1.   The South Pasadena specialty food chain recently started lowering its prices for gourmet roasted whole beans.

2.   While whole bean prices more than doubled, gourmet coffee bars pushed up their prices by a far lower percentage.

3.   Although the whole beans are more subtle, they require more preparation and are harder to find than prepared black bean sauce.

4.   And always buy whole beans that you grind at home in small batches.

5.   Add the remaining whole beans and correct for desired thickness by adding more broth or water.

6.   All coffee is shipped in half-pound, vacuum-sealed bags, either ground or whole bean.

7.   But it also offers an assortment of sophisticated whole bean coffees, as well as breakfast, in the coffee bar.

8.   Choose whole beans over refried if you can.

9.   For the freshest coffee experience possible, use whole beans and grind them yourself at home just before brewing.

10.   Garnish with whole beans.