| Upcoming Music | Tonight (8PM)
Off With Their Heads
Mike and Caitlin Collins, a Chapel Hill father-daughter team that has been playing together for several years at local venues, teams up with Brian Ceccarelli in this eclectic combo. Caitlin, a classical talent on violin and viola, brings the quick hands of youth to the electric fiddle in a variety of Celtic, folk, and original songs. Mike, a singer-songwriter and long-time electric and acoustic guitarist, adds his voice and guitar to the mix. Brian adds his prodigious musical talents on keyboards, bass and accordion.
........... | Saturday 7/5 (8PM)
Rose Fraser
........... | Friday 7/11 (8PM)
Monologue Bombs
........... |
|
|
Serving coffee, roasted daily, from Chapel Hill/ Carrboro's only artisan roaster - Carrboro Coffee Company !
Small batches, roasted fresh every day on site, ensure you get only the freshest, most cared for coffee around. Roasted in Carrboro! It doesn't get more local!
Tell us what you think...
Fill out this quick survey to help Open Eye be better than ever!
New Offering : Kelley G Cupcakes! Organic & Vegan selections!
Designed and baked locally, Kelley G Cupcakes are the perfect sweet indulgence for enjoying on the run, taking time to savor or sharing with family & friends. Every cupcake is baked localy in small batches using all natural & organic ingredients to ensure superior quality and flavor. A range of flavor combinations will be available, currently on weekends only, so get yours quick!
Open Eye Café Owner
Represents the U.S. as Head Judge at the
World Barista Competition in Tokyo, Japan.
"An amazing multicultural gathering of the most talented & passionate professionals in the coffee industry..."
[Carrboro] - Scott Conary, co-owner of Open Eye Cafe & the Carrboro Coffee Company (Chapel Hill & Carrboro's only coffee roasting
company), was chosen as Head Judge for this World Competition after having served as Sensory & Technical Judge at last years competition
in Berne, Switzerland.
Mr. Conary is a certified judge for Regional, National and World Barista competitions, having passed multi-day certification procedures
and testing. Mr. Conary is a current member of the SCAA's U.S. Barista Competition Committee, as well as an SCAA Certified Instructor
in Espresso technique, Coffee Cupping & Sensory Evaluation.
"This year over 45 countries sent their National Barista Champions to compete for the 'Worlds-Best' spot. The level of passion and
technical ability was the highest we have seen yet. It was truly inspiring to be surrounded by so many focused, culinary professionals
whose main interest is in raising the level of quality and awareness in the coffee industry", stated Mr. Conary.
The World Barista Competition (WBC) encourages and recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso preparation
and service. WBC competitors must prepare and serve 12 coffee beverages, including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original
signature drinks of their own creation within a 15 minute timeframe. The judges evaluated the entrants on station cleanliness, taste,
beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.
Open Eye Café Owner
Works with Honduran Coffee Association
(IHCAFE), to help implement quality control & sustainability.
"The 16 day program allowed an overview of the entire spectrum of the Coffee industry in Honduras..."
[Carrboro] - Scott Conary, co-owner of Open Eye Café & the Carrboro Coffee Company (Chapel Hill & Carrboro's only coffee roasting company), has recently finished a volunteer trip to Honduras to aid & work with the Honduran Coffee Association (IHCAFE). The goals of the project were many, and include increasing coffee producer (farmer) coffee quality knowledge, to give them a bargaining position when talking price and quality; instruction in technique and knowledge in coffee roasting, brewing and espresso extraction at the producing and retail level, as well as marketing. Finally, the hope was to get a comprehensive overview of the entire coffee industry in Honduras and create programs for future work to be done to further coffee quality and sustainability.
Click here to see the Article from the Carrboro Citizen
Open Eye Cafe Gift Cards / Customer accounts
These re-chargable cards are linked to an account so that they can be used over and over and speed up transactions... never fear that you forgot to bring cash!
They can be setup as generic gift cards or for a specific person, for any amount (minimum $5). In order to re-charge the account, customer contact info will be needed, but not shared outside the Cafe.
Merge Records in Durham, NC has been kind enough to donate to Open Eye Café select music from the Merge label!
Check out their website for more info and be sure to buy direct from this great local label.
