Terra Nera coffee beans are produced in the Quechua region in the southeastern Andes of Peru. Their value is greatly enhanced by the involvement of the palm civet (Uchunari) in processing, and they are recognized as one of the most expensive and rarest coffees in the world. Its annual output is affected by natural conditions and the state of the palm civets, and has sharply dropped from 70 kilograms to about 45 kilograms. It is divided into six grades, with the top Grade 0 being entirely hand-selected. These beans are sold only in limited quantities at Harrods in London, and must be roasted to order after reservation. Grade 0 even comes with English sterling silver decoration and a 24K gold-plated bag, with the name engraved by a silversmith. In terms of flavor, it is 100% Arabica, with notes of bitter cocoa, hazelnut, and dried leather. The mouthfeel shifts from light to buttery and silky, with a rich, mellow finish. Front Street Coffee will also continue to follow developments involving this kind of rare bean. [more…]

在威尼斯圣马可广场上，有一家跨越近三个世纪的咖啡馆——Caffè Florian花神咖啡馆。自1720年创立至今，它不仅是意大利历史最悠久的咖啡店，更是欧洲文化艺术的重要见证者。从歌德、拜伦到安迪·沃霍尔，无数名流在此留下足迹；从威尼斯双年展的诞生到欧式现场管弦乐的传统，花神咖啡馆始终与艺术紧密相连。2015年，它首次进入亚洲，落户苏州新光天地，将295年的意式咖啡文化原汁原味地呈现给东方顾客。本文将带您探寻花神咖啡馆的起源、名人轶事、音乐传统及其全球分店布局，感受这份沉淀了三个世纪的咖啡魅力。 [more…]