Latest news with #Latte
The Mainichi
4 days ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
Living in Japan -- an exchange student's view: Treasuring local businesses (Pt. 3)
Before arriving in Japan, I had only lived in the suburbs of the San Francisco Bay Area, where I grew up, or my rural college town, so moving to the center of Tokyo for my exchange program was quite the change. Nevertheless, among the bustling streets of Tokyo, I have found a small comfort in small, hidden cafes and restaurants that provide a respite from the crowds. In particular, I find joy in small businesses run solely by their owners, a rare thing where I grew up. There is something so special about spaces curated by individuals that show their personal tastes, personalities, and stories. A personal touch makes a space feel warm, something that I don't believe can be achieved by a corporate chain store. One of my favorite spaces has been a cafe close to my university, tucked away between buildings. Entering the cafe feels like entering someone's home. The walls are decorated with paintings and personal photos of the owner's dog, Latte. Latte, a well-mannered schnauzer, can usually be found lounging on sofa chairs or greeting guests. The specials of the day are written on a blackboard, and the owner welcomes guests with a warm smile. The cafe offers vegan options, and my all-time favorite menu items are the plate of the day and the brown rice latte. Finding a personal connection One day, I was feeling very homesick. Missing my parents and the sense of belonging that comes with being in one's home country, I stopped by the cafe for lunch. As usual, the space provided me with comfort. I'm not sure if the owner had sensed my sadness, but as I left, she accompanied me past the door and to the outside sidewalk with Latte in her arms, waving Latte's paw as if to say goodbye. Although the gesture may not seem like much to some, to me, it made all the difference in lifting my mood. I felt very grateful to have become a regular somewhere, and in a way, found a sense of community even outside of school. This simple act of kindness reminded me how these small businesses create genuine human connections that larger establishments simply cannot replicate. The message I would like to pass on to locals in Japan is not to take for granted the shop owners who are a vital part of the community, and the connection and comfort that comes from being a customer at a personalized business. When you can, I encourage you to support your local small business and become a part of their community. These spaces preserve local character, foster genuine relationships, and provide gathering places for community members. (By Karina Quinn) Profile: Karina Quinn was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by her American father and Japanese mother. Growing up in a bilingual household, she was strongly influenced by her multicultural background, and says she feels extremely lucky to have been able to grow up in the United States but still have the opportunity to visit Japan every year. She is currently a student at the University of California, Davis, studying international relations and Japanese. For the past year, she has been an exchange student at Waseda University's School of International Liberal Studies. (This is Pt. 3 of a series. Subsequent parts will be published intermittently.)
Daily Record
06-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Espresso machine offering 'barista-like' coffee and 'Insta-worthy latte art' now £225 off
Take your espresso-based drinks to the next level and create anything from Americano, Latte, Cappuccino and more We all love a coffee, whether it's in the morning to kickstart our day, in the afternoon to perk us up, or in the evening after a delicious meal. But many of us might rely on cafés or restaurants to give us a beautiful blend. But what if we could get that rich aroma and delectable taste, as well as the caffeine hit, from the comfort of our own home? Well, KitchenAid's Semi Automatic Espresso Machine offers an "incredibly authentic, barista-like coffee making experience" and "Instagram-worthy latte art" - and it is currently 30 per cent off on Amazon. For a limited time only, the modern, stainless steel machine, with integrated conical steel burr grinder, is down from its £699 RRP to £474.99 - a saving of £224.01. The semi automatic espresso machine is fitted with a powerful 15-bar pump, 225g removable bean hopper, and a flat-base, commercial-grade easy-tamp portafilter with two recessed spouts. Twist and lift the bean hopper to empty, exchange or refill it with beautiful coffee beans and enhance the flavour of every shot with 15 different grind size options. For even more precision, the conical burr can be adjusted to reach seven additional finer grind sizes, while the wide 58 mm portafilter is designed with recessed spouts to provide a flat base. The multi-angle steam wand is your secret to all the heated or frothed milk you may need, and the fast-heating technology means water is delivered at the ideal brewing temperature, without the wait. And a powerful 15-bar pump provides the optimal water pressure needed to create a rich, full-flavoured espresso shot with a rich crema. KitchenAid also assures it is quiet and long-lasting. If you want to shop some alternatives first, this De'Longhi Mag Start Automatic Coffee Machine is £320 on Argos, which bills itself as "specifically designed for entry level consumers to the automatic coffee machine world". Currys is also selling this Barista Max+ Bean to Cup Coffee Machine at £349.99, saving £150. With intelligent grinding and a steam wand, this Breville coffee machine "makes it easy to create delicious espressos and lattes at home". For those still keen on the KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine, you're not