Espresso Enthusiasts

[S.B.G]

Yup...emotional age, moral development age, intellectual age...and other manner of developmental age designations. I could go on in more detail, but I fear you would die of boredom...or worse, have me killed!

Now, aren't you just so glad that you asked...

I'm sorry I asked. I should have known better than to question a man go your, um, chronological age!

 

[S.B.G]

I saw this on Etsy and thought it might express the morning status of at least some of us...

Image

That's about how I feel most every morning!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'm just curious...is there any other type of order in which people age?

Very good.

And yes, I read Mr Shrink's answer….but maybe the real answer is that you are as old as you feel, which is why some mornings I feel as old as Methuselah, and, indeed, sometimes think I was born middle aged, while on others, a rare, youthful spirit attempts to assert itself…..

I saw this on Etsy and thought it might express the morning status of at least some of us...

Image

Yes. I sympathise. Truly. I am not one of nature's larks, either. Rather the opposite, in fact…..

But this is precisely the reason why - while I love the idea of the ritual of the entire process as discussed in such loving detail on this very thread we all of us view as a home form home - (roasting, grinding, tamping, etc. etc) - I cannot ever see myself embarking upon such a mentally taxing and demanding set of activities in the morning……..

 

[Kurwenal]

Imagine the most beautiful, perfect, thickly crema topped double shot ever.

Just a great way to start your day!


Take that, Kurwenal!

My advice is to adjust your grind.

…...suddenly, a brand new variant of the old 'mine is bigger, better and bolder than yours' staple of male competition sidles onto the stage and into the discussion……..

 

[Shrink]

My advice is to adjust your grind.

Oh, darn you...and I thought I finally had it right!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

At the risk of imminent expulsion from this welcoming oasis of civilisation, I must confess that not only had I a double espresso in a nice café yesterday on arrival in Istanbul, I also lapsed (greed and need my explanation) and repeated the requested order in - oh, wait for the admitted horror and please, cease and desist and I humbly plead that you do not expel me -I slipped into SB for a repeat order of…….double espresso…..

Needs must, my friends, needs must. I can only plead a six hour flight as justification and a broken espresso machine (shown sadly by the cabin crew to me) when I asked…...

 

[S.B.G]

At the risk of imminent expulsion from this welcoming oasis of civilisation, I must confess that not only had I a double espresso in a nice café yesterday on arrival in Istanbul, I also lapsed (greed and need my explanation) and repeated the requested order in - oh, wait for the admitted horror and please, cease and desist and I humbly plead that you do not expel me -I slipped into SB for a repeat order of…….double espresso…..

Needs must, my friends, needs must. I can only plead a six hour flight as justification and a broken espresso machine (shown sadly by the cabin crew to me) when I asked…...

What is it they say? Any port in a storm.

So, what was your taste opinion of SB's espresso?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

What is it they say? Any port in a storm.

So, what was your taste opinion of SB's espresso?

Café Nero's (also in Istanbul airport, where I normally stop off anyway,) was an awful lot nicer; the SB was burnt and bitter (but three sachets of sugar remedied that deficiency); however, - such was my state of caffeine deprivation (when the crew on the plane sadly showed me the broken espresso machine) that needs must, and, as you phrased it so elegantly, any port in a storm.

My need was so great that my conclusion yesterday (a conclusion that will doubtless undergo radical revision when I can sample such in a more relaxed environment) was that "SB was not so bad!"

Whatever about my companions, compadres, and friends on this thread extending an understanding hand of forgiveness……I'm not sure I can forgive myself for tis egregious lapse in taste……and standards….

 

[Shrink]

Café Nero's (also in Istanbul airport, where I normally stop off anyway,) was an awful lot nicer; the SB was burnt and bitter (but three sachets of sugar remedied that deficiency); however, - such was my state of caffeine deprivation (when the crew on the plane sadly showed me the broken espresso machine) that needs must, and, as you phrased it so elegantly, any port in a storm.

My need was so great that my conclusion yesterday (a conclusion that will doubtless undergo radical revision when I can sample such in a more relaxed environment) was that "SB was not so bad!"

Whatever about my companions, compadres, and friends on this thread extending an understanding hand of forgiveness……I'm not sure I can forgive myself for tis egregious lapse in taste……and standards….

All is forgiven, Lovely Lady...we must all do what we must. I think I might speak for others in saying that we have all, in times of desperation, done things for which we are not proud...but expect forgiveness from those who care for us.

