Our happy place is when you love what we do as much as we do!

The Power of Gratitude: Celebrating Client Appreciation in Coffee Catering

In the fast-paced world of espresso coffee catering, where the daily grind often revolves around delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences, there's a special kind of magic that happens when clients take a moment to express their appreciation in our service. Whether it's a bustling corporate event, an intimate wedding celebration, or a lively community gathering, the impact of a heartfelt thank-you note cannot be overstated.

At the heart of every successful coffee catering business lies a dedication to excellence and a genuine passion for serving others. From expertly crafted espresso beverages to artisanal blends sourced from around the globe, every cup tells a story of quality, care, and craftsmanship. But beyond the beans and brews, it's the connections forged with clients that truly fuel the spirit of this industry.

Our goal is to create a perfect balance of experience: where the aroma of freshly roasted espresso fills the air as your guests gather around the Espresso Bella station, eagerly awaiting their favourite specialty coffee beverages. Amidst the chatter and laughter, there's a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie. And then, as the event draws to a close, our client approaches to express their gratitude.  Hence our article title:  Our happy place is when you love what we do as much as we do!  From time to time, we receive a small envelope in the mail — a handwritten note expressing gratitude for the exceptional service and unforgettable experience and it absolutely makes our hearts melt!

In that moment, a ripple of warmth spreads through the team, reaffirming the impact of their hard work and dedication. It's not just about serving coffee; it's about creating moments of delight, fostering connections, and leaving a lasting impression on those we serve.

A handwritten note may seem like a small gesture, but its significance resonates far beyond the words on paper. It serves as a tangible reminder of the relationships we've built and the trust our clients have placed in us. It's a testament to the power of gratitude—a simple yet profound expression of appreciation that fuels our passion and drives us to continually raise the bar - espresso bar that is!

In an era dominated by digital communication and fleeting interactions, the art of handwritten notes holds a special place in our hearts. It's a timeless tradition that speaks volumes about sincerity and thoughtfulness—a gesture that transcends the transactional nature of business and cultivates genuine connections.

So, to all our valued clients who take the time to share their gratitude, via word of mouth, a referral of their family and friends, and/or repeat business, or with a little handwritten note, we say thank you. Thank you for trusting Espresso Bella Inc. to be a part of your special moments. Thank you for allowing us to do what we love every day. And most importantly, thank you for reminding us why we're so passionate about what we do.  As we continue our espresso bar catering journey of serving and connecting through espresso coffee, let's never underestimate the power of gratitude -and the profound impact it has on us all.

Elevating Event Experiences: The Unnoticed Impact of Quality Espresso

In the realm of event planning, organizers often strive to create memorable experiences for their guests. Yet, amidst the meticulous attention to venue, decor, and entertainment, one element often overlooked is the potential transformative power of serving high-quality espresso. The ubiquitous presence of uninspiring coffee in North American events stands in stark contrast to the revered espresso culture in Italy and most European countries. Espresso Bella Inc., Toronto's Coffee Catering company, aims to change this narrative by introducing exquisitely crafted espresso beverages, making every cup an "Espresso Bella" and elevating the overall event experience.

In North America, the prevailing acceptance of mediocre espresso at events is a curious phenomenon. Attendees, accustomed to subpar brews, may not realize the missed opportunity to enhance their experience. The reality is that a carefully brewed, aromatic espresso has the potential to elevate the entire event atmosphere, creating a sophisticated and indulgent ambiance.

In Italy, the birthplace of espresso culture, the appreciation for a finely crafted cup of espresso is ingrained in the societal fabric. Italians understand that the quality of espresso is not merely a beverage choice; it is an art form that contributes to the enjoyment of life's moments. In Italy, it doesn't matter if you have an espresso at a high class 5-star venue or if you go to an "off the beaten path" convenience store; you will get an espresso that will leave your palate craving more!  Actually, no matter where you go in Italy, if a sub-par espresso is served, that would be considered an insult!  This cultural ethos starkly contrasts with the prevalent coffee culture in North America, where the convenience of instant or poorly brewed coffee often takes precedence over the pursuit of flavour and quality.

Espresso Bella Inc. recognizes this disparity and is on a mission to bring the authentic Italian espresso experience to all events in southern Ontario and Toronto. By doing so, we seek to challenge the status quo, encouraging event organizers and attendees alike to raise their expectations and standards for exceptional espresso service.

