Written by guest blogger: Catherine Lunger
Durham is home to many locally owned coffee shops, but did you know
Durham also hosts two local coffee roasters? Joe Van Gogh and Counter
Culture are both bringing the best coffee from all over the globe to
Durham.
Joe Van Gogh
Founded in 1991, by Robbie Roberts, Joe Van Gogh coffee has been
roasting coffee all over the Triangle. With the first shop in Raleigh,
under the name Cup a Joe, the company later expanded to Hillsborough,
Chapel Hill and Durham.
Joe Van Gogh roasts coffee from 15 different countries, including
Peru, the Dominican Republic and Bolivia. One of the shop's sources
for raw beans is the Cafe Femenino Coffee Project. Beginning in Peru,
in 2004, this program was developed to enhance the lives of women
coffee producers. Historically, women who worked harvesting coffee
made little or no money at all. Through the Cafe Femenino Coffee
Project, roasters pay a higher price and the women are able to earn an
income, build social and support networks and connect with other
women. This is just one example of the unique sources Joe Van Gogh
uses for their beans.
You can find Joe Van Gogh coffee at 1104 B Broad Street, just down the
street from Watts Grocery. At the shop you can get your caffeine fix,
sample a treat from the bakery case or buy beans. You can also shop
online for beans and brewing supplies at www.joevangogh.com
Counter Culture
Founded in 1995, Counter Culture Coffee is a company focused on
bringing you coffees direct from the farmers who grow the beans.
Counter Culture also has a strong focus on sustainability and fair
trade practices. In 2008, the Counter Culture Direct Trade
Certification was founded. The purpose of this third-party
organization seeks to define standards for direct trade,
sustatinablitiy, fairness, quality and transparancy in the coffee
chain.
Counter Culture's mission includes a focus on coffee education. Weekly
public coffee cuppings are held at the roasters on Fridays at 10am. A
cupping will provide you with the opportunity to taste a variety of
coffees and compare tasting notes with other coffee lovers. Also
offered are several courses in the Counter Intelligence program. For
the true coffee aficionado, this program offers various labs,
workshops and compeititions to help students build and expand their
skills. The classes range from beginning espresso making to barista
competitions.
Counter Culture is also popular throughout the Triangle for creating
special and unique blends for area restaurants. Some of their clients
include Magnolia Grill, Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill, and Nana's.
Parker and Otis on Duke Street near Brightleaf Square is a great place
to sit down and relax with a cup of one of Counter Culture's blends.
If you are looking for whole beans, Whole Foods in Durham and Southern
Season in Chapel Hill carry a current selection. To order beans online
and to find more information about cuppings and classes visit
www.counterculturecoffee.com