Expulsion is only a requisite if one sings the praises of...ah...that ersatz drink, the name of which is not to be mentioned in this venue!

 

[SactoGuy18]

Scepticalscribe,

Hold it right there. Why are you drinking an Italian-style coffee in Istanbul when you should be drinking real Turkish style coffee? I like that style of coffee because even in a very small cup, the caffeine "buzz" can be quite strong (not nodding off for the rest of the day! ).

By the way, I'd like to make an "almost espresso" style coffee with a Moka pot, but first I have to replace my electric range with a gas range....

 

[Shrink]

Scepticalscribe,

Hold it right there. Why are you drinking an Italian-style coffee in Istanbul when you should be drinking real Turkish style coffee? I like that style of coffee because even in a very small cup, the caffeine "buzz" can be quite strong (not nodding off for the rest of the day! ).

By the way, I'd like to make an "almost espresso" style coffee with a Moka pot, but first I have to replace my electric range with a gas range....

Any sacrifice necessary for good coffee MUST be made!

 

[S.B.G]

Scepticalscribe,

Hold it right there. Why are you drinking an Italian-style coffee in Istanbul when you should be drinking real Turkish style coffee? I like that style of coffee because even in a very small cup, the caffeine "buzz" can be quite strong (not nodding off for the rest of the day! ).

By the way, I'd like to make an "almost espresso" style coffee with a Moka pot, but first I have to replace my electric range with a gas range....

Shrink's Law says that if you like it, that's all that matters. I would argue that statement would better be posed by using the word could. Otherwise it's implying she made a mistake when it's all a matter of personal taste (pun intended)

 

[Kurwenal]

My need was so great that my conclusion yesterday (a conclusion that will doubtless undergo radical revision when I can sample such in a more relaxed environment) was that "SB was not so bad!"

Whatever about my companions, compadres, and friends on this thread extending an understanding hand of forgiveness……I'm not sure I can forgive myself for tis egregious lapse in taste……and standards….

No reprobation whatsoever from here. You may recall my post following my very nearly salacious relationship with a Nespresso machine while overlooking Kowloon Bay, following a 16 hour plane flight.

It happens. And it is fitting, as you know the difference.

----------

By the way, I'd like to make an "almost espresso" style coffee with a Moka pot, but first I have to replace my electric range with a gas range....

I guess I have never considered this before. Surely it is easier with gas, but is it truly impossible to use a Bialetti on an electric range?

 

[S.B.G]

I just made a Moretto. From the Great Coffee App:

Marocchino
Marocchino is a well-known drink made with espresso, cocoa and milk froth. It is remarkable in the sense that coca softens the taste of coffee, removing the distinctive bitterness of espresso.

According to on the versions, the term "marocchino" originates from the word "morocco," which means 'light brown color' - because of its likeness of color to the coffee drink. Recently, however, 'Morocchino' was officially renamed by the Italians to "Moretto," because it was thought that the name had a connotation with the Moroccans.

 

[Shrink]

I just made a Moretto. From the Great Coffee App:


View attachment 485956

Looks interesting!

I would have to disagree with the quote from the app where it says..."distinctive bitterness of espresso." Properly roasted and prepared espresso really shouldn't be bitter...at least in my experience.

 

[S.B.G]

Looks interesting!

I would have to disagree with the quote from the app where it says..."distinctive bitterness of espresso." Properly roasted and prepared espresso really shouldn't be bitter...at least in my experience.

I knew, somehow, that you'd take exception to that remark. For what its worth, I believe you.

 

[Shrink]

I knew, somehow, that you'd take exception to that remark. For what its worth, I believe you.

I really should have added that unless bitterness is an inherent flavor of the bean...it shouldn't be bitter.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

No reprobation whatsoever from here. You may recall my post following my very nearly salacious relationship with a Nespresso machine while overlooking Kowloon Bay, following a 16 hour plane flight.

It happens. And it is fitting, as you know the difference.

----------



I guess I have never considered this before. Surely it is easier with gas, but is it truly impossible to use a Bialetti on an electric range?

No, it is not at all impossible, truly or otherwise, as, when I use my Bialetti in my mother's house, I use an electric stove top, and that is what is used all of the time. Yes, well, I accept that gas is somewhat better, or preferable, but one uses whatever is available.

