Bean & Leaf Roastery and Cafe is Now Open

New London, CT, July 31, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Bean & Leaf Coffee/Tea house was started with the simple notion that South Eastern Connecticut needed a place where super fresh, high quality coffees and teas could be enjoyed in relaxing, family friendly atmosphere. The owners began the journey four years ago using a variety of very small home roasters in an attempt to duplicate to fine coffees they found in other cities around the country using high quality green coffee beans. In 2004, the idea of opening a café in New London County was formed. Much research was conducted to decide what type of café would meet the needs of the area. A coffee and tea house concept was formed and the planning began in earnest in 2006. Acquisition of a La Marzocco espresso machine in late 2006 was a key step in starting the business. A location in downtown New London was found in early 2007. A used commercial coffee roaster was located in California, shipped to New London, and refurbished. Work on the physical location began in April of 2007. Bean & Leaf Coffee Roastery and Tea House opened to the public on July 11th, 2007. A grand opening is scheduled for the weekend of August 10th, 2007.

Committed to supporting environmentally friendly coffee farms and tea plantations as well as raising awareness about the environment and the importance of Fair Trade are areas of interest to the owners and staff.

Roasting coffee beans on site allows Bean & Leaf to have a direct hand in the quality of what enters the espresso portafilter or drip coffee brew basket. Armed with passion and a desire to learn that continues to influence everything they do, Bean & Leaf is committed to the task of sourcing, roasting and preparing the finest coffees available. The teas offered are the highest quality fair trade organics. Each offering is prepared with the correct brew temperature and brew time which can vary widely depending on the variety.

Not surprisingly, the preoccupation with quality has directed the choices that have been made in sourcing the coffee beans and teas offered. Relationships have been developed some of the top experts in the coffee and tea community who share the same philosophy. These relationships have encouraged the owners to spend time educating others about why they care and have so much respect for the beans and teas offered. The staff at Bean & Leaf believes you will taste the difference in your triple ristretto espresso, latte, or tea beverage. The in-store roaster operates in full view of customers so they can learn about how coffee beans transform into the flavorful brew in their cups. In an effort to increase the knowledge of coffee consumers, B & L will soon offer Saturday morning public coffee cuppings. Light food fare will be added to the menu that already includes pastries, bagels, biscotti, fruit, and fruit smoothies.

The owners have designed the space to be family friendly and have set aside an area where children can draw and play. The walls of the café are filled with the work of local artists and the prominent stage is a venue for local performers to showcase their talent.

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