Reshaping Dubai’s Café Culture and Inspiring Culinary Excellence June2023

JUNE

Issue: 15

Year: 2023

RyanGodinho

Reshaping Dubai’s Café Culture and Inspiring Culinary Excellence

Ryan Godinho Founder and CEO Stomping Grounds, Specialty Batch General Trading LLC, and Tyler’s Tavern

Coffeeisthekey to unlocking producvity and creavity.

Editor’s Note

Brewing Excellence in Café Culture

Dubai,acityknownforitsinnovationand transformativespirit,isexperiencinga remarkableshiftinitscafécultureandculinary scene.Thecityhaswitnessedtheriseof independentspecialtycoffeeshopsthathavebroughta newfoundfocusonhigh-qualitybeans,expertbrewing techniques,andpersonalizedexperiences.Thistransition hasnotonlyelevatedthestatusofcoffeebuthasalso fosteredasenseofcommunity,creatingwelcomingspaces forsocialinteractionandconnection.

Theculinarylandscapehasalsoundergoneasignificant transformation,withafusionoftraditionalflavorsand internationalinfluences.Thecityhasbecomeahubfor talentedchefsfromaroundtheworld,drawingculinary enthusiastswithitsdiverserangeofcuisines.

Thisblendofinnovationandculturalexchangehas propelledDubai’sculinaryscenetonewheights, challengingconventionalnormsandtantalizingthetaste budsofitsresidentsandvisitors.Moreover,Dubai’s commitmenttoculinaryexcellenceextendsbeyondits coffeeshopsandrestaurants.

Dubai’scafécultureandculinarysceneareundergoingan excitingevolution,drivenbyindependentcoffeeshops, innovativecuisines,andacommitmenttoexcellence.The city’sfocusonhigh-qualitycoffee,community-building, andculinarycreativityhaspositionedDubaiasaglobal epicenterofgastronomy Withthecontinuedsupportand investmentoftheIndustryLeader–RyanGodinho,Dubai willundoubtedlyreshapethecafécultureandinspire culinaryexcellenceforyearstocome,captivatingthehearts andpalatesoffoodloversworldwide. -PrashikD.Bombarde

Chelsea Wilson, Edwin Copper

JUNE, 2023

GlobalSubscripon

Ryan Godinho

Reshaping Dubai’s Café Culture and Inspiring Culinary Excellence

There is no substitute for quality; in everything you do and offer, personally and professionally, if you are subpar in any way, it can be obvious and will be limiting.

Ryan Godinho

Founder and CEO

Stomping Grounds, Specialty Batch General Trading LLC, and Tyler’s Tavern

Dubaiisacitythatneverfailstocapture theimaginationwithitsincredible skyscrapers,luxuriouslifestyle,and bustlingstreets.It’saplacewherepeoplefrom allovertheworldcometopursuetheirdreams andmakethemareality.Inthisvibrantand dynamicenvironment,storiesofpassion, perseverance,andthepursuitofperfectionare commonplace.Onesuchstorystandsoutamong therest,andit’satalethatdeservestobetold.

MeetRyanGodinho,FounderandOwnerof StompingGrounds,SpecialtyBatchCoffee, andTyler’sTavern,avisionaryentrepreneur whohasbecomeadrivingforceinDubai’s flourishingcoffeeculture.Bornwithaninnate lovefortheartofbrewing,Ryanembarkedona journeythatwouldredefinethecity’scoffee scene.Fromhumblebeginnings,hecarvedhis path,honinghisskillsandimmersinghimselfin theworldofspecialtycoffee.Witheverysip,he aspiredtocreatemomentsofpuredelight,and indoingso,heemergedasthemaestro behindSpecialtyBatchCoffeeandthe reveredStompingGrounds.Ryan’s relentlessdedicationandunwavering commitmenthavereshapedthe wayDubaisavorstheflavors ofexcellence,makinghim atrueiconintherealm ofcoffee.

Brewing Success: The Unstoppable Rise of Ryan Godinho, Dubai’s Visionary Coffee Entrepreneur

In2009,Ryanembarkedonatransformativejourney ashetookonanoperationalrolefortheSpecialty CoffeeEvent,agroundbreakingannualeventin Dubai.Hispassionandexpertiseledhimtobecome theUAENationalCoordinatorforWorldCoffee Events,wherehespearheadedtheorganizationof nationwideeventssuchastheUAEBarista Championship,UAELatteArtChampionship,UAE BrewersCup,andUAECupTastersChampionship. Throughtheseinitiatives,Ryannotonlyshowcased theartistryandcraftsmanshipofspecialtycoffeebut alsofosteredathrivingcoffeecommunityinthe region.

