Mount Currie Coffee Blog

Featured Artist: Liks

2009-06-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

Hailing from The Land Down under...

Liks grew up riding the Melbourne train system "The Met", through the late 80's and early 90's. Seeing the works of such artists as Merda, Duel, Ransom, Zane Bug, Tame and Puzle, Liks quickly became consumed with graffiti, creating an obsession which remains to this day.

One of the first canvases Liks ever worked on was his parents’ shed in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia, when he was a teenager. Believe it or not, his parents didn’t yell or punish him for releasing his cans of spray paint — they encouraged him to express himself and bought him his first book on graffiti - "Spray Can Art".

When he was 19 years old, Liks moved to the beautiful mountain resort of Whistler. He only intended to stay for one season, but his love for the mountains kept him longer. Although embracing the laid-back mountain lifestyle, his passion for street art is undeniable. Combined creativity and strong work ethic have resulted in various successful projects with local businesses, and clients abroad.

When Liks isn't painting or sketching, he is probably snowboarding if there is fresh powder on the hills, or chilling with his girlfriend and dog Moe on the couch. Through the encouragement of friends and family, his passion for graffiti has snowballed over the years. Liks is happiest when he is painting, engrossing himself in graffiti on a daily basis. In the future he hopes to continue to grow and brighten our dull, boring walls everywhere- giving people something to look at and enjoy.

Visit his website: www.liks1.com to see more of his work!

Featured Artist: Erik Otto

2009-04-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

This Spring we are fortunate enough to feature the artwork of Erik Otto: an artist, graphic designer, and art director born and raised in the South Bay Area. He is a graduate from San Jose State University, where he studied Illustration and Animation. After graduation, Otto moved to San Francisco, to be a part of the fast paced art and design environment a bigger city provides. He has since worked with companies such as Urban Outfitters, Old Navy, Jansport, Wells Fargo, and HBO and recently was awarded the Jury Prize at Cut & Paste’s Digital Design Tournament for 2007.

Otto’s personal artwork is exhibited in galleries nationally and is represented by Shooting Gallery in San Francisco.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I consider myself a process artist and it is often during the act of scavenging for materials that I meditate and develop the concepts for the work I am about to create. I often leave the initial stages of my work open and uncertain while intuitively working out a resolution that will decide its final outcome based on the suggestive qualities of the medium and materials at hand.
Through my artwork and installations, I am narrating an autobiographical story that depicts the struggle to connect my awakened state to the desires found within. Pulling from what builds me as well as what tries to destroy me, my goal is that through my work, I may find peace in creating and questioning my own existence. In a world that seems to have fallen apathetic in wanting to make a difference, my hope is that my artwork is an honest reminder of the importance of dreams and the necessity of living a life of significance.

We love Erik, and know you will too!
Come by to see his creations hanging from April through May.
More information can be seen at www.erikotto.com or check out the art on threads at www.newleafclothing.com or www.blog.newleafclothing.com!

Featured Artist: Chris Ankeny

2008-12-17T09:30:00.000-08:00

We at Mount Currie Coffee Company are proud to have the photography of Chris Ankeny on our walls. Before his role at MCCC as owner/operator, Chris spent a majority of time in the mountains as a professional photographer. The snowy images are little windows to a culture we love and embrace, mountain life. We are able to live vicariously through Chris' lens and fly over huge Alaskan peaks as well as shread the spines found in the surrounding peaks right here in Pemberton. Enjoy!

ARTIST BIO:
The first time Chris stepped foot in the Pemberton Valley it happened to be atop Mount Currie. A very lucky situation had presented itself and he found himself filling an empty chopper seat headed for Currie. That was more than 10 years ago... ever since that day he made it a personal goal to relocate to this dreamy valley. After being here a few years now, he has found that the quality of Pemberton life to be unmatched, from the relaxed pace to the endless expanse of mountains, there is a lifetime of adventure to uncover here.

As long as he can remember, Chris’ life has revolved around the thrill of skiing and snowboarding. It is the beauty found in the mountains and the endless exploration for the next zone that keeps every season just as exciting as the last. The natural beauty of the mountains, the tranquility and labor of ascending them, and the thrill of the descent is what Chris tries to capture and transmit to the viewer of his photographs. The mountains have provided so much fulfillment in his life that it feels like a personal responsibility to try and share these experiences with others.