The benefice of the blessing of forgiveness for my egregious lapse in taste is, of course, most welcome; I expected no less from my friends here, but remain most grateful for it…...

 

[S.B.G]

This evening I traveled to Rochester, Michigan which is about a 30 minute drive or so from my home. It's the place where Madonna grew up - not that I am a fan of hers. It's a very wealthy and affluent city, which is, also, where I was born into this world.

In this city I found, via Apple Maps on OS X, the Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters. I only found it because I felt like going for a drive and the route to Rochester from where I currently live has many curves in the road and I wanted to see how my car performed in them. Then I had the thought that Rochester must have some coffee shops other than SB's and thus I searched. I only got to power through one set of curves because there was too much traffic inhibiting me along the way. I did find a couple of coffee shops and one of them was formerly a SB's and is now some other type of coffee house. I'll have to stop and check it out another time.

It was a nice place with a comfortable ambience and cool music playing. One could choose to dine inside or outside on a little patio. I chose to dine inside, as I didn't have as much time to spend there as I would have wanted.



On the chalkboard, they had written 'espresso' with the letter 's' underlined three times. No doubt, to educate the otherwise, probably, many, customers who ignorantly ask for an expresso!

I walked up to the counter and asked the nice lady for 'a double' and gave her $1.95. I went and picked out a seat and waited for a couple of minutes until she brought it over. It was quite good, not too bitter and had a nice aftertaste. It even let me know that the shots I pull at home aren't too far off the mark either.

I'll be going back again, hopefully soon, to spend a little more time there and enjoy some of their other drinks.

 

[Shrink]

This evening I traveled to Rochester, Michigan which is about a 30 minute drive or so from my home. It's the place where Madonna grew up - not that I am a fan of hers. It's a very wealthy and affluent city, which is, also, where I was born into this world.

In this city I found, via Apple Maps on OS X, the Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters. I only found it because I felt like going for a drive and the route to Rochester from where I currently live has many curves in the road and I wanted to see how my car performed in them. Then I had the thought that Rochester must have some coffee shops other than SB's and thus I searched. I only got to power through one set of curves because there was too much traffic inhibiting me along the way. I did find a couple of coffee shops and one of them was formerly a SB's and is now some other type of coffee house. I'll have to stop and check it out another time.

It was a nice place with a comfortable ambience and cool music playing. One could choose to dine inside or outside on a little patio. I chose to dine inside, as I didn't have as much time to spend there as I would have wanted.

View attachment 486000

On the chalkboard, they had written 'espresso' with the letter 's' underlined three times. No doubt, to educate the otherwise, probably, many, customers who ignorantly ask for an expresso!

I walked up to the counter and asked the nice lady for 'a double' and gave her $1.95. I went and picked out a seat and waited for a couple of minutes until she brought it over. It was quite good, not too bitter and had a nice aftertaste. It even let me know that the shots I pull at home aren't too far off the mark either.

I'll be going back again, hopefully soon, to spend a little more time there and enjoy some of their other drinks.

View attachment 486001

Looks like a neat little coffee shop. Great to have one within reasonable striking distance.

 

[Kurwenal]

Nice looking drink.

I love a good, quiet, comfortable coffee shop.

 

[decafjava]

Nice looking drink.

I love a good, quiet, comfortable coffee shop.

Amen, a bit hard to find in this town though. There are at least 5 SB shops here in Geneva, which are neither "good" nor "quiet" usually. There is a very good coffee shop called "Boreal" which has 2 shops, but bother are quite busy as the real coffee lovers go there. Otherwise I have to find the odd surprise, for example the pizza place with excellent coffee I was told about.

 

[Shrink]

Amen, a bit hard to find in this town though. There are at least 5 SB shops here in Geneva, which are neither "good" nor "quiet" usually. There is a very good coffee shop called "Boreal" which has 2 shops, but bother are quite busy as the real coffee lovers go there. Otherwise I have to find the odd surprise, for example the pizza place with excellent coffee I was told about.

You're lucky to have the two shops, and the pizza joint with the surprisingly good coffee.

There is nothing near me, or even vaguely near me, aside from the ubiquitous SB...blech!

 

[S.B.G]

I made another caffe mocha tonight and it turned out well. I even have improvement on the layering too.

 

[Shrink]

I made another caffe mocha tonight and it turned out well. I even have improvement on the layering too.
View attachment 486204

It looks terrific! I'm sure you enjoyed the chocolaty treat!