The journey towards making every cup an "Espresso Bella" involves a meticulous approach to every step of the coffee-making process. From selecting premium coffee beans to employing skilled and friendly Baristas, Espresso Bella Inc. is committed to delivering an unparalleled espresso experience. We understand that the success of an event lies not only in the grandeur of the setting but also in the finer details that engage the senses.

Consider the impact of the inviting aroma of freshly ground espresso beans wafting through the event space. Guests, subconsciously drawn towards the source, find themselves anticipating a sensory delight. The act of sipping a perfectly pulled shot of espresso becomes a moment of indulgence, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Espresso, with its rich and complex flavour profile, becomes a catalyst for conversation and camaraderie.

Espresso Bella Inc. believes that the art of crafting espresso is not just a service but an experience in itself. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each cup is a testament to the rich heritage of Italian coffee culture. By bringing this level of sophistication to events, we aim to redefine the expectations surrounding coffee, turning it into a focal point rather than a mere refreshment.

The mission of Espresso Bella Inc. extends beyond providing a quality beverage; we strive to instill a cultural shift in how North Americans perceive and value espresso at events. By raising the standard for espresso service, Espresso Bella Inc. encourages event planners to view espresso as an integral part of the overall experience. In doing so, our goal is to create a ripple effect, inspiring a greater appreciation for quality espresso in various facets of North American culture.

The impact of serving high-quality espresso at events is profound, often underestimated, and unfortunately neglected in North America. Espresso Bella Inc.'s mission to make every cup an "Espresso Bella" is not just about elevating the espresso experience; it is a call to redefine the way we approach event planning and hospitality. By embracing the rich traditions of Italian espresso culture, the company invites event organizers and attendees to savour the moments, one exquisite cup at a time, and to recognize that the pursuit of excellence extends to every detail, no matter how small.

Beverages to FALL For

We all know that “pumpkin spice” has become it’s own season at this point, but we often forget that there are so many other drinks to consider to get you warm and cozy as you walk through those crunchy leaves. Here are just a few more to consider and try to make at home!

To start, there are many teas that can be turned into lattes and it’s so easy to make them!

This tea latte features a nice frothy texture, a floral lavender taste, and can be sweetened with vanilla syrup as opposed to vanilla extract. Start with brewing your Earl Grey tea – you can brew by filling your cup with just half boiling water because we’re going to fill the rest up with frothed milk. Next, froth your milk until it reaches your preferred temperature or foamy texture. With the addition of the vanilla and a quick stir, the warm flavours of the earl grey tea come through to provide you with the feeling of comfort.

This still falls under the ‘tea latte’ category but with a twist! If you’re someone who enjoys slight spice to his or her morning brew, you’ll definitely love adding chai to your espresso! The easiest way to make this latte is by using chai syrup so that your espresso isn’t watered down by brewed tea. The rest is easy – just froth some milk and pour on top of your espresso and enjoy! The cinnamon and cloves in the chai syrup make a great pairing with almost any espresso!

If you’re not a tea person at all of course we have the perfect espresso-based beverages for you to try!

This flavoured latte-like beverage combines our favourite things: coffee and chocolate! Start by adding chocolate syrup to your cup and pour your espresso on top – give it a quick swirl or stir to melt it up too. Next, just like any other latte, froth your milk! Make sure you don’t make your milk too foamy because you’re going to want to add whipped cream on top and foam definitely gets in the way of that! Last but not least, add a sprinkle of cocoa or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to complete your beverage!

Let’s take it a step further, you’ve got the mocha down, but if we add just a little hazelnut syrup you’ll end up with a beverage reminding you of that oh so gooey chocolate hazelnut spread we all know and love! Finish it off with whipped cream too!

Now, if you’re looking for a fall beverage for the kiddos or just something to cozy up with before bed without a burst of caffeine, this hot chocolate is just for you!

Imagine melting down a Caramilk bar and mixing it with warm milk – this hot chocolate is certainly similar! Start with adding equal shots of chocolate syrup and caramel syrup, then add a touch of hot water just to melt the chocolate and stir it with the caramel syrup. Froth your milk, again not creating too much foam and pour it into your cup leaving enough space to layer on whipped cream (and caramel sauce!)! This beverage is perfect to warm you up after playing outside in the leaves, or cuddling up to watch a movie in the evening.

