From Farm to Cup

Chad Morton of Madcap coffee inspecting parchment

Let me say this again...there isn't a better cup of coffee in West Michigan than Madcap coffee. Just like one's grandmother putting so much "love" into her pasta and beans or Italian meatballs and marinara, each cup of Madcap coffee goes through that same type of affection. To prove Madcap's commitment to having relationships with every coffee farmer they buy beans from, Madcap's Chad Morton, shares with us some of the photos and experiences during their last trip to Costa Rica. 

Chad reassures me that the journey is far from luxury travel. From puddle jumpers to long, bumpy jeep rides to sleeping in hostels in rural communities with animals wandering just outside your window. But the journey is worth the coffee bag with every farmer's name stamped on the package of Madcap coffee. Personally knowing the hand that picked the beans and the work that went into processing each bag of coffee is truly the magic behind the movement at Madcap.

Chad's notes on the photo above: "inspecting parchment" coffees are put onto a cement patio for drying. at this stage, the coffee seed has a paper like membrane surrounding it, called parchment. when the coffee is dried to point, it will be sent to a dry mill, where the parchment will be removed, leaving only the green coffee bean.

The cupping table - cupping coffee is how we start the process of picking the coffees we want to purchase. at this table, there were 12 different micro lots we were evaluating. cupping is a way to determine the natural flavor character potential a coffee possesses.

Madcap barista, Laura, Chad and farmer Alvaro. This was the first time ever meeting in person with alvaro, a costa rican farmer i have been working with for two years. Watch for his coffee to be at our shop next season.

As Chad and Laura were traveling to some of their farms, they happened to discover Herbazu Farm, one of the most progressive, quality driven micro mills in Costa Rica. 

Breathtaking views of the Costa Rican mountains. 

The Renaissance "App"

Stephen King wrote in The Body that people come and go like busboys in a restaurant. 

As one of the creators for ArtPrize 2009's Nessie, his name became synonymous with the guy with the very big ideas. Rich may seem aloof at first. Tall in stature with a gladiator built, he clearly can be an intimidating person to get to know. I first met Rich during ArtPrize last year. Since then, we've encountered each other at hotel parties, community meetings and through informal gatherings with many of our mutual friends. But just like a busboy in a busy restaurant, he came and went. 

His name resurfaced again after one of our mutual friends asked him to help us build a giant radio flyer wagon to help build awareness for Heart of West Michigan United Way's Schools of Hope. To my surprise, Rich eagerly volunteered his services and was resourceful enough to solicit material donations and even secure entertainers in the event we plan a fundraiser. What would have taken weeks to organize took Rich a couple of days to orchestrate. Done! The human "app" has done it again. We decided to postpone our radio flyer wagon project but his genuine effort to help out was not left unnoticed. 

I invited Rich to lunch to thank him for his efforts. In an hour, I learned about this self-made renaissance man; a lover of the arts and history with a masters degree in photography to add to his accolades. Despite his popularity in the community, he prefers to keep a low profile. He will gladly trade a night out with a hundred celebrities for an intimate dinner with a few close friends. He has a genuine desire to help out and before you could thank him for assisting, he is off helping another person. 

Instead of writing a critique of the gallery (which I am definitely not qualified for), I thought it was more appropriate to understand the person behind the canvases of art pieces at the Richard App Gallery. Through this experience, I gained a much deeper appreciation for what he has on display and the personal pride he shows for every artwork shown at the gallery.

The Richard App Gallery is currently showing through the end of May the graphite drawings of Armin Mersmann. True to his word, Rich has also placed a radio flyer wagon in his gallery to collect children's books for Schools of Hope. Please drop off some new or gently used children's books at the gallery. While you're at it, relax and enjoy the many beautiful pieces Rich has personally selected for his gallery.

Unlike that typical busboy in a restaurant, this one has a name and the charisma to make you want to come back. His name is Richard App. 

Foodie Crib: John Rumery

Foodie

John Rumery

Foodie Crib

Anywhere with a Grill

Gig

Professor, Public Radio Programmer, Blogger and Grill Master

Morsels on Foodie

You've seen the shows on Food Network and the Travel Channel.

The shows with these hard core BBQ fanatics who travel the country

to show off their ribs, chicken and pulled pork. Well, right here in GR

is our very own Grill Master extraordinaire, John Rumery. I have yet 

to try Master John's BBQ, but by the experiences he shares on his blog

and facebook updates, this guy is the real deal. 

John shares some of his secrets below

Did I say hard core grill master?

Hotel Monaco Alexandria

The rich and deep colors in the lobby of the Hotel Monaco Alexandria inspired the photography. I just love hotel lobbies when the little details are intentional; from the Arabic inspired coasters, to the set of  alizarin vases above the fireplace to the soft white orchids in the restrooms. It is pleasant to see a boutique hotel where the designers did not forget that the lobby must be inviting to the guests. I've been to too many hotels where the designer's desire to be hip and fashionable have resulted in an ambiance more fitting a stuffy retail shop. Design must have a purpose.

The Hotel Monaco Alexandria has a rich history dating back to the beginning of the civil war. According to the hotel website, "The hotel sits on the site of the former Marshall House, the location of the beginning of the Civil War. On May 24, 1861, an altercation between the innkeeper, secessionist James W. Jackson, and Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, leader of the 11th New York Infantry "Fire Zouaves," led to a melee and both men became the first two martyrs of the Civil War."

The lesson here: don't mess with the hotel guys!

Friday Night Salsa at the Kopper Top

For a moment, I thought I was in the multi-level Barrio Latino in Bastille or in the vibrating basement of the Montecristo in the Champs-Elysees. A ten-piece salsa band with bongos, maracas, claves, timbales, guiro and horns commanded my attention upon entering the room nondescriptly tucked next to the Kopper Top restaurant - a kitschy Grand Rapids restaurant popular among the local west siders. The latin rhythm sucks you in and before you know it, your legs starts marching to the beat, your hips sway organically from left to right, your arms shuffle, and your attitude takes that of a professional ballroom dancer. Welcome to the world of latin dancing and Friday Night Salsa at the Kopper Top hosted by Casey Reed of Salsalogy Dance Academy and his fiancee (and my dance partner for the Dancing with the Make-A-Wish Stars), Molly Thompson.

Culture is slowly rising to the surface in Grand Rapids. Inclusiveness is becoming more than a token word in one's mission statement. What was once hidden in the far corners of the city is slowly making its way to the mainstream downtown scene. It won't be long when the music of the streets of San Juan, Havana and Brasilia will be mixed by local dj's with the likes of Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas. 

Unlike the superficial ambiance in most dance clubs, attending these venues are for those who simply want to dance. Everyone dances with everyone. No one cares. The objective is to allow the music to take over. Better dancers teach the beginners. Impeccably dressed ladies partner up with guys in t-shirt and jeans. Gucci meets super mercado. 

Casey works the room wonderfully switching from one pupil to another. Molly, in her tight black dress and heels, was a walking salsa trophy on the dance floor with her tall posture and head turning moves. It's hard work to be "on" all the time, but for dancers with a dream, this is one way to pay the bill. $10 at the door helps pay the band and perhaps a few meals for the table. But one's passion has no price tag. This is the life of the artist. Five, six, seven, eight...let's salsa.