Ryan’sdedicationtoexcellenceandhiscommitment toadvancingthespecialtycoffeeindustryearnedhim thedistinctionofbecomingtheregion’sinaugural authorizedcoffeeinstructoronbehalfoftheSpecialty CoffeeAssociationofAmerica(SCAA).In2011,he foundedSpecialtyBatch,apioneeringcoffee academyandcafetrainingplatformthathas empoweredcountlessindividualswiththeskillsand knowledgetodeliverexceptionalcoffeeexperiences. Buildingonthissuccess,RyanestablishedSpecialty BatchCoffeeRoasteryin2013,fillingamarketgap forpremium-qualitycoffee.Today,theroasteryisa trustedwholesalecoffeeandcafeequipment company,providingoperationalsupportand supplyingsuperiorcoffeeproductstoover500 restaurantsacrosstheUAE.

ThroughSpecialtyBatchCoffee,Ryanhascrafteda uniqueblendofartistry,knowledge,andexceptional quality.Fromtrainingprogramsandbarista certificationstosupplyingcoffeebeansand equipment,SpecialtyBatchCoffeehasbecomethe go-todestinationforcoffeeenthusiastsandindustry professionalslookingtoelevatetheirskillsand offerings.

Withapassionforexcellenceandakeeneyefor innovation,RyanhaspropelledtheSpecialtyBatch Coffeebrandtoremarkableheights.Hiscommitment toprovidingpremiumcoffeeexperienceshasearned himrecognitionasatrustedauthorityintheindustry AsanofficialmemberoftheForbesBusiness Council,hisinsightsandexpertisehavebeensought afterbycoffeeaficionadosandaspiringentrepreneurs alike.

Surround yourself with skilled people who share your passion; Finding the right team in your early days is paramount to your entrepreneurial success. All of your staff need to be rowing in the same direction and have a list of expertise that enhances and complements your business.

In this exclusive cover story, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Ryan Godinho—entrepreneur, coffee connoisseur, and visionary leader!

TheInitiation

Ryan’sexistencehasbeenalmostequallydividedbetween MelbourneandDubai,andheconsidersbothmetropolises hisofficialhome.Forthepasttwelveyears,hehasbeen activelyengagedinthecoffeeindustryintheUAE.In 2012,heestablishedaspecialtycoffeeeducationalfacility underthebrandname“SpecialtyBatchCoffee,”followed byamicro-roasteryandequipmentsupplybusinessunder thesamebrandin2013.Thisenterprisethenevolvedinto anall-in-onespecialtycoffeesolutionscompanyby2015. Subsequently,in2016,helaunchedacaféandrestaurant underthebrandname“StompingGrounds.”

Bothcorporationsarecurrentlyhighlyoperationalandhave strategicinitiativesinplacetoaugmenttheiractivities withintheupcominghalf-yearperiod.

AwakeningCoffeeMemories

Duringthelatterperiodofhishighschooleducationinthe late1990s,hewasanardentaficionadooflattes. Throughouthiscollegeyears,hedependedonLongBlacks fornourishmentandcanconfidentlyaffirmthatcaffeine playedacrucialroleinthesuccessfulcompletionofhis studies.

Intheyear2004,anewandinnovativecoffeeshopsprouted inthevicinityofhisabode,locatedinSouthYarra, Melbourne,outfittedwithcutting-edgecoffeeequipment andgadgetsattheirfrontcounter.Subsequenttoastringof enlighteningconversationswiththecafé’sproprietorand accomplishedbarista,thisspecificcoffeeestablishment becamehiscustomarypracticeandrevolutionizedhis criteriaforwhatqualifiesas“Praiseworthycoffee.”

AchievementsintheRealmofThrivingEnterprises

Betweentheyearsof2009and2011,Ryanundertookan executivepositionforanovelyearlyeventthatshowcased specialtycoffeeinDubai.Duringthistenure,hewas designatedastheNationalCoordinatorfortheUnitedArab EmiratesbytheSpecialtyCoffeeAssociationandtheir WorldCoffeeEventschapter.

In2011,Ryantooktheleadinorganizingallauthorized NationalCoffeeChampionshipsduringtheyearlyspecialty coffeeeventsphere.

Thiscollectionencompassedsevenspecializedcoffee contests,commencingwiththeUAENationalBarista Championship,theUAELatteArtChampionship,theUAE BrewersCup,andtheUAECupTastersChampionship.

Intheyear2012,Ryanassumedthepositionoftheinitial leadinstructorfortheSpecialtyCoffeeAssociationof America(SCAA)intheUnitedArabEmirates,thus becomingthefirsttodosofromtheGCCregion.Ryanwas giventhemandatetooverseeallauthorizededucational programsthatpertainedtothegradingofgreencoffee,the roastingofcoffee,andthecoffeebusiness.TheSCAA educationalprogramofferedacomprehensiveprofessional developmentpackagethatincludedsensory,brewing,and baristaskillstraining.