So next time you're looking for a drink that's #InstagramWorthy, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or just something tasty to try this fall, refer back to these recipes for some inspiration! 

Beverage Basics

Not everyone is a born coffee-drinker and we often forget that not everyone knows the in’s and out’s of coffee or espresso beverages. For those that may be out of their comfort zone walking into a traditional café or ordering an espresso, I’m going to give you a breakdown of the 4 most commonly confused espresso-based beverages: Espresso, Macchiato, Latte, and Cappuccino. 

When the perfect espresso is poured, you can distinctly see three layers with the last being a sweet crema. The lowest layer is the strongest tasting, with a full body and roasty flavour. The second layer usually blends into the lowest quickly but contains all of the identifiable flavour profiles of the espresso. The third layer is the most beautiful. If done correctly, your espresso will be topped with a rich hazelnut-coloured crema that has a smooth mouthfeel and a sweet finish.

If you’re not a straight espresso type of person, try opting for a macchiato. A traditional macchiato contains a shot or two of espresso and is topped with just a little frothed milk for a richer mouthfeel and creamier taste. Adding this small amount of frothed milk can turn your quick espresso into a lasting beverage.

A traditional Italian macchiato is not to be confused with newer, westernized beverages that can sometimes be quite large in size. 

One step up from a macchiato is a latte. By just adding a bit more frothed milk, and a layer of fluffy foam you have the simplest yet delicious espresso beverage. Most espresso blends are roasted to create flavour profiles that can not only withstand a large amount of milk, but also compliment the creaminess that frothed milk offers. Lattes are made by frothing enough milk to fill your cup and poured on an angle to allow the milk to mix with the espresso and the foam to be layered on top. As someone that may not enjoy plain espresso and often takes his or her coffee with creamer or milk, a latte is a great place to start. Consider adding flavoured syrups or spiced toppings to your foam as well!

Not to be confused with a latte, although they are quite similar, a cappuccino is probably the most decadent of these four beverages. Because it only contains a small amount of frothed milk and is mainly comprised of foam, cappuccinos can be described as dessert-like. Cappuccinos are made by frothing the milk for just a tad longer than a latte or holding the frothing pitcher at just the right angle to allow the steam to create a wet foam. When poured, the froth should mix with the espresso and become a canvas of rich brown and golden colours allowing the entire beverage to be a thick consistency. 

It's said that true Italian cappuccinos are no more than 8oz. of liquid and are traditionally stirred after serving to incorporate all of the flavours. 

Now you're a pro at determining which flavour, texture, and size of beverage best suits you! 

Barista Behind the Scenes

Your barista has just arrived, they have called you, the event planner, to let you know they're on their way to their area and are all ready to set up. Sometimes what we don’t think about when adding an espresso bar to our event is how much work goes into preparation, set-up, service, and of course tear down. 

I’m going to give you a breakdown, what behind the scenes really looks like…

First things first, we’ve got the deets, time to start packing! Each event we have just the right number of machines, cups, milk, and supplies. We gather all the tools we need, from frothing jugs to whisks, to cloths to clean our frothing wands. We also grind just the right amount of freshly roasted beans right before your big event! Once everything is packed, we pack it into our car and head on out, or, we pack the coffee trailer, hitch it and go!

Because we go all over Ontario, we plan accordingly to be at your event at least an hour before it starts, to get all set up. A lot goes into our set up to make sure it’s picture perfect for you, your guests, and of course all those tagged photos on the ‘gram.

We’re very specific in the placement of our items, we want the espresso machine to be front and
centre, it’s the main attraction – what brings your guests to the table. We then set up our bags of espresso so you and your guests know what’s in that white tie cup! We also add any décor that you may have as well as our cute boards and signs. Don’t worry, all those grinds and mess, not to be seen!

Now that we’re all set up, the machine has been warmed, and we’ve guaranteed the espresso is pouring just right, we put on our apron and start serving! This is the fun part…

For each guest we follow the same steps:

1.       Dose

2.       Tamp

3.       Pour

4.       Froth

5.       Finish

Each and every guest receives a fresh espresso made to order!

