Espresso Elevado Wins First Place in Statewide Latte Competition

Submitted by Teresa Pilarz

Plymouth’s has only been open a year and three months, but the local roaster and brew bar already has walked away with its second first-place win at the Motown Throwdown Latte Competition.  

“Our drinks are hand-crafted with real, and imaginative ingredients, so they just taste better,” owner Teresa Pilarz said.

The competition took place May 10-11 during the Michigan Coffee Conference in Ann Arbor.  The annual event, which attracted participants from across the state, was organized by wholesale roaster Tom Isaia, owner of , also in Plymouth.

Pilarz, who is especially interested in mixology and exploring the sensory side of coffee, said “This year's winning drink, the Gardenia Latte, was the result of intense experimentation so we could introduce our Spring Floral Series of drinks. It has a unique buttery, sweet aroma & flavor evoking the island gardenia flower.  The espresso we’re using is our new peachy-toned Ethiopia Illubabor Baaroo single-origin.  The flavor is sublime.”

“Last year's winning drink was the Coconut Lemongrass Latte.  It’s a Thai-inspired drink with organic coconut milk, lemongrass, and agave that is earthy, grassy, and subtly sweet.  It’s a very unconventional, culinary approach to a latte and most people are pleasantly surprised when they try it.”

Both drinks can be experienced at Espresso Elevado, along with other original favorites like the Lavender Vanilla Bean Latte, which started as a summer special last year and recently became a permanent menu item by popular demand.  “Our customers appreciate a higher quality coffee that is medium-roasted yet packed full of flavor.  Lattes that are less sweet yet layered with interesting nuances.  Drinks artistically prepared by skilled baristas, instead of automated,” says Pilarz.

Espresso Elevado roasts beans fresh on-site several times per week at 606 S. Main St., just one block South of Kellogg Park on the corner of Main & Wing.  It specializes in responsibly-sourced & organic coffees.  All drinks are made to order, many with syrups prepared in-house. 

For upcoming workshops, in-store roasting events, cuppings, and other happenings you can visit their Facebook page or website at www.espressoelevado.com.