Minneapolis, April 8, 2014—The Walker Art Center and D’Amico and Partners have developed a signature Walker coffee blend, Catalyst – a transformative brew, roasted by Minneapolis’ own Morningstar Coffee. Catalyst is available in 1lb (16oz) whole bean bags in the Walker’s Shop and online. Named in homage to the Walker’s mission as “a catalyst for the creative expression of artists and the active engagement of audiences,” this signature coffee will also be served at The Walker’s Garden Café, Gather by D’Amico, and special events throughout the year. The blend is locally roasted, Fair Trade Certified and Certified Organic by the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association. All proceeds support the Walker Art Center’s artistic and educational programs.
The unique blend and flavor profile of Catalyst was developed by a committee of coffee enthusiasts on the Walker staff with guidance by Morningstar Coffee. Morningstar’s Jose Vido comments, “Morningstar Coffee is so excited to partner with D’Amico and the Walker to produce this wonderful blend of coffee to provide to their supporters and friends. The coffee we blend is fair trade, organic and is a special blend of beans from Mexico, Guatemala and Sumatra. We have combined these three coffees to create a smooth but complex cup with earthy tones and subtle floral notes.” Guests at the Walker’s Jewelry Artist Mart, Saturday, May 3, 11 am–5 pm, can enjoy complimentary samples of Catalyst.
About Morningstar Coffee Company
For nearly two decades, Morningstar Coffee has been one of Minneapolis’s best-kept secrets. Their coffee is hand selected from the best farms all over the world, including their own. As a third-generation coffee grower, Jose Vido –founder and owner –learned his business growing up on his grandfather’s coffee plantation in Brazil where organic, sustainable, fair-trade practices were simply the way it was done.
Morningstar began in 1996 out of a tiny building with a small 5-pound roaster in St. Paul’s Midway where Jose Vido (or simply “Vido,” as everyone knows him) began putting his inherited knowledge to work. With a thirst for quality and hand craftsmanship, Vido began creating one-of-a-kind blends, each unique to each restaurant and café he supplied.