From2011to2013,Ryanideatedandendeavoredtoestablish SpecialtyBatchCoffee,mostlyasaplatformfortrainingand educationintheMiddleEast,encompassingeveryfacetof thecoffeevaluechain,rangingfromthecultivationprocess tothefinalproductservedincups.

SpecialtyBatchCoffeeRoasterywasfoundedin2013with theintentionofbridgingtheenduringchasminthemarket forasuperiorcaliberofcoffee.Ryan’sobjectivewasto sourceandroastspecialty-gradecoffeebeansandcollaborate withselectcafesthatcateredtomoreartisanalcoffee connoisseurs.

Intheyear2014,Ryanandhisassociatesachievedformal exclusivedistributioncontractswithrenownedglobalpower brandssuchasSynessoInc.,AnfimGrinders,andAlpha Dominche.Thisresultedintheopeningofafreshchannelof geographicsalesandtheprovisionofuninterruptedservices fortheirequipmentlinesintheMiddleEast.

Towardstheendof2014,SpecialtyBatchCoffee successfullyacquiredaresidentialvillalocatedinJumeirah 1.Theobjectivebehindthismovewastoestablisha commercialspacethatwouldserveasbothanespressoand brewbar,aswellasalivedemoshowroom,showcasingthe uniquequalitiesandprocessesassociatedwithSpecialty BatchCoffee.Suchanambitiousgoalwasachievedthrough theirunwaveringdedicationandcommitmenttoproviding exceptionalcoffeeexperiencestotheircustomers.

Bytheculminationof2015,asanoutcomeofasubstantial amountofcustomerdemand,theestablishmentunderwenta metamorphosisandwaschristenedasStompingGrounds Café.

On a personal level, if you look around at your circle of friends and don’t get inspired and motivated, then you don’t have a circle; you have a cage.

Ryanandhisdiligentteamrevampedtheareaandfurnished itwithacomprehensivecommercialkitchentocatertothe needsofitsextensiveclientelewithanintricatelycurated, all-inclusivediningmenu.

From2017to2019,SpecialtyBatchCoffeeaugmentedits coffeeroastingoutputtoarespectable500kilogramsper weektosatisfythedemandforitsremarkablyrefined coffee.Moreover,thankstoitsoutstandingreputationin customerserviceandexcellence,andastrailblazersin regionalcoffee,Ryanandhisteamweresolicitedbyafew nascentcoffeemachineryproducerstoforgeadditional uniquedistributionandregionalassistanceaccords.

SpecialtyBatchCoffeerelocatedtoaspacious7000sq.ft. harbor-sidefacilityinMinaRashidbetween2021and2022. Thenewfacilityboastsapicturesquecoffeebarandseparate areasforthecompany’sdiversedepartments.Thetechnical divisionhassignificantlyexpandeditscapacity,offering technicalservicesonacontractualbasisandemergency servicesoncalltoover500restaurants,cafes,andbars throughouttheUAE.

Towardstheendof2022,inthevicinityofthesamelocale, RyanandhisgroupinauguratedTyler’sTavern,amodern gastropubthatoffersablendofpubcuisine,artisanalbeers, wines,exclusivespirits,andinnovativecoffeecocktails.

RevolutionizingtheSpecialtyCoffeeandCafeIndustry

Thepresentconditionandoverarchingtriumphofthe specialtycoffeeandcafesectorinthisnationhavea noteworthygenesis.Thenarrativeofthisexpansionona globalscaleandtheUAE’sworldwiderecognitioninthe coffeeindustryistoldbyhisodyssey Asaspecialist categorybusinesspersonwithextensivepracticalexpertise acrossnumerousdomainsandsuccessinbothB2Band B2Cbusinessmodels,hisventuresnotonlyendurethetest oftimebutalsocontinuetoprosperyearafteryear.His brandisrenownedforitsreputationforexcellence.

FromCaffeineConnoisseurtoBusinessMogul

Throughastuteobservationofthehospitalityindustry’s requirementsintheUAE,particularlyinDubai,Godinho discernedachancetocreateinitiativesthatcateredtothe surgingdemandforexceptionalcoffee.Inauguratedin 2015,StompingGroundsimbuedDubaiwiththe quintessenceofcontemporaryandtraditionalAustralian influences.Whatwasinitiallyatrialandaliveexhibition coffeebarforSpecialtyBatchCoffeeblossomedintoa

renownedspecialtycaféthatprioritizestheunwavering preservationofexcellenceanduniformitywitheachpassing year

Presently,theillustriouscafepresentspatronswiththe opportunitytorelishinthetasteofseasonal,distinctcoffees whileindulginginanimpressivemenuofferingbreakfast, lunch,ordinner.Withoutadoubt,thecaférepresentsa flagshipextensionofSpecialtyBatchCoffeeandhas subsequentlyservedasaveritablemodelofinspirationfor numerouscafesthathaveemergedintheUAE.Having establishedafirmfoundationandunwaveringprinciples, Godinhorecognizedtheneedtoconcentrateoncultivating hisoperationsatasustainablepace.