alone, as it has received a very impressive 4.7 rating on Amazon. One satisfied customer enthused: "This espresso machine delivers an incredibly authentic coffee making experience. The built-in grinder gives you much more control over how fine or coarse you want your coffee grounds, which has made a big difference to the taste. "The machine builds pressure beautifully during extraction, and you can tell it's built with quality in mind. Every espresso shot has a great crema and a rich flavour that beats most high street coffee... A serious bit of kit for anyone who loves their coffee done right." Another raved: "KitchenAid is easy to use and you make great coffee with it. Coffee lovers would love to have it in their kitchen." However, some people deducted a star due to various reasons. One person said: "One thing I would say, Sage's milk jug has in built temperature indictor/bar which is very helpful to me to know when to stop frothing. KitchenAid does not have this." A second listed one of its negatives as its "tendency to over grind and over dispense coffee into the portafilter meaning there's wastage" and the drip tray "filling up very fast". But a five-star reviewer said: "This is quite the machine! From a looks perspective it's really nice. The metal material gives an industrial, yet stylish appearance and it looks great on the kitchen side. Homewares deal of the week Looking to beat the heat as temperatures continue to rise? Then look no further than Dunelm's White Rechargeable USB Desk Fan that has an almost perfect five star rating for its small, yet mighty, design that means it works "even on the lowest setting." Easy to connect via a USB cable that can be connected to laptops and computers, this desk fan is perfect for those who find themselves working from home on these sweaty, humid summer days. However, it doesn't need to remain plugged-in, as the rechargeable element and compact six-inch design means it can be taken anywhere, even placed on a bedside table overnight on summer nights thanks to its "quiet" operation. It's finished with four speed settings to choose from and an adjustable angle that can help direct the cool breeze where it is needed, unlike other models that can sometimes be stuck in one place. As for Dunelm's own mini desk fan, it has received an impressive 4.8 rating from impressed shoppers who say that, despite its size, it is "surprisingly powerful" and "a literal life-saver" during this kind of weather. One five-star review read: "Fantastic fan, surprisingly powerful, quiet, lasts for quite a long time when charged, very hard to find a decent small rechargeable fan but this is it, will be buying more!" Beat the heat with Dunelm's White Rechargeable USB Desk Fan that costs just £25. "The settings/controls are straight forward enough, so whether you're a seasoned pro or this is your first machine, you'll be making your favourite coffee in no time. You can control and alter pretty much every step of the process, allowing you to really make it how you want. "Cleaning is is easy enough so as not to put you off doing it either. Overall this is a great machine that will give your coffees that true barista look and flavour! Elegance and luxury at home!" In short, it's clear the nifty contraption will let you grind, extract, and foam until your heart's content.
Sinar Daily
13-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Homegrown coffee brand Caffeinatics finds its place among coffee lovers
Mohammad Amin Hashim, 39, said the idea to start the business came from his wife, Nurul Ain Kamarulzaman, 36, who wanted to commercialise her homemade coffee recipes through local vendors. 13 Jul 2025 02:00pm Caffeinatics entrepreneur, Mohammad Amin Hashim, prepares coffee before bottling it for distribution to several vendor locations around Senawang, Bandar Seri Jempol, Kajang, and Bangi, at his residence in Senawang recently. - Bernama photo SEREMBAN - What began as a small-scale venture has now grown into a recognised local coffee brand. Caffeinatics, founded by a husband-and-wife duo, has steadily gained popularity among local coffee lovers in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. Mohammad Amin Hashim, 39, said the idea to start the business came from his wife, Nurul Ain Kamarulzaman, 36, who wanted to commercialise her homemade coffee recipes through local vendors. Caffeinatics now offers more than 27 drink variations, including Latte, Caramel, Americano, Mocha, Mojito, Chocolate and Matcha, which can be found at several vendor locations around Senawang, Bandar Seri Jempol, Kajang, and Bangi, priced between RM8 and RM14 per bottle, depending on the type of drink. - Bernama photo Starting with an initial capital of RM10,000, plus an additional RM3,000 grant from the Negeri Sembilan Entrepreneur Development Fund, the couple has been managing Caffeinatics full-time since 2023, after operating part-time for the first two years. "In the beginning, we started small from home and delivered to several vendors around Senawang. Alhamdulillah, the response was overwhelming, we could barely keep up with the demand,' Mohammad Amin told Bernama when met here today. Focusing on quality and careful execution, he said all preparation is done manually to ensure consistent results and premium quality. Caffeinatics now offers more than 27 beverage variations and are sold by vendors in Senawang, Bandar Seri Jempol, Kajang, and Bangi. The beverages are priced between RM8 and RM14 per bottle, depending on the type. Among the bestsellers are Latte, Caramel, Americano, Mocha, Mojito, Chocolate and Matcha. "Every day, we produce around 120 bottles, and at times, up to 500 bottles depending on orders,' said Mohammad Amin, who was trained as a barista and holds a Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 2. The father of three also expressed his desire to share his knowledge with those who are interested in the coffee business. "Our goal is not just to improve our own standard of living, but also to help the local community generate income through business opportunities with us,' he said. - BERNAMA More Like This