More Info
New wines highlighted at the Open Eye Café:
2004 Casamaro Blanco
An excellent value that has never seen a day in oak, the 2004 Casamaro
Blanco, a 100% Verdelho from 50-130-year old ungrafted vines, is a soft,
delicious white exhibiting plenty of honeyed apricot, peach, and floral-like
characteristics. It is a medium-bodied, crisp, lively effort to drink over
the next year. -87 Points R.P.
2005 Ostatu Blanco
2004 was an excellent vintage for our parcel of Viura.
Tasting Notes -Bright lemon and mineral aromas combine with good lush fruit
on the palate.
2004 Ameztoi Txakolina
Txakolina is one of the top producers of Getariako Txakolina, the Basque Region. They own 20
hectares of vines in the best location. From the vineyards one can see the
town of St. Sebastian and understand the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on
this vineyard site. Ignacio Ameztoi is the seventh generation to carry on
the tradition of making Txakolina in the province of Getaria. Made from the
indigenous grape varieties of Hondarribi Zurri and its red companion
Hondarribi Beltza. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and bottled with
residual carbonic that gives the wine its natural sprits.
2004 Chono Cabernet Sauvignon - Practicing Organic
Maipo valley Cabernet Sauvignon grown to organic specifications
by Alvaro Espinoza, Chile's viticulture Guru, and in this case also owner of
the vineyard
TASTING NOTES: Intense cassis and berry notes are released immediately,
supported by a fine layering of spice building up on the palate. Finishes
with a balanced appeal of black fruit and ripe tannins.
2003 Joan D'Anguera Finca L'Argata Monsant
A blend of 40% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Grenache and
Carignan, the 2002 Finca L'Argata spent 14 months in a combination of French
and American oak before being bottled unfiltered. It exhibits wonderful
floral and blueberry-like notes. -R.P. 90 Points
Terres Dories Brun d'Folie Rosi 2005
In the world of tooty fruity bubble gum Beaujolais, Jean-Paul Brun is a
non-conformist. His Rosi de Saignie is made from 100% Gamay, and gives off
essense of red currants and spice.
Beaujolais Blanc '04
The Domaine des Terres Dories is located in the Southern Beaujolais, just
north of Lyons, in a beautiful area known as the "Region of the Golden
Stones." Jean-Paul Brun is the owner and winemaker at this 40-acre family
estate. Brun has attracted the attention of the French and American press
for the wonderfully fruity and delicate wines he produces.
Brun wants to make "old-style" Beaujolais and his vinification differs from
the prevailing practices in the region. He believes that the charm of the
Gamay's fruit is best expressed by the grapes' indigenous yeast, rather than
by adding industrial yeast.
Brun's view is that Beaujolais drinks best at a lower degree of alcohol and
there is no need to systematically add sugar to the must (chaptalize) to
reach alcohol levels of 12 to 13 degrees. So he chaptalizes minimally or not
at all - depending on the vintage and the cuvee. His Beaujolais is made to
be pleasurable - light, fruity and delicious - not an artificially inflated
wine that shines at tasting competitions.
Only a minimum amount of SO2 is used at bottling to keep the wine fresh and
"headache-free." Fermentation naturally produces a lot of CO2, which acts as
protection against oxidation during aging; leaving some in the wine at
bottling time also helps to keep it fresh. Filtration is also minimal so
that the wine keeps its original fruit and aromas. Brun's wines are not
"blockbusters" in the sense of being "big." The emphasis is not on weight,
but on fruit. Beaujolais as it once was and as it should be.
Brun's Nouveaus were rated as the top Nouveau of the vintage by France's
Gault Millau magazine several years in a row. Robert Parker has rated Brun
as a four star producer, saying this about his wines: "Proprietor Brun is a
believer in using only the vineyard's wild yeast rather than the synthetic
yeasts used by most other producers. His beautiful wines are favorites among
purists."
Introducing the Open Eye Café Cycling Jersey!
Coffee and Cycling have gone hand-in-hand for decades. So, open your eyes to a new world of great tasting coffee and the Open Eye Café. We teamed up with Bike Nashbar to create this exclusive Open Eye Café Jersey from Voler. Crafted from technical 100% polyester that wicks moisture away from the body leaving you dry and comfortable. Three rear pockets for cycling essentials, nutritional supplements and cell phone. Raglan sleeve design for a free range of movement with elasticized arm cuffs and waist hem for an exact fit. 18-inch hidden front zipper for enhanced ventilation. Sizes: S (35-37), M (38-40), L (40-42), XL (42-44) -- $60.00.