In2017,heshiftedhisfocustoSpecialtyBatchCoffeeand establishedafreshcoffeeroasterysite.Fouryearslater,he centralizedoperationsbyrelocatingtoanewroasteryand coffeehubatMinaRashid,situatedneartheharbor This movewasaimedatsupportinghisexpandingcustomerbase, whichnowincludesmorethan400restaurantsandcafes nationwide.

Godinho’sfervorforcraftingheartfelthospitalityvenues appearstobeunceasing.Intheyear2022,heinitiatedyet anotherprojectinMinaRashid.Formorethanadecade, Godinhohasbeenpivotaltothenichecoffeecultureinthe UAE.Beitimpartingcoffeeeducationtonovicesorexperts, bolsteringthecafélandscapebyofferingpremium-grade commoditiesandamenities,orcuratingvenuesforresidents andtouriststosavorextraordinarycoffeeindulgences,hehas leftanindeliblemark.

Thisisacaptivatingtalethatdemonstrateshowdedication, whencultivated,canresultinremarkableachievements,not solelyonanindividualbasisbutalsoonagranderscale, influencingawholearea.

ConqueringtheMostFormidableObstacles

Whenquestionedabouttheobstaclesheencountered,he responded, “Introducing a novel concept, a fresh brand, and innovative technology to a market is an arduous undertaking that necessitates unwavering perseverance and devotion. The path of least resistance and greater convenience would be to ride the wave of a trend and leverage the entrepreneurial efforts that have gone into nurturing the market.”

Theseareobstaclesthathehasencounteredwitheach endeavorhehasundertaken.FromestablishingSpecialty BatchCoffee,theeducationalinstitution,wholesalecoffee

distributor,andrestaurantequipmentprovider,tocreating theinitialcommunityspecialtycoffeehouse,Stomping Grounds,hehasfacedaconstantstreamofdailyhurdles. Heinvestedhistimeandlimitedresourcesinamission propelledsolelybypassion,knowingthattherewereno quicksolutionsandthatpersistencewasnecessaryifhe weretotrulymakeanimpact.

InsightfulNuggetsofKnowledge

Duringtheinitialstagesofhislearning,hegraspedthe significanceofthreefundamentalconcepts:

• Thereisnosubstituteforquality;ineverythingyoudo andoffer,personallyandprofessionally,ifyouare subparinanyway,itcanbeobviousandwillbe limiting.

• Consistencyisavirtue;thisisaveryunderrated mindsetformost.Butknowthattrustisbuilton consistency.Inotherwords,consistencybreeds familiarity,familiaritybreedsconfidence,and confidencebreedssales.

• Surroundyourselfwithskilledpeoplewhoshareyour passion;Findingtherightteaminyourearlydaysis paramounttoyourentrepreneurialsuccess.Allofyour staffneedtoberowinginthesamedirectionandhavea listofexpertisethatenhancesandcomplementsyour business.

• Onapersonallevel,ifyoulookaroundatyourcircleof friendsanddon’tgetinspiredandmotivated,thenyou don’thaveacircle;youhaveacage.

ContemporaryCoffeeCulture

Regardingcoffeeproduction,aplethoraofinnovative techniqueshaveemergedthisyear,particularlyatthefarm level.Thereisanoticeableincreaseinprocessing advancementsutilizingfermentationmethods,which involvemanipulatingvariablessuchastime,temperature, air,andadditives.Byutilizingthesetechniques,farmersare abletoenhancetheflavorprofilesof‘Average’coffeebeans tosurpassthetypicalnorms.Essentially,thismeansthatthe originalflavorcharacteristicsofafruityEthiopiancoffee couldpartiallybeincorporatedintoadistinctnutty Braziliancoffee.Alternatively,cinnamoncouldbeadded duringthefermentationprocesstocreateanentirelynew dimensionofcoffeeflavor

ConsistencyisKing

Theclienteleoftheircafeandrestaurantareknowntobe sticklersforconsistency,andrightfullyso.Theactof “Gettingacoffee”dependsonacertainleveloffamiliarity forthecustomer Theirmostpopularcoffeebeansare typicallythespecialtyblendsthattheyareabletoprocurein largerquantitiesyearafteryearwhilestillupholdingtheir highstandardsofquality.TheircoffeevarietiesfromBrazil, Colombia,Panama,ElSalvador,Ethiopia,andKenyahave heldaprominentplaceintheUAEmarketforanumberof yearsandhaveseenasteadyincreaseindemandfromnew customersmonthaftermonth.Ascoffeepuriststhemselves, theyarepleasedtoreportthatthemostfrequentlyrequested drinksbytheircustomersincludeespresso,longblacks, piccololattes,andflatwhites.