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Exact time workers feel 'mentally drained' as Olivia Attwood offers pep talk
New research has found the average worker starts to feel 'mentally drained' just four hours into the day, with Monday being the toughest day to get through According to a study, the average worker feels 'mentally drained' just four hours into their workday. Research suggests just nine percent of people never feel exhausted while at work. Meanwhile one in twenty are struggling just an hour after starting, with a full inbox, important calls or presentations likely leading to them needing a boost. Moreover, Mondays were deemed the most challenging day of the week. To cope throughout the day, three quarters rely on an average of two pick-me-ups. These could be anything from a cup of coffee, some fresh air, or a sweet treat to help them power through. Other methods people have tried in order to wake themselves up include splashing themselves with icy water, or blasting 'classic' tunes from the 90s or 00s. This first boost is typically needed as early as 9.03am – just hours after waking up. In an effort to help more Brits get through the day, Costa has launched a motivational hotline for anyone in need of a lift. The Costa Hypeline will deliver motivational voice notes from Roman Kemp and Olivia Attwood, to celebrate their chilled Latte range. The voice note pick-me-ups will be sent out to selected individuals who message +44 7763218600 until 17th July. Maddy McKenzie from the coffee company remarked: "It seems almost everyone needs a little pepping up during the day. Whether it's at the start of the day, or to give a second wind before tackling a meeting or an important email. "We all have those moments where the day starts to drag, and it's during those times a small boost can make all the difference." Of those who need a quick boost, a third rely on one before 'starting a big pile of emails' while others do so before tackling housework. Pick-me-ups also prove handy for gearing up after coming back from a holiday, or preparing for an exhilarating weekend or festival. Findings also reveal that seven out of ten Gen Z individuals have 'underestimated' the effort needed to kick off their day, with many resorting to giving themselves encouraging pep talks to gear up for upcoming tasks. Amongst adults, one in four would cherish a pre-recorded voice message or note from loved ones to uplift their spirits. Based on prior experiences, an overwhelming 84 percent admitted it helped prepare them for what they were facing next, with a friendly voice saying 'you've got this' particularly impactful. Olivia Attwood, backing The Costa Hypeline project, weighed in: "We often underestimate how powerful the little things can be. "Integrating these small perks into our daily rituals offers us something to look forward to and can positively segment our day. "When you give yourself those small moments of joy, you're better equipped to handle whatever the day throws at you. "It's not about doing more, it's about feeling better while you do it."
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Costa Coffee adds tiramisu sandwich and ice latte to summer menu
Costa Coffee has added more tiramisu products to its summer menu from tomorrow (July 3), including a tiramisu cookie sandwich. The rich dark chocolate cookie sandwich is filled with a tiramisu-inspired, creamy coffee frosting, finished with icing and cocoa powder. It joins the tiramisu drinks range, which includes the Tiramisu Frappé, Tiramisu Iced Whipped Latte and the Ready-to-Drink Tiramisu Frappé. There's also a return for fan-favourite Spanish Latte. Inspired by global coffee trends and loved by customers across the UK, it's back by popular demand, with its sweet, condensed milk-flavoured sauce. For those looking to cool off, the Iced Spanish Latte delivers the same flavour, poured over ice. Need a cool coffee on the move this Summer? Costa Coffee's ready-to-drink Latte range has you covered, now available in two flavours, Classic and Caramel. There's also a new range of savoury Barista Bites: Cheese Bites – Golden, crumb-coated bites of melted cheese, served with a tangy tomato chutney for a satisfying, savoury snack. High Protein Chicken Bites – Crispy breaded chicken bites served with a smoky chipotle BBQ dip, delivering big flavour and a protein boost. 'At Costa Coffee, we believe Summer should taste as good as it feels, and this year, we've taken inspiration from around the world to bring those holiday flavours a little closer to home," says Nishant Bhatia, Costa Coffee global food and beverage innovation director. 'From the smooth sweetness of the Spanish Latte to the Tiramisu Cookie Sandwich inspired by the classic Italian dessert, it's all about helping our customers taste a little bit of Summer, one sip or bite at a time. Recommended reading: Greggs is giving away free coffee - claim yours today New Starbucks rewards scheme gives more free coffees Starbucks is giving away free reusable coffee cups "And for those in the mood to snack, our Barista Bites are a fun new food format for Costa Coffee – perfect for enjoying in-store or grabbing on-the-go as you make the most of those sunny days." If you're jetting off for a city escape or a sun-soaked getaway, Costa Coffee now has stores in major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, Aberdeen, and Birmingham, and its hot beverage range is available onboard easyJet and flights. These new additions to Costa Coffee's Summer menu are available in-stores nationwide from tomorrow, Thursday, July 3, 2025.
