of coffee and searching for the ultimate coffee pairing and it was AWESOME!

The alluring coffee and food that we had, took us through the roof! The dazzling flavours were exploding in our mouths and the experience were like riding on the roller coaster enticing us for more...!

To our suprise...

Coffee + Hazelnut truffle = Lemongrass aftertaste.

Coffee + Green Tea Cake = Smooth and comforting with bolder nuttiness

Crazy combination? Certainly not! Level II is designed to get you on an adventure with coffee and it's flavours. You'll get to taste the good, the bad and the ugly side of coffee when taken with the food that you select.

Getting bored with your coffee at home? No worries! We will also, teach you how to create new drinks using simple, in fact any ingredients that you can find in your kitchen.

Believe It Or Not? Come to our Workshop Level II, to find out for yourself.

Pictures courtesy of Jess & Miki. http://jzlew.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the post...

Get Inspired by Coffee... Innovated with Love, Driven by Passion.

Cheryl Lee