The best part about being a barista with Espresso Bella is definitely being a part of the action: whether we’re serving for a wedding, at a golf tournament, a trade show, or a VIP event we love interacting with each guest!

After the party is finished, we begin to clean up, making sure we gather all of our supplies and tools, that we’ve properly cleaned our machine, and pack up our gear. Most importantly, we make sure to leave our area spick and span and say goodbye and thank you to our amazing clients!

It seems pretty straight forward from start to finish, but in the end, our service is our pride and joy and we love having our white tie cups in all of your guests’ hands!

Cup O'Flavours

It’s the perfect Sunday morning, you wake up, tamp just the right amount of espresso, and pour an espresso bella. As you’re sipping on the sweet crema, you smell it’s enticing aroma, taste the chocolate and nutty notes, and enjoy every last drop. But have you ever considered where your beans came from and why the coffee tastes the way it does?

There are three main growing regions that span across the world that coffee is cultivated from: South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Each has its own distinct flavour profiles, all of which can be found in our very own Venti Sei and Barista Blend.

South America

South American coffees are those that are full of nutty chocolately flavours and fall under the medium-bodied tier of coffees with mellow after notes. I’m sure everyone has heard of “Colombian coffee” – and it’s because most coffee does in fact come from Colombia, making it the most well-known or considered bean to buy. With it’s soft flavours, south American coffees are the favourite among most North American coffee drinkers – many Canadians actually prefer lighter roasts!

Southeast Asia

Asian coffees are those that tend to be full-bodied, and earthy or herbal in flavour. These beans are often found in dark roast coffees or blends. The most popular growing areas from southeast Asia are Vietnam and Indonesia – which is also known for it’s uniquely aged coffees. Italy is among one of the biggest importers of Indonesian coffees!

Africa

African coffees are unique in flavour, bringing about very fragrant notes and fruity finishes. African coffees tend to come from Ethiopia and Kenya, both of which can produce medium-full bodied coffees. Ethiopia is also said to be the birthplace of coffee, dating back to 800 C.E!

If we look at our two unique blends, Venti Sei and Barista Blend, we can definitely break down where all of the flavours come from:

Venti Sei:

80% Colombian/Brazilian, giving it a mellow afternote and with the blend of its 20% Vietnamese

beans, this espresso becomes a well-rounded, nutty, medium roast with a perfectly sweet crema.

 

Barista Blend:

This blend is very unique and holds beans from two growing regions and 5 growing areas within those regions.  Let’s break it down: Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The blend of these beans allows for a full bodied espresso with strong caramel and nutty flavours and a fruity chocolate finish. With a perfect pour, this espresso creates a rich hazelnut-coloured crema. Our Barista Blend can be likened to that perfect Italian espresso.

So, next time you sit down to enjoy your espresso bella, think of how far your beans have traveled and the uniqueness your cup holds!

The Great Debate: Old vs. New

No matter how you brew it, Nonna is always going to think her way is best. But is there really a right vs. wrong way to doing espresso?

Her way? Probably a stove top machine or a Moka pot that she’s had for years that heats fresh cold water causing the boiling water to bubble and rise and push that freshly brewed coffee to the top ready to be enjoyed. 

But nowadays, that’s too easy and there are fancier machines that make each espresso individually with fresh ground beans, aerate milk, and create a bold flavour. 

If we think about it, we’ve come a long way with technology – smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and we can’t forget about espresso machines!

An espresso machine has three main components: the water boiler, the grouphead or valve that operates the pressure of the water through the espresso, and a portafilter that holds the grounds and allows for the coffee to be forced through small holes and flowed into your cup. 




So what are the points for this great debate:

Old…	New…
Multiple cups of coffee	Bold, 3-layered espresso with a rich crema
Rich, thick, full-bodied coffee	Individual, personalized cup
Easy to operate and clean	Some can produce milk-based beverages such as cappuccinos
Nonna’s favourite	Fancy addition to any home or event

In the end the winner comes down to how you like your coffee, how much time you have, and your patience level. Although a stove top is easy to operate and clean, it takes years to perfect that flavor. Similarly, an espresso machine may make an individual cup but it takes patience to learn how to operate.

Or maybe it comes down to that nostalgia of smelling the aromatic coffee and hearing the stove top pot hissing to a finish. Either way, there are many options to choose from and many resources to help you through the learning curves of each style.