How long do you keep sealed 4-cup coffee packs?

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Posted on Mon, 07/19/2010 - 3:49pm

Proud Texan

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We have individual 4-cup coffee makers in our rooms. With each coffee maker we provide one packet of regular coffee and one packet of decaf. I've gone through several cases of the regular coffee, so it is relatively fresh. However, I have a LOT of the decaf packages because it is seldom used.

1. Does anyone know what the shelf life is of these sealed 4-cup packets?

2. If you have a similar setup, do you experience the same disparity between regular and decaf?

I've thought about eliminating the decaf altogether, but I'm concerned about guests' perception and convenience. Any thoughts?

This comment (80966) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 6:20pm

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Joey Bloggs

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My 12 noon who wanted any early check in gluten just arrived...it is 715PM.

Alright who sent me this curse? I have been nursing a CHIPMUNK for three days so far after her surgery, had sad news about a family member with terminal cancer and it is has been 100 degrees all week, DH is out mowing the lawn after working 10 hours at his real job - cuz it has to get done!

The good news is this, for some reason I am not angry, this man is 6'5" and a nordic god. Why can't I be mad at this guest? Pathetic aren't I.

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This comment (80974) was in reply to comment 80966 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 8:13pm

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Morticia

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Interestingly enough, I have been following another innkeeper's posts about her guests and each meal she makes for them (she does all 3 meals). She has had someone with some odd requirements, including that he must watch every meal being prepared. Not sure if she is into sarcasm or not (I think not) as she calls all of these restrictions 'blessings'.

From what I can gather, she makes everything she serves from scratch, or she buys it locally at the farmers market. She grows her own veggies. She talks about the hours she spends in the garden. I have no idea where she finds the time! I have no idea where she finds the patience.

My guests here with a baby are lamenting not being able to prepare her food for her from scratch. It's the only part of their vacation that they haven't enjoyed. They are making me wish I had the desire to cook. All they talk about is food. OK, they are not making me want to cook, they are making me want to go to Italy!

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This comment (81083) was in reply to comment 80974 on Sat, 08/14/2010 - 11:01pm

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GeorgiaGirl

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Morticia wrote:

No, I don't think she says those things with sarcasm, she seems to truly like doing it. I know from her website she charges quite a fair amount for her dinners. But I don't see how she has time or energy to do it all....?! I did think it was odd the guest has to watch her prepare his meals due to his restriction, I would be put off thinking he didn't trust me!

This comment (80989) was in reply to comment 80974 on Sat, 08/14/2010 - 7:01am

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catlady

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3 meals a day...I hope she has staff doing all the cleaning and maintenance. That is crazy...unless it is a restaurant as well. You could never get anything done...you would be spending your life in the kitchen

I am with you...a trip to Italy sounds alot better.

This comment (81082) was in reply to comment 80989 on Sat, 08/14/2010 - 10:58pm

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GeorgiaGirl

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catlady wrote:

I am with you...a trip to Italy sounds alot better.

From my understanding she has just recently (only a few days ago) aquired some housecleaning help.....

This comment (80984) was in reply to comment 80974 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 9:37pm

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Samster

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After having great food AWAY from this town at restaurants and from the stores, I am cooking every night! Shrimp tacos with homemade pico de gallo and a chipotle sauce and tonight I made a summer vegetable ratatouille and then had small ground sirloin hamburgers with gorganzola cheese in the middle. I decided since there's no really good places to eat here, I'm going to cook "better" at home and get back to trying interesting but healthy recipes.

I've been reading "Eat, Pray, Love" and want to go to Italy, too! Gelato......

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This comment (80977) was in reply to comment 80974 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 8:26pm

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muirford

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Morticia wrote:

Interestingly enough, I have been following another innkeeper's posts about her guests and each meal she makes for them (she does all 3 meals).

Is it on a blog? I've picked up several that I follow - I seem to be inordinately attracted to the food blogs. It's like watching the Food Network but by reading.

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This comment (81084) was in reply to comment 80977 on Sat, 08/14/2010 - 11:02pm

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GeorgiaGirl

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muirford wrote:

Morticia wrote:

Interestingly enough, I have been following another innkeeper's posts about her guests and each meal she makes for them (she does all 3 meals).

Is it on a blog? I've picked up several that I follow - I seem to be inordinately attracted to the food blogs. It's like watching the Food Network but by reading.

No it's not a blog, she writes these things on her facebook page.

This comment (80968) was in reply to comment 80966 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 6:25pm

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Samster

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Haha....a Nordic god, huh??

"Behind the clouds the sun is shining, Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life a little rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary..... " Longfellow

I guess it was your turn after all the great guests. Sorry.....

