Aldo Coffee Company

Happy Anniversary to Us

Today is officially one year in business.

Last year on this date we opened with no food, no music, an extremely temperamental espresso machine and a lot of sawdust.  We raked in $24.67.

Thanks to everyone who's been in and tried our espresso, panini, cannoli and everything else.  And an extra special thank you to those who came back again and again.

We promised an email with a special offer to our regulars.  It's coming, but not today.  We've decided to "celebrate" our anniversary the first two weeks of next year.  Like a Christmas birthday it tends to get lost with all the holiday hubbub.  So stayed tuned and we'll let you know what's happening.

Craig Carothers at Kaufman's

We were in South Hills Village exchanging some gifts this afternoon when we heard a song playing in Kaufman's that sounded awfully familiar.

It was Craig Carothers singing "That's When You Lost Me" on the store sound system.

Looks like Craig is becoming respectable.  Now don't you wish you saw him in person when he was here?  Of course you do.

It was a pleasant surprise.  Craig, wherever you're playing tonight, know that when Kaufman's plays your music, you must be doing OK.

Another Student Recital Tonight

Last week was student piano recitals, this week is anything goes.  We're expecting to hear vocals, brass, woodwinds, strings, maybe even percussion.

And nothing beats a seven-year old on percussion.

Anyway, same deal as last week - if you're here for the show, stick to the North end, if you're here for takeout or to relax, use the South end. 

Tonight's recitals start at 7pm and will last until approximately 8:30pm.

Our First Anniversary This Thursday

Hard to believe it's been 363 days already.

If you're a regular customer and on our email list, expect to get a special offer from us tomorrow. 

If you're not yet a regular customer or on our email list, you still have today and tomorrow to get on it.

Show Me the Mon(k)ey

We meant to post this before Christmas, but didn't get the chance.  At our first Aldo Coffee Christmas party, Melanie asked that everyone bring an inexpensive ornament and we'd have a "Chinese grab bag".

Everyone walked into Molly's with their ornament snugly secure in a lovely little gift bags.  All except Rich (the bag would've put the cost over the $10 limit).  So while all the prettily packaged ornaments were being fought over, Rich's tissue-wrapped ornament sat alone on the table.

Cara drew the last number and had the opportunity to "steal" any of the beautiful ornaments that were already claimed.  And many were quite remarkable, especially for being under $10.

Trusting her instinct, she instead opted for the lonely, unselected ornament.  And it became the talk of the evening.

The monkey is now a proud member of Cara's family and we have been assured that it will accompany them on road trips.

UPDATE:  Cara has christened the monkey "Howie".

Closing at 4pm Today. Merry Christmas!

We wish all of our customers and neighbors the merriest Christmas and happiest Hanukkah ever.

We'll be closed for the holiday at 4pm on Christmas Eve and all day Christmas.  We'll be back at 8 am on Monday, realizing that almost everyone will be sleeping in that day.

Enjoy!

Proud Parents 'Preciate Piano Prodigies

Last night we hosted a student recital for 14 up and coming pianists, along with more than 40 parents, grandparents and friends.

For most of the students it was their first time playing in public (although the "home" crowd was extremely appreciative of all efforts).  The kids seemed to cover just about every Christmas and Winter classic we could think of and they all did extremely well.

Thanks to Jay Weaver for recommending us and for all the parents, relatives and friends who stopped by for coffee and dessert while waiting for their progeny to take the stage. 

We'll be doing the same next Thursday evening, only no piano - it'll be voice, violin and brass.

Create Your Own Gift Basket

If you're looking for a last minute gift, we invite you to come in and create your own Aldo Coffee Co. gift basket.

We have several sizes and styles of empty woven baskets to choose from.  Pick the one you want and then start filling it up with stuff like:

- cappucino almonds
- chocolate espresso beans
- chocolate cherries
- Ghiradelli chocolates
- Republic of Tea tins
- travel mugs
- teapots
- demitasse sets
- coffee mugs
- candles
- ornaments
- and, of course, a pound of our whole bean or fresh ground coffee.

You pay for only the items you choose, not the basket.  And we'll decorate your basket and wrap it up for you at no charge so it's ready to give.

Offer runs until 4pm this Saturday or until baskets run out.

No, Not That Mark Shuttleworth

We're getting tons of hits from the UK today.  Seems that "Mark Shuttleworth" is very popular over there at the moment.  And somehow our posts on "our" Mark Shuttleworth - the local jazz guitarist who plays here often - have become part of the joke.

If I'm Mark Shuttleworth, Mt. Lebanon jazz guitarist, I'd be thinking about a UK tour, pronto.  Strike while the iron is hot. 

Student Recital Tonight

We'll be hosting a student piano recital tonight beginning at 7pm.  We're expecting 40+ students and parents, so we'll be "closing off" the north room and entrance for the recital.  Please use the south entrance after 7pm (the one next to Dr. Good's).

Recognizing tomorrow night may be your last night of rest and relaxation, we're going mellow - no scheduled entertainment.  Just come on in and relax to some Christmas tunes.