Machado. The government of Minas Gerais, along with partners at each location, has developed Centers for Excellence in Coffee (Centro de Excelencia do Cafe) around Minas Gerais. The purpose of these centers is to host training seminars and eventually conduct research relating to coffee quality. This particular center was opened on March 23, 2006, however it is still very much a work-in-progress. The shipments for lab equipment had just arrived and most of the material was still in boxes. Expenses were not spared in buying top-notch equipment. The Machado center consists of 4 parts: Academic Buildings, Lab, Dorms, and Restaurant.
Academic Building (Classrooms, Lecture Hall, Library, Administrative Offices)
The lecture hall seats 264. This building also has several classrooms, a library (not yet in use) and administrative offices. I loved the carved room signs.
Laboratory
The lab is in progress. Most things were still in boxes. However, by looking at what was in the boxes, look for a top-notch lab in the near future.
Major League Baseball is also doing their part to sponsor the lab…
Lodging
This center also has a dormitory, or mini hotel, complete with pool table and rec room.
Restaurant
Last, and, being that we arrived at 2:00pm with empty stomachs, most important, the cafeteria. And the food was incredible. And the pudim, or flan, was, without exaggeration, the best I have seen. I tried to get a decent photo, this was the best. Look at the texture. Many flans have a tendency to be on the eggy side. This one was far from it – creamy and utterly delicious!
Award-winning Pudim
And I just had to meet the creators of the afore mentioned flan…
