Tastybeat.com, January 23, 2009
Casteel Coffee: An Exceptional Coffee Roaster in Evanston

Casteel Coffee has been roasting outstanding coffee on its Evanston premises for 15 years. Owner Carol Harris has fostered a close-knit community of coffee connoisseur customers and employees who have kept somewhat of a low profile. But Tastybeat cannot help but spill the beans. You must try this delicious coffee. This is about as fresh as coffee gets - roasted on site six days a week.

Take note of some of Harris' favorites:

Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza (F.A.F.) - A Brazilian organic fair trade coffee, this estate-grown bean produces a pleasantly sweet, slightly spicy brew with nice acidity and mild chocolate notes and is a wonderful way to start the day. $12.75/lb.

Hawaiian Puna Extra Fancy - From the Puna district on the east side of Hawaii's Big Island, this outstanding bean makes for a cup that is sweet and mild with a smooth buttery overtone. Casteel coffee is the exclusive US roaster of this special bean; Harris buys it directly from the grower (who happens to be an Evanston Township High School alum). $35.00/lb.

And if you have a particular hankering for your cup of joe, speak with Casteel roaster Dan Floyd who will be glad to help you choose the perfect bean.

Visit Casteel Coffee on Central Street in Evanston or order your favorite beans online at casteelcoffee.com.

Happy Sipping,

Tastybeat

Cooking and Eating In Chicago, January 19, 2009
Casteel Coffee in Evanston

"In a world filled with huge, industrialized manufacturers of any foodstuff or comestible you can think of, I try to support little guys who are doing it the old fashioned, artisinal way, and employing local people. Casteel is a fine example of that and so, besides getting very good espresso beans at a fair price, I get to feel like I'm doing something worthwhile and socially redeemable while I'm feeding the caffeine monkey jonesing on my back. Go check them out.

It's a win-win. Yay, coffee!"

-E L (cook, chef, restaurant manager, and blogger)

Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2008
Good Eating Section: Coffee Pairings

"Chef Michael Foley hosts a 'Tastes of Africa and Asia' coffee and food pairings from Bali, Ethiopia, Kenya,Sumatra, Tanzania, Timor and Zimbabwe. $25.
Noon Nov 15. Casteel Coffee, 2924 Central St., Evanston. Reservations, 847-733-1187."
- Elizabeth Schiele

Illinois Channel, Vol. 5, Issue 39, September 22, 2008
From Chicago

"This special Illinois presentation is a one-on-one conversation with Holocaust survivor, Eva Schloss. This presentation is made possible by underwriting support by Casteel Coffee."
- Terry Martin

Chicago Tribune, September 17, 2008
Good Eating Section: What's Brewing

"Celebrate the coffee and cuisine of Latin America with a seven course food and coffee pairing demonstration prepared and presented by chef Michael Foley. Proceeds to benefit Coffee Kids, which helps educate children of coffee farmers. $25 inclusive. Noon Saturday. Casteel Coffee. 2924 Central St. Evanston. For reservations, (847) 733-1187 or visit the shop."
- Elizabeth Schiele

Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, August 1996
Samiac Roasters: No Longer a Mystery

"Casteel practices an interactive mesmerism with his roaster, where he adjusts the dampers, temperature at various juntures, and appears to feel his way to every roast. His perfectionism works. I tasted some of the best coffee I’ve ever had as a result."
- Kevin Sinnott