Thanks for the revisit and the encouraging report - this is good news.
Intelligensia is an important brand, not just for that company but for all of us as members of a coffee community. To misquote Groucho, "I want no part of any club that thinks they're too good to have me as a member." So if a Vivace or a Stumptown or an Intelly gets all uppity with the public, it reflects poorly on all of us who treasure this environment and culture.
The best cafes and roasters let their products and capabilities do the talking. Showing confidence is fine - and showing off can be fun for all concerned - but acting out arrogance toward customers is just a cover for insecurity, incompetence or both.
So a good cafe returning to form and a welcoming attitude is a win for us all - thanks B|J: your airing of concern probably opened some eyes, and this forum worked for a satisfying outcome and positive feedback for the deserving cafe.
GabrielB Senior Member Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 232 Location: Chicago Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Maver Junior (HX), Silvia... Grinder: Wega Max (K6), Rocky Vac Pot: Bialetti Moka & Brikka Pot
Posted Wed Dec 28, 2011, 6:56am Subject: Re: Intelligentsia rant
A little off topic, but I stopped in their Millennium Park store with my wife last year. I went to get some sugar and I happened to see Matt Riddle (former US Barista champion) sitting at the counter having a coffee. Just like any other customer. I didn't want to bother him, but I asked how he was doing and he was a bit surprised, probably wondering who the heck I was. Then I told him I wasn't used to seeing him on this side of the counter. :) He smiled at the comment. That was pretty much it, seems like a really nice guy.
Posted Sun Jan 29, 2012, 12:38am Subject: Re: Intelligentsia rant
I was kind of suprised shopping for some coffee's lately - and they seemed to have the proudest prices anyways. A local shop was selling Black Cat for $22/pound! I guess it is only $19/pound on their site.
Posted Mon Feb 6, 2012, 8:40pm Subject: Re: Intelligentsia rant
Ok, so I pay a little less attention to coffeegeek than I used to. We did have a bit of a lapse in 2010-2011. I apologize. I will explain why over personal messaging or via my email address at dzell@intelligentsiacoffee.com as a public forum would not be the right venue to share this information. I will say I do think we are back, reinvigorated, and (I hope) better than ever. I am thrilled that you noticed!
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