Support the Arts

2008-11-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Come join the fun and celebrate the culture of Pemberton.
Music, Art, Dance Experience
At the Community Centre this Saturday.
November 29, 2008
8PM - 12PM

Click here for more details.

Coffee Drinkin' Season is here.

2008-10-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing like frigid mornings and crisp days to keep the crave of a good coffee alive.

We have some stellar new coffee's on tap. 49th Parallel came out with a signature blend that is off the charts if you like an honest blended medium roast that you can drink all day long. Come and give it a try as we have it on tap every day now. It's aptly named 123 Longitude.

Also a couple of new Single Origins: Mexico Nayarita and Guatemala Oriente Tzampetey, both quite lively and bright and worth a taste for the nectar connoisseur.

Enjoy.

SOUP'S BACK Y'ALL!

2008-09-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Fall is Here, Mt. Currie is dusted with a Beautiful Coating of Snow, Days are Chilly and now our delicious homemade soups are back! Yay!

Come in and warm up with a bowl of tasty delight!

They are hearty and always made in-house with the freshest ingredients. Hope to see you soon!

Best Latté

2008-09-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

We were voted "Best Latté" in the Pique News Magazine's 'Best of Pemberton' for 2008. We came in second for "Best Local Hangout", "Best Place for People Watching" and "Best New Business (by default, apparently we can't win two years in a row). We were voted third for "Best Place to Witness a Pack of Stroller Joggers"

Thanks so much to everyone who voted and to all our locals for all of your continual support!

Congrats to the Helmers, Sturdy's and Miller's for being our favorite farmers too!

Featured Artist: Jarrod Eastman

2008-09-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Mount Currie Coffee Company is proud to introduce Pemberton to jROD aRT.

Jarrod is an amazing artist based out of Bozeman, Montana who's wonderful sketches give us a glimpse of his amazing creative energy & talent. His refreshing characters are interesting, fun & full of flavour. Each piece allows us to have an understanding of his imagination and love of art. They're impossible not to love.

Come by and have a peek.

Show will be up through October.

Artist Statement:
I feel a great connectedness to the energy that embodies creativity. It is through this energy that my work pervades a sense of possibility and imagination. The dialogue that takes place between the artist and the canvas is as important as the interaction between the canvas and its viewer. This is how art is able to permeate our culture. It is a crucial step in the constant ebb and flow of creative energy. This step is of great importance to our souls and peace of mind.

I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona surrounded by the desert. I had a childhood that was inundated with graphics from skateboards, rock bands and an explosive pop culture. I was fortunate to travel from an early age and have a great appreciation for "otherness" and cultural diversity. Other early influences included the nascent pop surrealism movement and the art of Maurice Sendak, Ralph Steadman, Joe Sorren, Derek Hess and Robert Williams; to name a few. My work has been shaped and reshaped by various subcultures ranging from skateboarding, punk, jazz, hip-hop music, and spoken word, to a lifestyle centered in the mountains.

In the early 90's influenced by friends and artists, I began the journey of a self taught artist. In my earlier portfolios, I experimented with psychedelic and tattoo art. Fifteen years later I paint full time, communicating my imagination through images. My most creative moments are infused with motion, music and color. My art has become more than a passage of time. For me it has become time itself. It is my passion. You can vieew my website at www.jRODaRT.com and contact me at info@jrodart.com.

Best of Pemberton

2008-08-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

The annual "Best of Pemberton" awards are up for grabs and we would be stoked if you would vote for us. Here is the link to the Pique website. You have to fill in 30 catagories to qualify..
Vote for us and we will love you forever!

www.piquenewsmagazine.com

(go to extra's and click Best of Pemberton)

Thanks for all the support in our first year!

Welcome Pemberton Festival Goers!

2008-07-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome all Workers, Music Lovers and Happy Campers!

Are you addicted to coffee?
Fret not.
Come by and have some of the World's
BEST coffee right here in Pemberton.

On your way to or from the music, stop by and visit our shop.
Or try an ice cold Epic Mocha Frappé!

We also have home made salads, baked goods, sweet treats, sammies, clean bathrooms, internet use with a puchase and air conditioning!

.......................................................................

Remember the event by taking Mount Currie with you!
Shop owner and photographer, Chris Ankeny will have panoramic posters of the magnificent peak in all its glory, available for sale at the shop.
Get yours today!