This comment (80946) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 12:44pm

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Joey Bloggs

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but but but...would you not just leave the towel in the room, the one towel and put a small note saying, No thanks to housekeeping, not needed, just a couple fresh towels please" These are the stepford guests who checked in last night. Maybe I should fold it back up and leave it there.

This comment (80945) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 12:41pm

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Joey Bloggs

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These are not OUR stairs, btw these are the stairs for all the guest rooms. All I can think of is they thought they would stop me before going to their room.

No they are not foreign, they ...no, don't make me type it, please...okay...I will since you forced me too...are from our nation's capitol. No jokes, please no jokes!

This comment (80947) was in reply to comment 80945 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 1:09pm

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Samster

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Yeah, but it's still weird. I mean, they could have left a note on their door. Left the towel right outside their door with the note. Leave the towel with the note outside your quarters. On a table. On & on.... To leave it in the middle of the stairs..... It's really very unusual.

This comment (80915) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:08am

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seashanty

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come on! they actually left the dirty towel on the stairs with a note!? these people just have no manners. none. i would absolutely go into their room to see what state it's in.

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This comment (80909) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:01am

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Joey Bloggs

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How quickly does blood boil? I ASK YOU!

Ready for this? R U READY?

Now let me give you background, these are not children, these are I would guess late 50's or early 60s. I just walked out in the foyer and found THIS ON THE STAIRS. I have not had pitas for so long this really takes the cake. My flash is broken, bear with me on this:

There is a note on a dirty towel left ON THE STAIRS that says "NO HOUSEKEEPING JUST NEED ONE TOWEL"

Now I feel I need to go into that room. I am not liking these Stepford rejects at all!

You all can laugh as I give advice and don't have any real pitas for myself for a while...well "THEY'RE HERRRRRRRRRRRRRRE!"

This comment (80931) was in reply to comment 80909 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:50am

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Morticia

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Words fail me.

This comment (80926) was in reply to comment 80909 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:48am

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gillumhouse

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I usually do not do "fluff" (what can I say, I am lazy) but you can bet your bottom dollar I would be doing it in THAT room!

Adding: the OnStar couple - he was a carpenter and I told him I was leaving the in-house coffee lost on the newel post as I was leaving for Council meeting that night. He was so surprised that I called it a newel post! He had not heard anyone use that correct term in years - even among carpenters! Seeing your's in the photo reminded me.

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This comment (80917) was in reply to comment 80909 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:11am

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catlady

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Oh my...maybe they just don't have a clue!!! OBVIOUSLY!!! I would definitely go into that room. Or...better yet..throw a towel on the floor next to their door with a note...HERE YOU GO!

This comment (80912) was in reply to comment 80909 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:03am

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Samster

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WHAT THE?????????????? Is this some kind of signal to you that you're not supposed to even go upstairs in your own place? Arrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

I mean, are you supposed to leave a clean folded towel in the same spot with a reply note? Too weird....

This comment (80881) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 8:22am

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Joey Bloggs

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Great, this thread was on top for me to add a comment.

In seven years this is a first...

I go to refill the coffee carafe, in the kitchen...

As it starts to come toward the top I notice something...CREAM. They put cream in the whole blasted carafe! These Stepfords are STILL Stepfords...not sure if there will be a transformation.

This comment (80910) was in reply to comment 80881 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:00am

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Samster

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WHO does something like that? That is so odd.....and rude!

This comment (80918) was in reply to comment 80910 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:12am

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Proud Texan

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Samster wrote:

WHO does something like that? That is so odd.....and rude!

Were they Italian? When we were in Italy several years ago the custom was to pour steamed milk and very strong coffee into the cup at the same time so as to have equal parts.

Or as you say maybe they were rude.

This comment (80919) was in reply to comment 80918 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 11:15am

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Samster

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They poured cream into a whole carafe of coffee which was to serve everyone, not just them. That's not the same as preparing your own cup of coffee to your liking.

This comment (80889) was in reply to comment 80881 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 8:58am

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Morticia

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That is just rude.

This comment (80870) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 5:06am

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Penelope

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We've noticed that the amount of coffee that goes into the basket has gone up. It used to be 1/3 cup for a pot, maybe 3 years ago. Now, it's a HEAPING 1/3 of a cup for a pot, and some people aren't happy with that. Same coffee from the same grinder. It's a house specialty roast and grind. But, IMHO, Fivebucks ruined coffee...

This comment (80874) was in reply to comment 80870 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 6:19am

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Morticia

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We have one of those Keurigs and every last Italian guest has asked if it's ok to set the cup size for 6 ozs. I don't think it was strong enough even then.

This comment (79606) was in reply to the Original Topic on Tue, 08/03/2010 - 1:45pm

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gillumhouse

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I am supposed to be bringing art supplies from the carto our room. I sneaked into the biz center to check e-mail - it is soooo slow I thought I was on dial-up. Gave up and came in to see what is up.