UphillBattleofIntroducingNovelNotions

Ryanacknowledgesthatintroducinganovelnotion,brand, andtechnologytoamarketcanbeexceedinglyarduousand necessitatesasignificantamountoftenacity.Itwouldbefar simplertomerelyfollowatrendorcapitalizeonthepreceding endeavorsofotherbusinesspersonsincreatingamarket. ThesearethepredicamentsthatRyanhasconfrontedwith everyundertakinghehaspursued.FromestablishingSpecialty BatchCoffeeasaneducationalfacility,wholesalecoffee supplier,andcafeequipmentcompanytolaunchingthe inaugurallocalspecialtycafe,StompingGrounds,Ryanhas hadtosteerthroughaplethoraofeverydaychallenges.

Devotinghistimeandfiniteresourcestotheseendeavors wasmotivatedentirelybyhisardor,andtherewereno quickfixes.Ryancomprehendedthathemustpersevereif heaimedtogenuinelyinfluencetheshiftinconsumer conduct.

Ryan’sEntrepreneurialSuccess

Ryanfavorsestablishinghisobjectiveswithinafeasible periodof6-12months,harmonizinghislong-term aspirationswithshort-termtargets.Hehasdiscoveredthat thistechniqueisbothpracticalandcontrollable.Ryanis alsohighlysystematicinmanaginghistime,andheasserts thatthisentrepreneurialattributehasbeenacornerstoneof hisflourishingcareer

Inhisquestfortheadvancementofhisbrands,Ryanhas steadfastlyupheldstrongethicalvalues.Despitebeing presentedwithprospectsforacceleratedexpansion,hehas remainedresoluteinhispursuitofamoreholisticapproach thatdoesnotentailmakingconcessionsonquality

Ryan’senterpriseshavedevelopedaninfrastructurethat caterstotheevolvingdemandsofhisclientelewhile maintaininganunblemishedreputationandconsistently deliveringunparalleledquality

VisualizingtheFuture

Ryanfavorsestablishingbothalong-termperspectiveand short-termobjectives,withapreferenceforsettingtargets withinthesixtotwelve-monthrange.Thismethodof operatingnotonlyconformstotheirpresentmindsetbut alsoprovestobemorefeasibleandeasiertohandle.

Ryan’sambitionsforadvancingitsbrandshaveconsistently beenrootedinethicalprinciplesandguidedbyfeasible systems.Despiteseveralopportunitiesthatcouldhave resultedinsignificantgrowthfortheirbrands,theywere unwillingtomakeanycompromises.Rather,theyhave developedtheirbusinessesinanaturalandsustainable manner,establishinganinfrastructurethatcaterstothe needsoftheirclientswhileupholdinganunblemished reputationandmaintainingalevelofexcellenceinquality thatremainsunwavering.

NextWaveofSpecialtyCoffee

Hebelievesthattheprospectsforspecialtycoffeeinthe UAEareuncertain.Thepotentialforspecialtycoffeeis intertwinedwitharangeofinternationalconcerns, includingtheoriginandenvironmentalsustainabilityof coffee,theevolutionofcoffeespecies,advancementsin processingatthefarmlevel,faircompensationforlabor, andqualitycontrolthroughoutthesupplychain.These factorsserveasthefoundationforglobaltrendsinthe specialtycoffeeindustry

Induecourse,novelandcaptivatingcoffeeblendsand cutting-edgeequipmentadvancementswillunfailingly emergeandmaketheirwaytothenearbycoffeeshops.The strategiclocationandsubstantialpurchasingcapabilityof theUAEenablethisphenomenonmoreextensivelythan numerousothernations.

Heholdsafirmbeliefthatsustainabilitycanbeachieved througheducation,fosteringindividuality,andmaintaining consistency Whileshowcasingthebestcoffeetechnology andofferingaconstantlyevolvingmenuofmicro-lots, nano-lots,and90+coffeesiscommendable,thefuture successofthecafeslargelydependsontheconsistent deliveryofhigh-qualityproductsandcustomerservice. Investmentsshouldnotbelimitedtointeriordesignand replicatingothercafes’menus.Cafeownersandoperators

shouldprioritizestructuredformsofbothactiveandpassive educationfortheirstaffandcustomers.