Happy Canada Day 2008!

2008-06-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day!

Congratulations on the Grand Opening of the new COMMUNITY CENTRE right next door!
Way to go, making your dreams a reality! The entire building is amazing and such a luxury to have in our village. We already love our new neighbors. Cheers!

Come get relief from the heat with an Epic Mocha Frappé or Mixed Berry Smoothie!
They're Delicious.

Or, try one of our new ventilated, FlexFit Hats on for size.
Summer is Here!!!

To celebrate Canada Day, we're having a sale on all our logo shirts and hoodies!
Enjoy your holiday!

Vanessa Stark Livens up the Shop

2008-06-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

We are proud to be exhibiting the vibrant artwork of our friend Vanessa Stark at the cafe this summer. Vanessa lives the Pemberton lifestyle to the fullest, she is talented in seemingly everything she puts her mind to. Solid in all disciplines of shred and a mean cook to boot! We are stoked to be graced by Vanessa's good energy through her artwork. Come and check it.

Mt. Queen Bess Mission

2008-05-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

Jack Hannan & Jon Johnston are en route to climb and ski Mt. Queen Bess up north. They are well equipped with some fresh French Roast and tasty Papua New Guinea for some extra lift. Check these shots of the masterpiece, amazing photos by John Scurlock. Good luck boys!

Supporting our Troops

2008-04-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Our local boys are off to AK (the upper one), in search of good times and amazing lines. Follow along on their journey here: www.cheetahfactoryracing.com

Featured Artist: Betsy Barnum

2008-03-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Betsy Barnum has an M.F.A. from the San Francisco Art Institute and is an artist, designer and maker of things. Her collage is featured at Mount Currie Coffee Company for the months of March and April 2008. Betsy lives in Edmond, Oklahoma and loves traveling and going places she's never been. "I have lots of goals and projects I'm working on, and mostly I just want to live my life and create things that mean something to me."

Betsy's work features many layers and dimensions leaving you with a piece of her personality and beautiful worldy outlook...

"I use my works on paper to describe my life, expressing my thoughts and emotions about a specific moment or circumstance through my relationships with those I am close to. I build up thin layers of paint, ink and pencil to conceal and reveal images the way emotions and behavior are unconsciously layered to hide or signal something to others. The gesture and composition of the figures in my work are very important, as they are the first indicators of the work's meaning. I use recurring objects from piece to piece as symbols or metaphors for people and ideas. For example, I often use a typewriter to represent myself, or birds as metaphors for fear and emotion. I use paper as my surface because of its flexibility, smoothness, and capacity for erasure. Like a palimpsest, it shows the progression and history of layers of marks. Like skin it wrinkles and fights back when worked on, asserting its personality into the painting or drawing. Like journal pages, my work is an ongoing narrative, each piece chronologically linked to the others. Each gesture, color, layer, and object is significant, and each work interacts with the others to establish meaning through a repetition of these elements."

More of her work can be seen on her website: REVERIE STUDIO
or you can also EMAIL HER HERE
She's crafty as well.. (imagine that.) Her, one of a kind, work along with her twin sister Dana's are available at the LIME STORE.

A couple new gaskets later...

2008-03-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

TUNE UP...

Alistair Durie from Elysian Coffee, our Synesso rep and guru came up for a six-month visit! Checking to ensure our machine is pulling perfect shots... After what should have only been an hour visit, our little Synesso is running better than ever.

Thanks Alistair!

If you're craving delicious brew and are in the city, check out:

The Elysian Room-

1778 West 5th Avenue
Vancouver BC Canada
V6J 1P2

store hours:
Monday : 7am - 7pm
Tue - Fri : 7am - 10pm
Saturday : 10am - 10pm
Sunday : 11am - 7pm

Featured Artist: Karen Love-Protter

2008-03-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Local Pemberton Artist -Karen Love- showcases her work from December through February!

ABOUT KAREN LOVE:

I was born and raised in Kleinburg, Ontario, home of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. While growing up I spent a lot of time at the gallery and in the woods and fields surrounding it. The Group of Seven, Tom Thompson and Emily Carr, naturally, were huge influences on me. As a girl I participated in many sketching outings led by A.Y. Jackson, who lived at the Gallery in his twighlight years. We'd go out to the wooded gallery grounds and sketch, and he'd be pushed along in his wheel chair and talk about our work - and his. While I'm very interested in abstract painting and often go through abstract phases, my greatest enjoyment comes from expressing nature's fundament though art.

