All about Manifesto Casa Tostadora Calabrese in Mérida

Manifesto Casa Tostadora Calabrese is a trendy café west of Mérida’s city center. A second location, Manifesto Cold Brew, is in the north of the city on Calle 18, offering outdoor seating for those who prefer to enjoy the fresh air.

The coffee beans come from Mexico, but the barista technique is rooted in Italy. The reason is simple, the two owners are Italian. This combination results in high-quality coffee with a strong emphasis on traditional espresso preparation.

The roasting is done artisanally in micro-lots using slow-roasting techniques traditionally employed in Calabria's roasting plants. The beans selected for roasting come from

Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla, Guerrero, Nayarit, and Oaxaca in Mexico.

The café itself blends modern design with colonial elements, and the free Wi-Fi attracts digital nomads looking for a comfortable place to work. There’s also a small selection of food, including panini, toast, croissants, and pastries.

However, the focus here is clearly on coffee and espresso rather than food. You’ll find iced drinks, frappés, and fresh juices, but if you're looking for a big brunch, this might not be the right spot.

More Than Just a Name

The name "Manifesto" reflects the café’s philosophy, its commitment to quality coffee. The beans come from seasonal harvests, and sustainability is a key part of their approach, with direct relationships to coffee farms.

The Coffee Beans

There are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica beans have a smoother, sweeter flavor with higher acidity, while Robusta beans are stronger, more bitter, and contain more caffeine.

Manifesto uses Arabica beans, known for their smooth, nuanced flavor and natural sweetness. These beans are predominantly sourced from the mentioned regions in Mexico, where ideal climate and altitude conditions support well-balanced harvests.

The Manifesto

By the way, the manifesto (you can check it on the website) states:

1. Coffee is made with freshly roasted beans.

2. An airtight container preserves coffee best.

3. Coffee is ground just before brewing.

4. Water quality makes a difference.

5. The secret is in the roast, the art is in the preparation.

6. Good preparation cannot hide a bad roast.

7. Good coffee doesn’t just taste like coffee.

8. Coffee should be a balance of flavor, aroma, and body.

9. Quality coffee is best enjoyed without sugar.

10. Coffee should NEVER be reheated.

Online Ressources

In addition to its own website, you'll find

• Manifesto on Facebook

• Manifesto on Instagram