What’s the Story Behind the Coffee You’re Drinking Today?
This past week, I wandered Portugal’s winding streets with my wife, celebrating 25 years of marriage—a milestone that sneaks up amid kids and a lifetime of memories. Portugal did not disappoint: stunning coastlines, soul-warming food, and, as always, I dug into the local coffee culture.
Our 25th anniversary dinner at Belcanto—ranked 31st in the world—was unforgettable. A chef’s personalized place card welcomed us (check the blog’s title image) at the start of dinner. Our waiter, a five-language maestro, brought the menu to life in a way I’d never experienced. Fancy dining isn’t my thing—I’m more of a BBQ, campfires, and coffee kind of guy—but 25 years called for something special!
Toward the end of the meal, dessert arrived with coffee. “What type of coffee do you serve?” I asked, buzzing with excitement and anticipation of how this top-rated restaurant would present their coffee. My wife grinned as I asked, whispering, “Here he goes again.” The waiter said with great pride, “90% Brazilian Arabica, 10% Robusta”—full stop. I waited for more—the farm’s name, the microclimate, tasting notes of fruit, florals, spices—but “pure Brazilian coffee” was all I got. In a place like Belcanto, every cup of coffee should have a story. That’s why at Bear Lake Coffee Co. we don’t just pour you a cup—we introduce you to the farmer who grew it, the region it thrived in, and the flavors it’s meant to spark. Whether a single origin or blend, each coffee tells a story of a family and culture worth celebrating.
Here’s to 25 years with my wife (and her patience), Portugal’s charm, and coffee like ours that tells a story!
Happy brewing!
Gabe Damiani
Founder and Licensed Q-Grader
P.S. Join us on ‘Bean to Cup’—explore the Coffee Belt’s finest, sip our Q-Grader’s Choice Coffee of the Month, and nerd out with me and Caleb, our director of coffee, to celebrate the stories behind your cup each month!