I did not answer before because I do not use those packages. I roast the green coffee beans the night before I serve them - the guest chooses the country of origin. I had my first request for decafe Friday - he wanted decafe and she wanted regular and both wanted Costa Rica. Decafe is VERY rare here also.

Had best go get the art stuff. it is his b'day (I am now married to a VERY OLD man - 70) which is why he was allowed to come with.

This comment (79613) was in reply to comment 79606 on Tue, 08/03/2010 - 2:00pm

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Proud Texan

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gillumhouse wrote:

I am now married to a VERY OLD man - 70

Age is relative. We're all going to be 70 one day.......soon.

This comment (80895) was in reply to comment 79613 on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 9:41am

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gillumhouse

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I still have 5 years to get "roast & toast" first. Although I am missing the signals, I will soon have passed the age of early onset of the Big A - so maybe that won't be so bad. My kids will be the judges - whether I am a PITA or not (I sincerely hope not - but they WILL tell me!).

This comment (79580) was in reply to the Original Topic on Tue, 08/03/2010 - 12:08pm

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Proud Texan

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Again, this may be regional, but we have taken to serving Community Coffee - Between Roast. It's a full bodied coffee, but not over powering or bitter. The price point is good too. It's very good black, and really yummy with cream and sugar. I believe it's produced in Louisiana and may be stronger than brands like Folgers or Maxwell House. My guests seem to prefer the stronger coffees.

I'm curious what brand of coffee everyone else uses AND if it is indeed a regional thing. I ask this because I know tea is bigger in some parts of the country than here and thought coffee choices might be too.

This comment (79587) was in reply to comment 79580 on Tue, 08/03/2010 - 1:00pm

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Morticia

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We've gone back and forth on this so many times here. This coffee, that coffee, whatever the store has on sale coffee. We have finally settled on what is probably a Northeast coffee- 8 O'Clock. It was the house coffee of the former A&P shops. Coffee is one of those things we will never be able to please everyone on. We don't get 'locals' here so we try to please the tastes of the guests.

Lots of tea drinkers. Lots of decaf, too.

The other thing is pillows. There are not enough options in the world to make every guest happy about their pillow!

This comment (79511) was in reply to the Original Topic on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 8:16pm

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seashanty

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maybe you could work out a trade with someone decaf for high test ...

This comment (79506) was in reply to the Original Topic on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 7:12pm

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Joey Bloggs

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One out of 100+ drink decaf here.

This comment (79507) was in reply to comment 79506 on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 7:23pm

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Samster

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I am 1 of those ones.

This comment (79353) was in reply to the Original Topic on Sun, 08/01/2010 - 5:53pm

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Proud Texan

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I tossed some two-year old packs, reserving only enough until I get their replacements. I think the new packets will be stored in the freezer and only taken out as needed.

I don't know if it's health conciousness or because of the East Texas heat and humidity, but no one seems to drink decaf.

This comment (79503) was in reply to comment 79353 on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 6:04pm

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Banana

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Yep, Gulf Coast Texas here...maybe one out of twenty drinks decaf.

This comment (78131) was in reply to the Original Topic on Mon, 07/19/2010 - 6:40pm

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Joey Bloggs

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Remember~Great Coffee is a Destination & Great Places Deserve Great Coffee

This comment (78124) was in reply to the Original Topic on Mon, 07/19/2010 - 6:15pm

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One Day

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I have Gevalia coffee in the half pound boxes that I am trying to get rid since terminating membership.....1.5 years ago.......Some one keeps buying the large containers of Folgers, Chock full O nuts or Maxwell House and openning them before I can get through the gevalia

When I do get to use a gevalia......it's been fine.......as long as it is still vacumm packed...............if for some reason the package is not..........the coffee has gone bad...........used one package that the foil pack was no longer vacumm packed..........it was awefull.........never knew by smelling it, only by drinking it.

This comment (78111) was in reply to the Original Topic on Mon, 07/19/2010 - 4:27pm

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muirford

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Do you have refrigerators in the room? They will stay fresh longer in there.

This comment (78110) was in reply to the Original Topic on Mon, 07/19/2010 - 4:24pm

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Morticia

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Amazingly enough, we go thru a LOT of decaf, especially in the evenings. If that is not your experience, I would keep a few of them on hand, in each room, not reorder and give the rest of it to a homeless shelter or some other charity.

I know our demographic is very different in their coffee habits because we make a full pot of decaf every day and SOMEONE drinks it. Not all of it and not as much as the regular, but some mornings the reg sits and I'm making seconds on the decaf.

We also get a lot of 'half-cafs' who mix the 2.

I don't know how long they stay fresh, but it's longer than the pkg would indicate. I'd bet it's years.

How long do you keep sealed 4-cup coffee packs?

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