Dec. 21, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Vanguard Hospitality.

A coffee variety prized by professionals is now available for you to brew at home.

In partnership with Coffea Roasterie and Guatemalan farmer Fernando Diaz, Morrie’s Steakhouse is offering bags of SL-28, a nearly century-old variety known for its flavor-packed cup quality.

“It’s a special release, with tropical notes: star fruit, strawberry, cashew,” said Josh Jackson, executive chef at Vanguard Hospitality. “We worked with Coffea Roasterie to offer it, and they have intimate, established relationships with farmers like Fernando Diaz, which allow us to offer something special like this.”

SL-28 typically is grown in Kenya and was first identified in the 1930s. Diaz planted it more than a decade ago in his Finca Santa Ana garden, curious and hopeful the soil and microclimate would produce something truly special.

“We’re really excited about this relationship,” Jackson said. “Thanks to working with Coffea, we can go right down the road and participate in a world we didn’t know a lot about.”

Coffea Roasterie sources coffee served in all three Vanguard restaurants – Grille 26, Minervas in downtown Sioux Falls and Morrie’s Steakhouse – and you can taste coffee from Fernando Diaz by the cup at Morrie’s. The special release SL-28 is available only by the bag, though.

“Some of our team who really enjoy coffee have participated in the tastings and help share the experience with our guests,” Jackson said. “It’s made all of us better coffee connoisseurs as we understand the process better and definitely appreciate what we’re able to serve.”

Brew SL-28 coffee beans how you choose, from French press to a vacuum brewer. The preferred method is a pour-over approach.

The cost for an 8-ounce bag of whole-bean SL-28 is $30. Call or stop by Morrie’s Steakhouse to purchase.

Even better: Every bag of SL-28 sold will include a donation to Friends of the Big Sioux River, a nonprofit whose mission is to protect and restore the Big Sioux River and its watershed, improve the water quality and educate our community to build a conservation ethic.

“We think the price point on the coffee combined with the fact that there’s such a great community benefit will cause this to sell quickly,” Jackson said. “Because it is a special release, we have a limited supply and encourage our guests to stop by soon.”

Learn more about Fernando Diaz here: