"peets" news and stories

Latte. Photo: Erin Meister.

On Mondays we tend to need a little more coffee than usual, so we were pleased to discover this profile of Intelligentsia Coffee spokesperson David Latourell.

Aside from some handy tips about locating a good café (something our own CoffeeMeister has ably covered), Latourell opines about the different coffee cultures across America. The chain's Venice Beach, Calif., shop is (no surprise) "laid-back," whereas Chicago coffee culture is a bit more "9 to 5." Latourell also gives credit to San Francisco for re-starting the modern coffee obsession with the opening of a Peet's in the 60s.

So we have to ask: What American city has the best coffee culture?


[Flavorwire via Grub Street]

More sad news in the food world (that is "more" if not seeing Mario Batali on the Food Network anymore is sad to you).

The founder of Peet's Coffee, Alfred Peet, died at his home in Ashland, Oregon last Wednesday.

I have a special affection for Peet's Coffee and Tea, since the first shop was opened by Peet, a Dutch immigrant, in Berkeley, CA where I went to college. Oh, how Peet's fueled many a long night supposedly studying for exams.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Peet.

Starbucks' seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte, which returned to stores just a few weeks ago, is one of their most popular flavors. While it doesn't exactly taste like pumpkin, the flavors are undeniably reminiscent of fall and the upcoming holiday season. It's so popular, that other coffee chains are adding pumpkin drinks to their menus, too. The LA-based Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has just introduced their Pumpkin Pie Latte and Pumpkin Pie Ice Blended drinks, which will be available only through November 1. Their drinks are flavored with a thick pumpkin spice sauce, which is sort of similar to the banana puree that they used to make their summery banana drinks - it's not like adding a scoop of pumpkin, so don't worry if you prefer your coffee without vegetables. Peet's Coffee and Tea, another west coast chain, is scheduled to release some pumpkin spiced drinks within the next couple of weeks, as well.