All posts in: Caffe Vita

29 Oct 2013

Kuma Coffee

For years now I’ve worked hard on getting to know Seattle via its coffee. From Stumptown to Caffe Vita to Herkimer, Seattle’s coffee choices do not disappoint. I’m happy to say I’ve recently discovered another local coffee roaster!

Kuma Coffee can be found in Ballard with owner Mark Barany. Inspired by African coffee after living in Kenya for several years, the blends are direct and fair trade. Mark makes it a point to be present with his clients and I absolutely recommend checking Kuma Coffee out based on their attention to relationships alone, and of course, the quality coffee.

After having an Americano with their beans, it’s safe to say, I’m a major fan already.

To find out more information about Kuma, check out their site here.

19 Dec 2011

Capitol Hill Food Updates

Capitol Hill will continue to be bombarded with dessert options beginning late February when D’Ambrosio Gelato moves into a new location on 12th and Pine. Look out Molly Moon’s! You’re going to have some competition up the street. While we’re on the warning list, I suppose High 5 Pie, Old School Frozen Custard, Bluebird, and Yogurtland may have something to be worried about too.

On a related note, Old School Frozen Custard will no longer be serving just custard, but will be expanding into a breakfast and dessert cafe with coffee and pastries being sourced from other neighborhood shops.

Caffe Vita is now serving croissants including my favorite pastry of all time – the chocolate croissant! Hello breakfast every morning? [Source]

Check out more details and specifics here via Capitol Hill Seattle.

The Capitol Hill residents are absolutely spoiled with sweets.

09 Nov 2011

Caffe Vita Public Brewing School

Caffe Vita will be hosting two sessions this winter for locals who want to learn how to become coffee brewing masters! They’ll be highlighting methods that are both new and traditional as well as enlightening you on various techniques to achieve the best flavors and aromas out of your beans.

“The next PBS sessions are November 19 and December 17. The Saturday morning classes begin at 10am, lasting about two hours, and are held at Caffe Vita Capitol Hill at 1005 E. Pike Street. The classes are free and space is limited. To reserve your spot, please email [email protected].”

The classes are free so don’t pass up this awesome opportunity! I once had a chance to tour the company down the street from our school for one of my classes and it was such a fun experience. The staff there are so kind and the environment welcoming. I’m not a heavy coffee drinker myself, but everyone else I know pretty much is so sign up now!

[Source]

14 Jul 2011

CHBP – Caffe Vita’s Bean Room

I’m not exactly sure how I missed this last year, but it wasn’t until the end of Capitol Hill Block Party that I found out there was another secret stage. It’s only secret because it’s not mentioned on the lineup schedule that Capitol Hill Block Party usually releases, but it features the same bands already on the lineup. This hidden gem of a venue is Caffe Vita’s Bean Room. Above is a photograph of local band, Ravenna Woods, in the venue that they performed at last year.

The lineup hasn’t been fully announced yet, but most of its there. I recommend checking it out as another option if there are conflicting times for bands you want to see.

Peep the lineup here and keep posted until the last two spots are filled!

09 Mar 2010

Meet: Sena Yang

Sena has worked with noted fashion designers Catherine Malandrino, Sue Stemp, and even the late Alexander McQueen. Now residing from New York City, Sena who was once a native to the Seattle area is venturing into her own collections. Her line, composed of basics with “high fashion detailing,” is the common staple for every young woman. Sena is an incredibly driven woman with an amazing sense of style and an eye for fashion. I am so excited to be able to share this interview with you all.

(Featured photos are from SENA NYC’s spring/summer 2010 collection)

Question: First off, how old are you and where are you from?

Sena: I’m 26 years old and from Seattle, Washington.

Q: Where did you attend school in Seattle?

S: The Bush School.

Q: What would you say is the biggest difference between the Northwest and the East Coast?

S: The energies are really different. In the Northwest, it is a very much laid back atmosphere and on the East Coast, everything is in constant motion.

Q: What do you miss about Seattle, if anything? And what don’t you miss?

S: There are so many things I miss about Seattle! Seattle is one of those few places where you can see mountains and water from almost all points of the city whether it be Mt. Rainier, Elliott Bay or Lake Washington. I’m also constantly craving the amazing coffee spots I used to frequent like Bauhaus, Caffe Vita, Vivace and B&O.

Q: What is the philosophy and mission behind your clothing line? What kind of audience do you think your line caters to?

S: All the clothes are developed and produced in the heart of the Garment District in New York City to help in the fight to save the Garment District. SENA is a contemporary women’s line that captures the effortless chic downtown attitude of cities like New York, Paris and London where I have spent time in.

Q: Getting involved with the fashion industry is definitely not something that comes easily. I’ve heard that usually you have to start from the bottom and work your way up. What first job got your foot in the doors of the fashion industry?

S: I’ve had several different working experiences in different fashion houses that were all extremely enriching from Catherine Malandrino, Alexander McQueen, Sue Stemp, LaROK and The Seattle Opera House’s Costume Dept.

Because of reality television, everyone imagines they can just be a fashion designer, photographer, or model. That’s not the way things go. Learn your craft.” – Anna Wintour

Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why?

S: I completely agree. You need to fully learn and understand your craft in order to fully achieve it and this takes time and patience. But it’s not just craft that’s neccessary, it’s also passion.

Q: There are many aspiring fashion designers around the country, what one piece of advice do you have for them?

S: Stay true to your vision.

Q: What is a typical day for Sena Yang?

S: My days consist of going to my factory to check up on development and production, meeting with different fabric vendors, constant emailing, sketching out ideas for future collections, gathering conceptual ideas, brainstorming different projects with fellow creative friends, lots of paperwork and lots of coffee to keep going.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years down the line? Is fashion designing forever or would you like to branch out into another fashion related career?

S: Fashion is my life but I’ve always wanted to open up a coffee shop in spirits of my Seattle roots…

Q: Are there any stores in Seattle selling your clothing?

S: Not currently but I would love to be able to have SENA in my hometown!

Q: What upcoming trends are you predicting for Spring 2010?

S: Sharp, graphic qualities in terms of silhouettes.

Q: What is one trend that you wouldn’t mind ever seeing again?

S: Crocs….but do Snuggies and Slankets count?

Q: Name one misconception about the fashion industry.

S: That it is entirely glamorous. Don’t get me wrong, there are some very glamorous parts in this industry but that is only 5% of the reality as the other 95% is an immense amount of constant work and dedication.

Q: Where’s the best place you have traveled for business?

S: London, I love the off-beat, rocker mixed with preppy aesthetic. There’s a fearless way about dressing there that doesn’t exist so much in the states.

Q: What are you listening to on your iPod these days?

S: New Order, Lady GaGa, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and tons of 90’s Hip Hop and R&B.

Q: What spring activity are you looking forward to the most?

S: Going out to McCarren Park in Brooklyn with a picnic blanket, laying out in the sun and relaxing with my friends (If I have time!)

Q: What’s next for Sena Yang and Sena NYC?

S: We’ve expanded into wovens, faux leather and faux fur for our Fall Line and we hope to venture into additional territories. We’re also beginning to brainstorm concepts for our next Fall Editorial Video that we’re all really looking forward to begin shooting!

Thanks Sena! We wish you the best of luck in your upcoming seasons!

To view more click here for her website