I studied fine art at Art Sake Inc., a school known for experimental painting, and continued my studies at Sheridan College School of Craft and Design, BCIT, Emily Carr Design Institute, and at Capilano College. I spent four years traveling, working and living in the Canadian Arctic, both in the Yukon and the North West Territories. Naturally I'm an avid outdoors-woman - I really enjoy paddling, horseback riding, mountain biking and running.

I spend a lot of time wandering our farm property in Pemberton, BC, always discovering new beauty in the field, forest, pond and garden. Nature's colours and geometric shapes are incredibly interesting to observe through the different seasons.I often find my own artistic development through my children and through teaching others to paint. Children are such great observers and love to spend time examining at nature's most minute details. I've spent my working life immersed in the visual arts - as a graphic designer, photographer, muralist, decorative painter, silversmith and painter. For many years, my husband and I owned and operated a marketing communication firm with a national client base. We moved to Pemberton in 1990, and have two children.

To see more of her work go to: http://www.karenloveart.com
or email her!

In The News

2007-12-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

We got some great press in the new issue of Backcountry (Winter 2008)

CHRIS ANKENY OPENS UP SHOP
written by Mike Harrelson

FORMER BIG MOUNTAIN PRO, TURNED INSPIRED LENSMAN, OPENS "SUSHI-GRADE" COFFEEHOUSE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA'S COAST RANGE

It's a chilled graybird October morning in the sleepy town of Pemberton, B.C., and snow is already stacking up in the alpine. Chris Ankeny, long respected for his big-mountain snowboarding skills and in more recent years for his evocative backcountry photography, awakens well before dawn to stoke the fires on his latest project-the Mount Currie Coffee Company. Juiced by entrepreneurial mojo-and more importantly by one of his meticulously crafted cappuccinos-Chris is ready to open the doors to the local throngs who are quickly succumbing to their newfound addiction.

Ankeny, who cut his teeth in the mountains of southwest Montana, moved to B.C. two winters ago with his accomplice, Lisa Komuro. Having ticked a good percentage of the plumb lines in Montana over the years, Chris and Lisa were keen to move to a new zone, one offering a stable maritime snowpack combined with massive, high-angle relief. They chose Pemberton/Mount Currie area, a winding, 45-minute drive North of Whistler. Having since fallen head-over-heels for their new "backyard," and all its un-trammeled potential, Chris needed to figure a way to sustain his snow-centric, ex-patriot existence. As someone who's long enjoyed the sensory satisfaction and epiphany of a premium coffee, he's just further connected the dots.

With its chocolate industrial ceiling, bamboo counters, guru roasted, 49th parallel bean (pulled at exacting temperature... 201 degrees for 24 seconds), and gaping view of the Mount Currie massif, it would appear Ankeny is onto a worthy re-invention. Asked how his blossoming photo career dovetails with his new boutique java enterprise, Chris points to the walls adorned with Komuro's brilliant paintings and his crisply lit images. "We're going to need to rotate fresh art on the walls quite frequently, don't you think?"

49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

2007-11-28T21:56:00.000-08:00

Made my periodic trip down to Vancouver today to pick up supplies and dropped in on my friends at 49th Parallel to see what was up. Here are some pictures of their setup...it is really quite impressive. These guys are quickly gaining international recognition as being one of the top roasters in North America and you'll know why as soon as you taste their product!..

Tasty!!

We are stoked to be working with such amazing folks and spreading the love of fine coffee to Pembertonians.

"Located in the temperate Pacific Northwest, in Vancouver, British Columbia, 49th Parallel endeavors to source the world's finest coffee beans and roast them to satisfy discerning palates.

49th Parallel Coffee Roasters produces custom roasted coffee beans that are roasted to the best quality and tailored specifically to the customers needs. With a true passion and dedication for specialty coffee, 49th Parallel is committed to providing excellence in its product and service.

49th Parallel is committed to offer only the freshest coffee, of the highest quality to our customers. Every batch of green coffee is carefully roasted by Master Roaster Michael Piccolo to bring out its preeminent qualities.

Michael and Vince travel around the world to meet directly with the farmers at their coffee farms in order to develop relationships that create a better future for everyone involved. We set ethical standards with our direct relationship program and pay a special premium that is above the Fair Trade price standard. The resulting discoveries from our efforts are proudly brought back to North America for you and your customers to enjoy.

