Fall 2024

COFFEE MAKES FOR AN EVENTFUL FUTURE FOR A SALINAS COUPLE Event planner and marketer Lisa Clark had a problem.The catering truck she contracted to provide coffee and tea at a large event on the peninsula canceled with only a week’s notice, and left her scrambling. But in the manner of great marriages every- where, husband Jeff Clark says his wife pitched the idea of launching their own coffee operation. “I reluctantly agreed. I’ve always liked coffee,” says Jeff, a retired parole agent. “Once you’ve tasted something quality you become discrim- inatory against what’s substandard.” Thus Bean Brigade was born. The Clarks spent three days at the Texas Coffee School in Dallas, tasting, pouring, learning what makes coffee good, and conversely, what tends to make it bad. “We brewed truck stop coffee, and we under- brewed coffee and then we made the perfect coffee,” Lisa says. “Being able to taste what it should taste like, and having instructors explain the notes and ¾avors, it’s liOe an art.” Lisa’s brother, a metal fabricator, was putting the finishing touches on the moFile operation’s first trucO in early %ugust. 8he 'larOs intend to focus exclusively on the event space and private parties. “We want to create a craft coffee experience, and let people experience what good coffee should be,” Lisa says, “and have a good time with it too.” For more information, call 831/970-5268 or visit www.beanbrigade831.com. 168 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 4 Jeff and Lisa Clark recently embarked on a new venture—a mobile coffee operation. With Bean Brigade, the Clarks bring exceptionally good coffee and a great experience to their clients’ private parties and corporate events. Photo: Kelli Uldall food for thought Local Couple Launches Bean Br igade; Otto’ s Opens Sal inas Br ick-and-Mortar ; and Sunday Entertainment at Twi sted Roots B Y R ENE E M I G I E L