Consideringtheconsiderabledensityofcoffeeshopsper capita,Iopinethatthepresentcaféscenenecessitatesa phaseofpurification.Thisisaninevitableprocesswhere themimicsandnon-innovatorsprogressivelyvanish, leavingbehindthestronger“Individuals.”Finally,let’stalk aboutthebarista.Undoubtedly,theaveragesalaryfor baristasintheUAEhasbeensteadilyincreasingsince2012. However,therehasbeenacertainlevelofstagnationin recentyears,evenprecedingthepandemic.Toaccomplish authenticgrowthinlocalspecialtycoffee,thebarista(the ultimatecoffeeandbrandambassador)shouldbecollectively considereda“Front-of-housechef”andshouldberecruited andcompensatedaccordingly.

Awards (Stomping Grounds)

Awards

(Specialty Batch Coffee)

• Best Specialty Coffee & Supplies Brand United Arab Emirates 2020, Food & Drinks Awards, hosted by Lux Life Magazine.

• Best Specialty Coffee Equipment Service 2021, UAE Business Awards, hosted by MEA Markets.

• Best Specialty Coffee Supplier (Middle East) 2022, UAE Business Awards, hosted by MEA Markets.

• Best Specialty Coffee Supplier (UAE) 2022, The Global 100.

• Most Comprehensive Coffee Supplier – Middle East 2022, at the MEA Business Awards 2022, hosted by MEA Markets.

• UAE’s Best Independent Specialty Café 2019 at the Europe and Middle East Coffee Awards, hosted by Allegra, United Kingdom.

• UAE’s Best Independent Specialty Café 2020 at the UAE Business Awards 2020, hosted by MEA Markets.

• Dubai’s BEST BREAKFAST 2020 at TIME OUT DUBAI Restaurant Awards.

• HIGHLY COMMENDED CAFÉ 2020 at TIME OUT DUBAI Restaurant Awards.

• TRAVELERS’ CHOICE 2021 AWARD by TRIPADVISOR.COM

• TRAVELERS’ CHOICE 2022 AWARD by TRIPADVISOR.COM

• BEST UPMARKET CAFE & RESTAURANT 2023 – DUBAI, at the Restaurant and Bar Awards 2023 hosted by LUXlife magazine.

• Ryan has been distinguished by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the preeminent business figures to keep an eye on in the Middle East by 2023. This acknowledgment underscores Ryan’s influence and guidance in the business realm, as well as his potential for sustained achievement and expansion in the area. The accolade also honors Ryan’s foresight, originality, and input toward the advancement of the Middle Eastern business terrain.

Exploring the BrewingTechniques Methods&

Theartofbrewingcoffeeisadelicatedancebetween

water,coffeegrounds,time,andtemperature.The processoftransformingthehumblecoffeebean intoaflavorfulandaromaticcupofcoffeeinvolvesadeep understandingofthesciencebehindit.Further,wedelve intotheworldofbrewingtechniquesandmethods, uncoveringthescientificprinciplesthatgovernthe extractionofcoffeeandthefactorsthatcontributetoits tasteandquality.

TheChemistryofCoffeeExtraction

CoffeeSolublesandExtraction

Thekeycompoundsresponsiblefortheflavors,aromas,and caffeineincoffeearesolubles,suchasacids,sugars,oils, andbittercompounds.Extractionistheprocessof dissolvingthesesolublesfromthecoffeegroundsintothe water.Understandingthesolubilityofthesecompoundsis crucialforachievingthedesiredflavorprofileinthefinal cup.

ExtractionVariables:Time,Temperature,andGrind Size

Thevariablesthatinfluencecoffeeextractionincludetime, temperature,andgrindsize.Thedurationofcontact

betweenwaterandcoffeegroundsaffectstheextraction rate,whiletemperaturedeterminesthespeedatwhich extractionoccurs.Thesizeofthecoffeegroundsaffectsthe surfaceareaexposedtowater,impactingextraction efficiency.

BrewingMethods:FromTraditionaltoModern

DripBrewing:ConsistencyandControl

Dripbrewingisoneofthemostpopularmethodsduetoits convenienceandconsistency Thehotwaterslowlydrips throughafiltercontainingcoffeegrounds,extractingthe solublesandcollectingtheminacarafe.Thismethod allowsforprecisecontrolovervariablessuchaswater temperatureandflowrate,resultinginacleanandbalanced cupofcoffee.

