SCAA 2014, Seattle Coffee Convention begins!

SCAA is on its way!

by J.B. Blocker, the Caffeine Cowboy

Washington State Convention Center Seattle, April 25, 2014

  The Caffeine Cowboy arrives to the SCAA press room in the guise of mild mannered reporter from Texas, J.B. Blocker of the NorthTexasReporter.com. He is unusually mild-mannered because he can barely see!

  You see, the Cowboy, through no fault of his own, has lost his glasses from the night before, so he can’t read a sign 30 ft. away! His walk this morning from hotel to the convention center had been anxiously reviewing where he would find those trifocallized binoculars he had steadily learned to rely on.

  It happened the previous night somewhere between a great seafood and beer feast at the Athena, the stroll from the Market to the hotel, a scotch at the hotel bar, and the room. You know I’m talking about myself right?

 The next morning I am close to crazy searching my room and occasionally looking in the mirror to see if I'm wearing them before I realize they are somewhere between yesterday evening and late yesterday evening! 

  The walk to the convention was therefore it's own adventure. I at least asked directions a half dozen times to keep from walking in circles! By the time the lady told me I was standing across the street from the convention center, I was ready for coffee straight up and I head straight to the Press Office. They are bound to have coffee and pastries!

The Magician

Juan Carlos can turn back time or preserve it.

by J.B. Blocker

  Juan Carlos is my friend. He is a very close friend. In terms of a long friendship, we have only known each other since 2009. That would be 5 years. In terms of the time we have spent together, we have years between us. Years of struggles and triumphs. Years of dashed dreams and disappointments. 

  But those were also years of support and faith in each other. They have been years of encouragement from both sides. And especially they have been years when each came to the aid of the other without hesitation. In those terms, our friendship has been a lifetime.

  Juan is a dreamer. I am a dreamer. He is a visionary. So am I. Juan is a photographer ‘for life’!

  But he is more than a photographer as most of us think of such professionals. A good photographer knows their equipment. They know light and height and distance and angles. They can crop and make adjustments on the front end and on the back end. They may even photo shop or digitally enhance with varying levels of skills. But they don’t all have a driving echo to devote any more time than simple due diligence requires.

The Capital Grille in Plano

The League of Extraordinary Reviewers

with JB Blocker

On Top of the Food Chain

  Many top dining concepts have come to the Dallas MetroPlex, spent millions of dollars, and then tucked their tails and run! Among the notable failures are Smith and Wollenski, Flemings, Morton’s of Addison, McCormick & Schmidt's, and BLT.

  I have reviewed many eateries in every price range over the years. No matter if it is fast food or gourmet dining, the first thing I judge is the staff. All of them!  

  Secondly, I look for order and cleanliness no matter what the concept. Each of these is a direct and immediate reflection of the management and the things to come!

  General Manager Greg Cavanagh is recognized by vendors, patrons, and staff for being at the top of his game. As Roger Harris, the president of Metro Linens and McKinney City Councilman reflected, “Greg is as good as it gets”.

  OK, so you can expect impeccable service with the same honest smiles, attention to details, and royal treatment that is a direct reflection of Greg.

  I am tired of the standard reviewing practices. I want to have fun and see what others have to say. So I called Amanda Leese, the Sales Marketing Manager and offered a group review. When she told me to bring it on, I invited a Banker, a Gun Slinger, and a beloved Senator to join me.

 As an upscale brand over the years, The Capital Grille has played host to Celebrities, Athletes, Politicians and many other distinguished guests. Friday was no exception at the newest Capital Grille at the Shops of Legacy in Plano.

  Legacy Bank president and past Plano mayor Phil Dyer, Senator Ken Paxton, Super Attorney James Mosser, and the incomparable J.B. Blocker joined me here for a lively lunch on our beautiful patio overlooking the corner of Lone Star and Legacy Drives.

HATS OFF? The when, where, and why.

Cowboy Hat Etiquette

 by J.B. Blocker

  After a long talk with Sheriff Tom Maddox of Sabine County, Texas and several other Texas Sheriffs we felt that the etiquette concerning the the Cowboy's hat needed to be clarified. Tom's grandpa gave him his first boots and hat at age 3, and he's been wearing them ever since! Thanks for additional input from Sheriffs Bob Holder of Comal County, Dan Law of Caldwell County, Don Sowell of Grimes County, Randy Brown of Medina County, and Keith Gary and the boys of Grayson County.

Grayson County Sheriff Keith Gary and his staff

  The rules aren’t complicated. Heck, I’d just suggest the use of common sense. Of course, there are plenty of folks lacking in that area. They need some guidance. 

  Here are some traditional rules for wearing a cowboy hat.

LONE STAR SHERIFFS

 

A Herd of Sheriffs

 I mentioned going to the Sheriffs Association of Texas Annual Convention to a great friend and well traveled businessman in New York City. Doug's response was, "When people think of sheriffs, no matter where they come from, they think of cowboy hats and boots, sidearms, and a badge with a Star. They think of Texas!"
by J.B.Blocker

ESTILO GAUCHO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE in FRISCO

Come Hungry
 The League of Extra-Ordinary Reviewers invaded Estilo Gaucho for lunch. I chose meat eaters for this round. Many thanks to Collin County D.A. Greg Willis, Frisco Mayor Maher Maso, and Frisco Chamber President Tony Felker for their company and for these entertaining reviews.

Greg Willis, Maher Maso, and Tony Felker

I have officially named one of the back corner tables,' J.B.'s Table'! As you enter the dining area, it is to the right. I chose it because it provides of great view of the comings and goings of the restaurant and easy access to the 40+ item salad and antipasto bar, while being a little remote from the traffic. For a little extra dining privacy, you can reserve that table prepared for 4 to 7 guest. 
This is where I have entertained many guest. None are more locally popular than this sessions League of Extra-Ordinary Reviewers.     
Call 214-618-6150. If you ask for David or Alex, my new favorite dinning beverage is yours too. The Passion fruit based drink is a great palate teaser for the many taste you are about to experience!

Courtesy and grace are hallmarks of great hospitality. You shouldn't miss the chance to meet co-owners and brothers-in-law David Jeiel and Alex Nunez. They want to meet you too!

Go Greek in Frisco!

Go Greek at Platia Greek in Frisco

  This League of Extra-Ordinary Reviewers features two of my regular favorites Mayor Maher Maso and Attorney Terri Green. Ann Lieber is a candidate for Collin County Commissioner, Cami Dean is running for the 3rd U.S. Congressional District, and Sally, Rhea, and George Manos who treat me like family.