AND NOW, A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS: A FRESH CUP OF JAVA; ROAST HOUSE ON ALTON GLOOR HAS GRAND OPENING

By Juan Montoya
Ever since the monks in Ethiopia threw the bunch of worthless seeds a goatherd brought them that made his animals act frisky into fireplace and were intrigued by the aroma emanating from the coals, people have been drawn to the smell of roasting coffee beans.

Smell is one of the most lasting senses that triggers memory. Who doesn't remember waking up some cold morning and smelling the coffee brewing that your mom made to send of your dad to work?
In those days, hardly anyone but connoisseurs knew the true value of a good cup of coffee. But with the advent of Starbucks and other brewers, that has changed.

Now Brownsville transport company owner Zeke Silva has decided to open his own roaster and has gotten into the wholesale-retail roasted coffee business.
What does he know about coffee, especially the exotic blends preferred by those in the know?

"I have done my homework," he said recently at his new business (that's his ad on the right side of this blog). "I went to Utah and visited one of the largest coffee roasters in the West Coast and learned from the people who have been at this for decades. I want to bring that to Brownsville."

Those who know Silva know he's somewhat of a stubborn streak when he gets an idea.
In fact, he has gone the whole nine yards and even bought a coffee roaster from an Oklahoma manufacturer (made in the USA, he says) and imported coffee beans from across the world. Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Chiapas, Mexico, the Netherland Antilles, etc., and even an organic blend from Peru. (And you though Peru was only famous for other plants.)

In fact, he has even taught himself how to operate the roaster to get the most band from the bean.

This Saturday, he wants you to come over from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the Roast Shop and have a free taste of their freshly-roasted brew. They are located at 1393 E. Alton Gloor (Mike Garza's mini mall). He is so sure you'll like it that he is willing to take a chance and give you the first one gratis.

"If you love good fresh-roasted coffee, you'll be back," he said.