FrenchPress:FullImmersionExtraction

TheFrenchpress,alsoknownasaplungerpot,utilizesa fullimmersionbrewingmethod.Coarselygroundcoffeeis steepedinhotwater,andametalmeshfilteristhenpressed downtoseparatethebrewedcoffeefromthegrounds.This methodallowsforafuller-bodiedandoiliercupofcoffee withmorepronouncedflavorsandasedimentarytexture.

Espresso:PressureandPrecision

Espressoisauniquebrewingmethodthatinvolvesforcing hotwaterunderhighpressurethroughfinelygroundcoffee. Thecombinationofpressureandfinelygroundcoffee resultsinaconcentratedandintenseshotofcoffeewitha richcrema.Theprecisecontrolofvariablessuchasgrind size,pressure,andextractiontimeisessentialforachieving thedesiredflavorandbalance.

Pour-Over:PrecisionandArtistry

Pour-overbrewing,exemplifiedbymethodsliketheHario V60andChemex,involvesmanuallypouringhotwater overcoffeegroundsinacontrolledmanner.Thismethod allowsforprecisecontrolovervariablessuchaswater temperature,flowrate,andagitation.Theresultingcupof coffeeiscleanandflavorfulandoftenhighlightsthe nuancesofthecoffee'sorigin.

UnderstandingExtractionandStrength

ExtractionYieldandStrength

Theextractionyieldreferstothepercentageofcoffee

solublesextractedfromthegroundsintothewater.The balancebetweenextractionyieldandstrengthdetermines thetasteandbodyofthecoffee.Ahigherextractionyield resultsinastrongerandmoreflavorfulcup,whilealower extractionyieldproducesaweakerandlesspronounced taste.

TastingandAdjustingExtraction

Tastingisacrucialstepinunderstandingandadjustingthe extractionofcoffee.Byassessingthecoffee'sflavors, acidity,bitterness,andsweetness,adjustmentscanbemade tobrewingvariablestoachievethedesiredtasteprofile. Thisprocessinvolvesexperimentingwithgrindsize,water temperature,andbrewtimetooptimizeextractionand unlockthebestflavorsinthecoffee.

TheRoleofWaterQuality

WaterChemistryandFlavorExtraction

Waterqualityplaysasignificantroleincoffeebrewing.The chemicalcompositionofwateraffectstheextractionof coffeesolublesandultimatelyinfluencestheflavorprofile. Factorssuchasmineralcontent,pH,andchlorinelevelscan impactthetasteandclarityofthecoffee.

ImportanceofProperWaterFiltration

Toensureoptimalbrewingconditions,itiscrucialtouse properlyfilteredwater.Filteringremovesimpuritiesand unwantedflavorsthatmayinterferewiththeextraction process.Utilizingfilteredwaterhelpsmaintainconsistency andallowsthetrueflavorsofthecoffeetoshinethrough.

To Conclude,

Brewingcoffeeisafascinatingblendofartandscience. Understandingtheprinciplesofcoffeeextraction,the variablesthatinfluencetaste,andtheroleofdifferent brewingmethodsempowercoffeeenthusiaststocreatetheir perfectcup.Whetheryouprefertheconvenienceofdrip brewing,therichnessoftheFrenchpress,theintensityof espresso,ortheprecisionofpour-over,thesciencebehind brewingmethodsallowsyoutoexperiment,refine,and appreciatethevastanddiverseworldofcoffee.So,thenext timeyouenjoyacupofcoffee,takeamomenttoappreciate thescientificprinciplesatworkastheycontributetothe complexandsatisfyingexperienceofthathumblebeverage.

Understanding the Culture Behindthe CUP

Coffeehastranscendeditsstatusasamere

beverageandhasbecomeacultural phenomenon,embodyingbothadrinkanda lifestyle.Inthiscontext,weexplorethefascinating worldofcoffeecultureanddelveintotherituals, traditions,andartistrythatmakecoffeemorethanjust amorningpick-me-up.

TheHistoricalRootsofCoffee

TheLegendofKaldiandtheDiscoveryofCoffee

Coffee'shistoryissteepedinmythandlegend.One popularstoryrevolvesaroundanEthiopiangoatherd namedKaldi,whonoticedthathisgoatsbecame energeticafterconsumingthecherriesofacertain plant.Intrigued,Kalditriedthecherrieshimselfand experiencedasimilarinvigoratingeffect,thus discoveringcoffee.

TheSpreadofCoffeeandCulturalAdaptations

CoffeemadeitswayfromEthiopiatootherpartsofthe worldthroughtraderoutesandcolonization.Each regionadoptedcoffeeanddevelopeditsownunique culturalpracticesandritualssurroundingit.Fromthe coffeehousesof17th-centuryEuropetotheelaborate coffeeceremoniesofEthiopia,coffeebecamedeeply intertwinedwithlocalcustomsandtraditions.