Order yours today!
New Extended Hours!
Visit us during our new late night hours...
We are now open til 11pm Sunday thru Thursday and til Midnight on Friday & Saturday nights!
Free Wireless Internet!
Yes, the Eye has gone wireless. Bring in your wireless-ready computer and jump on (or open to tocwireless.net ).
Indoors and outdoors!
The Open Eye Café Celebrates 7 years of Quality Driven Service and the Opening of its New Location!
Come join us on Saturday, September 24th as we open the doors on our new space at 7am!
Right next door at 101 South Greensboro street (the old Scott Rent-Alls Building).
More Info.
Lena Abed from Open Eye Cafe takes 2nd place overall at the Third Annual Southeastern Barista Championships !
The Third Annual Southeastern Regional Barista Championships was held at The Playmakers Repertory Theatre on UNC Campus this past weekend, September 9th thru the 11th . Competitors from 10 Southeastern states (including 2 Open Eye Cafe employees) competed with 24 other Baristi in this Regional competition.
The competition tested the Barista's overall skill, technical & coffee knowledge, and their drink making ability, by extremely strict criteria. It also requires the Baristi to perform under pressure and still dazzle the judges with their personality & passion, all while under the clock! 12 expertly made drinks in 15 minutes served with flair & panache makes for a great spectator sport!
Just another way Open Eye Cafe proves it's dedication and ability in the Specialty Coffee world.
Check out our new coffee offerings and buy some whole bean to use at home or in the office!
We have a great new bunch of Certified Organic and Fair Trade Coffees from Peru, Costa Rica & Mexico that are truly distinct & fabulous cups! Swing by and try some today!
Fun with Open Eye Café Tattoos:
Go if You Dare
Open Eye Cafe Owner takes 2nd place overall at the inaugural 2004 Southeastern Barista Championships at A Southern Season !
On January 25th Beth Justus, Owner of The Open Eye Cafe, competed with 23 other Baristi from the Southeast, and took 2nd place overall! Brian Rice and Robin Anderson, both from Caffe Driade, finished closely in 4th & 5th place overall,respectively. This was the first ever regional Barista Championship outside of the Northwest, and tested the Barista's overall skill, technical & coffee knowledge, and their drink making ability, by extremely strict criteria.
More Info
...
Open Eye Café receives the Prestigious TOPS Award
Open Eye Café receives the Prestigious TOPS Award from the Specialty
Coffee Association of America. From the SCAA: "[The TOPS award] recognizes specialty coffee retailers that are committed to differentiating themselves through excellence."
SCAA TOPS Award
...
Artist George Pratt has spent some quality time at Eye. His observations have come to life in a series of cool drawings.
George Pratt Drawings
|
|
| Art this Month | July (Noon)
Alexandrea Thomsen
Alexandrea Thomsen presents her show : A Taste Of…
People, subculture, and art found in the everyday inspire her. Her goal is to show the viewer something they may have overlooked either in themselves or in the world around them. She believes that representing different perspectives and cultures through photography is extremely important for the advancement of social equality and understanding, and strives to do so not only by capturing images here in the U.S. but also abroad in Germany, Italy and France.
Alexandrea Thomsen works as a full-time photographer in the Triangle and resides in Durham. She attended Durham School of The Arts where she studied visual and performing arts until graduation. Following her studies in Durham, Alexandrea went on to attend The University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she continued her studies of drama and photography.
........... | July (1PM)
George Spencer
Showing in the Side Room...
St. George
Slaying the Dragon of Conformity-
“For Crying Out Loud” — Recent Portraits on Paper.
A Duke graduate, St. George earned his JD/MBA at the University of Tennessee. He also attended the American University in Cairo, Kyoto’s Doshisha University, and The Lawrenceville School. He has lived in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Princeton, New Jersey.
He is the author of eight books: Beastly Bestiary; Dusted;
The Golden Hour (Poems About Death and Other Vital Matters);
I Clean the Chicken (or, The Oeuvre); Ram It In, Push Bush, Power Through, and I Battled a Giant Otter: My Gut Bustin’, Mutha’ Lovin’ Life of Manly Adventure (A Tale of True Catastrophe).
........... |
|
Open Eye Café