Mercury Newspaper is holding their annual Best of Silicon Valley awards. Last year Barefoot Coffee made history as the first independent coffee house to win a Best of Award in the history of the voting. But they had to create a new category for us to save their advertiser benefits for the big chains.

Lets all make history again this year and get so many votes that Barefoot Coffee wins again! Get out the vote!

Vote for ALL your favorite local places. If they are not born and raised and exclusively here in Silicon Valley then don’t vote for em. This is the Best of Silicon Valley,not the best of the chains. Break the chain!

best in silicon valeyYou’ve been dying to tell someone about the best Silicon Valley steakhouse or the best spot for free WiFi? Don’t you want to share the name of the bar where you sipped a sublime martini the other night? Or even better, the best place to kennel your dog or take your daughter’s teen posse for her birthday party? Well, here’s your chance to let the world in on your favorite places and things in Silicon Valley. Tell us about the Best in Silicon Valley. Results will be published later this spring.

Name and contact number or e-mail are required (this information will not be published). Only one entry per person. Entrants must be 16 years or older. Voting ends April 21.

vote here


coffee reviewBarefoot Coffee Roasters Guatemala Finca Hermosa Microlot Vista Hermosa
Santa Clara, California Reviewed: April 2008
Overall Rating: 92 points

Aroma: 8
Acidity: 8
Body: 8
Flavor: 8
Aftertaste: 9
Roast (Agtron): Medium (56/65)

Origin: Huehuetenango growing region, Guatemala.<p>Notes: Barefoot Coffee Roasters is an award-winning and widely recognized small-batch roasting company that describes itself as “a happy little cafe and roastery in the heart of Silicon Valley.” Visit www.barefootcoffeeroasters.com for more information.

Blind Assessment: High-toned, simple, classic aroma: orange, sweet tomato, hints of cedar and milk chocolate. In the cup a rich, roundly sweet-toned acidity dominates, with continued orange and milk chocolate notes that grow more distinct as the cup cools and the acidity softens. Lightly syrupy mouthfeel. Long, tartly sweet finish.

Who should drink it: A big, brightly sweet breakfast cup.

Buy it online here

Buy the Guatemala Vista Hermosa online here