The Art of Coffee

ItalianEspressoCulture:FastandFlavorful

EspressoasanIntegralPartofItalianLife

Italyisrenownedforitsespressoculture.Italianshave masteredtheartofmakingsmall,concentratedshotsof coffeethatareenjoyedthroughouttheday.Espressoisnot justadrinkbutawayoflife,withItaliansoftentakinga quickbreakatacafétosavortheirespressoandsocialize.

TheArtofMakingEspresso

Italianbaristasareskilledintheartofespressopreparation. Fromselectingtherightblendofcoffeebeanstotheprecise grindsizeandextractiontime,everystepiscrucialin creatingtheperfectespressoshot.Theartliesinachievinga harmoniousbalanceofflavors,resultinginarich,fullbodiedcupofcoffee.

EspressoBars:SocialHubsandGatheringPlaces

EspressobarsareintegraltoItaliancoffeeculture.These bustlingestablishmentsserveassocialhubswherepeople cometogethertoenjoytheircoffee,catchupwithfriends, andengageinlivelyconversations.Standingatthebar whilesippinganespressoisacommonpractice,reflecting thefast-pacedItalianlifestyle.

SlowandElaborate:CoffeeCeremoniesinEthiopia, Turkey,andMorocco

TheSignificanceofCoffeeCeremonies

InEthiopia,Turkey,andMorocco,coffeeceremoniesare elaborateandsacredrituals.Theyareoccasionsfor gathering,hospitality,andcelebration.Theprocessinvolves roastingthebeans,grindingthembyhand,andbrewingthe coffeeinatraditionalpot.Thearomaandflavorofthe coffeearesavored,andmultiplecupsareservedasasignof respectandfriendship.

TraditionalCoffeeBrewingMethods

Eachculturehasitsownuniquebrewingmethods.In Ethiopia,thecoffeeisbrewedinajebena,aclaypotwitha longneckandahandle.InTurkey,coffeeispreparedusing acezve,asmallpotwithalonghandle.Moroccancoffeeis oftenflavoredwithspiceslikecardamomandservedin ornatecups.

HospitalityandCoffeeRituals

Coffeeceremoniesintheseculturesareaboutmorethan justthedrinkitself.Theyareexpressionsofhospitality, warmth,andcommunity.Guestsarewelcomedwithopen arms,andtheactofservingcoffeeisseenasagestureof

friendshipandrespect.Theritualofpreparingandsharing coffeecreatesasenseoftogetherness.

TheRiseofSpecialtyCoffee:Qualityand Craftsmanship

TheSpecialtyCoffee

Movement

Inrecentyears,aglobalmovementhasemergedthat focusesonspecialtycoffee.Thismovementplacesastrong emphasisonthequalityofthebeans,theskillfulroasting process,andexpertbrewingtechniques.Specialtycoffee shopshavebecomehavensforcoffeeenthusiastsseekingan exceptionalcoffeeexperience.

SourcingHigh-QualityBeans

Specialtycoffeeshopsprioritizesourcinghigh-quality beansfromspecificregionsandfarms.Theyoftenestablish directrelationshipswithcoffeeproducerstoensurefair pricesandsustainablefarmingpractices.Thiscommitment toqualityandethicalsourcingaddsdepthandmeaningto thecoffee-drinkingexperience.

MeticulousRoastingTechniques

Roastingisacriticalstepinthecoffeeproductionprocess. Specialtycoffeeroastersemploymeticuloustechniquesto bringouttheuniqueflavorsandaromasofeachcoffee bean.Theroastingprocessrequirescarefulmonitoringof temperatureandtimingtoachievethedesiredroastprofile.

ExpertBrewingMethods

Specialtycoffeeshopsofferawiderangeofbrewing methodstocatertodifferenttastesandpreferences.From pour-overtoFrenchpress,eachmethodrequiresprecision andexpertise.Baristasaretrainedtooptimizevariableslike watertemperature,grindsize,andextractiontimeto produceacupofcoffeethatshowcasestheinherent qualitiesofthebeans.

Conclusion

Coffeecultureisatapestryoftraditions,rituals,andartistry thatreflectsthediversityoftheworldwelivein.Fromthe quickandintenseespressoshotsofItalytotheelaborate andhospitablecoffeeceremoniesofEthiopia,coffeebrings peopletogetherandprovidesadeeperunderstandingof differentcultures.Theriseofspecialtycoffeehasfurther elevatedtheappreciationofcoffeethroughafocuson quality,sustainability,andcraftsmanship.So,thenexttime youtakeasipofyourfavoritebrew,remembertherich culturethatliesbehindthathumblecupofcoffee.

-A.K. Tarade

Ambiti.&

isthe elixirof Motivi