Baja Beans Roasting Company
Roaster Alec Tidey and Baker April Tidey
Baja Beans Roasting Company pulled the first shot of their own roasted coffee on November 24, 2010, and have been supplying the best Baja java ever since. Now in their 4th season, people line up not just for a fresh-roasted espresso, mocha, or latte fix, but also for their irresistible baked goods, like scones, biscuits, muffins, carrot cake, brownies, and April’s grandmother’s chocolate cake.
Sharing a lifelong passion for the brew, that was owners Alec and April Tidey’s focus from the beginning: “It’s all about the coffee.” What came a bit later was the realization that the best accompaniment to a perfect cup of coffee is a really great bakery. Their bakery has expanded to include quiche and breakfast sandwiches on a buttermilk biscuit. April is now working on perfecting an amazing bread recipe for loaves and sandwiches.
Specialties
For coffee, try the espresso drinks with any of the roasts. Their limited-edition specialty coffee, Marago, is grown in small batches and is only available for a few months of year.
April’s favorite baked goodie is orange and cranberry scones; but customers also rave about the carrot cake, as well as the moist chocolate cake with its decadently rich icing–made with 100% dark cocoa.
Background
Alec and April Tidey are originally from Vancouver, British Columbia—which has been a big specialty coffee area since the early 80s. After buying property in Pescadero and selling his business in Vancouver, Alec woke up one morning and stated that he wanted to roast coffee in Baja. April quickly realized that they would need to offer more than a great cup of java; they would need a café where people could savor their coffee, too. In Vancouver, Alec trained to roast beans at “Bean Around the World” coffee, and April learned the secrets to making the perfect espresso at “Mojo Coffee.”
A café bakery was a natural addition, as the rich baking tradition started early in April’s family. Her grandmother, mother, and aunt are all bakers; and not only did they shared their family recipes, but ,more importantly, they taught her the techniques. It’s not just the ingredients that make those mouthwatering results! April does point out, though, that some recipes–like carrot cake and muffins–are more forgiving.
Philosophy
Alec and April believe in buying products and produce directly from the people who produce them. They have partnered with a grower who produces high-quality beans grown in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Besides good beans, other essential ingredients are the best milk, real butter and whipping cream, and high-quality, pure chocolate.
Alec, April, and their staff are well aware that it is the combination of its location and friendly and comfortable atmosphere that has made the unique Baja Beans Roasting Company a favorite gathering place for the local community. They value their local clients, and offer their space for the Sunday Community Market, the Annual Lifeguard’s Ping Pong tournament, salsa dancing, and Spanish lessons with Guillermo Bueron. Coming from a large metropolitan area, Alec and April love all the unexpected benefits that have resulted from being a part of the small Pescadero pueblo.
Baja Beans Roasting Company
Casual outdoor, sit down, and take out. Serving fresh-roasted coffee, espresso, mochas, and lattes. Fresh baked scones, biscuits, muffins, cakes, and quiche. Mastercard and Visa accepted.
Located in El Pescadero, #28 on the Pescadero map. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 7 am to 3 pm. The popular Sunday Brunch and Community market takes place from 9 am to 1pm. Tel. 612 143 7138, email: info@bajabeans.com www.bajabeans.com