Every coffee is meticulously cupped and carefully evaluated. No exceptions"

“We love creating something from organic. We have to take this green coffee that is grown thousands of miles away, we bring it in and then we have to develop it into something fine that our customers will love. We roast and sample every coffee that comes in here. Absolutely every coffee has to be cupped.”
-Vince Piccolo

www.49thparallelroasters.com

Kicking it off... Pemby style!

2007-11-04T21:40:00.000-08:00

The Grand Opening festivities went off without a hitch at the MC Coffee Co. The evening was filled with amazing music by Trish Jamieson, tastey finger food, beer, wine, and of course great coffee. A huge thanks to all who have showed so much support in the first few months of operation!

GRAND OPENING!!

2007-10-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

QUEST FOR PERFECT LATTE ENDS IN PEMBERTON

Mount Currie Coffee Co hosts Grand Opening for bean-Nazis, caffeine-junkies, latte-fiends, and the simply curious…

Saturday November 3 2007, 5-8pm

PEMBERTON, BC, October 30 2007 –

The question addicts of the Pemberton area have to ask themselves is this: How discerning is your palate?

The addiction in question is caffeine.

And discernment comes into question when you’re talking about “direct-trade” coffee beans from 49th Parallel, the roasters most famous for offering $15 cups of coffee brewed from the best beans purchased at the world coffee auctions in 2007.

The answer to the question is : the Mount Currie Coffee Co hosts its Grand Opening Saturday November 3, from 5pm-9pm. Come and find out.

Taste the difference a fresh, quality bean makes to your morning ritual. Taste the difference local organic potatoes make to soup or breakfast wraps. Taste the difference that comes when your barista is committed to the art and science of making the perfect latte.

For Chris Ankeny, proprietor of the newly opened coffee house at the entrance to Pemberton, a devotion to quality espresso was the driving force behind his new enterprise, the Mount Currie Coffee Co.

“Creating a perfect latte combines art and science. There's a formula to pulling a great tasting espresso as well as an optimum temperature for the milk in a latte to be heated to, where it’s textured naturally sweet. If heated too much, it becomes burnt and bitter.” Ankeny, surrendering to his own addiction, sought training from the best roasters and latte artists, people “taking it to the highest level”, and anyone dropping by the café to check out the new kid on the block has reaped the rewards.

With fresh coffee beans arriving weekly, and a host of baked goods made from scratch, fresh daily on hand, the Mount Currie Coffee Co is fuelling the community of Pemberton. And causing a top notch buzz.

People are invited to find out what all the fuss is about, and visit the Mount Currie Coffee Co’s Grand Opening, on Saturday November 3, from 5pm-9pm. Featuring local artists, live music, coffee, finger food, wine and beer. Located at 2-7332 Arbutus Drive, next to the Whistler Real Estate office, Pemberton.

Grand Opening Celebration Saturday November 3rd!

2007-10-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Join us for the festivities.

We will have finger food available as well as everything from our menu (created by Lisa Picard of The Flour Pot). Live Music. Local artisans and crafters displayed throughout including: Ulla Clark of LU PRINTS, Frances Dickinson of FRANCES FELT, Shannon Ellis of ELLIS DESIGNS, JESS HEIBERG, MEG GALLUP, LISA KOMURO, KAREN LOVE AND CHRIS ANKENY PHOTOGRAPHY. Wine and Beer will be available, so bring your friends and family for an evening of celebration!

Saturday November 3, 2007
5-9PM
Mount Currie Coffee Company
2-7332 Arbutus Street Pemberton BC V0N 2L0
(604)894-3388

Cheers!

Got spro?

2007-10-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

Snow has been dusting the high country for a few weeks now...crisp fall days, & wood smoke in the air. Its all got me thinking about one thing. The anticipation is growing...

latte art

2007-10-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

Latte Art - More bloopers are a click away

NEW HOURS

2007-09-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

OUR NEW HOURS OF OPERATION ARE FROM:
6:30 - 6PM FROM MONDAY-SATURDAY
AND 8-4PM ON SUNDAYS.

STOP BY IN THE AFTERNOONS AND TRY SOMETHING NEW!
CHOCOLATE OAT COOKIE AND DECAF CAPPUCCINO! (yum.)