Espresso Enthusiasts

[Scepticalscribe]

Are you kidding!?

The Economist will just tell you about some essential news regarding the state of the world.

Fresh coffee will contribute to the essential excellence of your daily life.

The choice is obvious…

Well, @Shrink, a little something in my mind predicted precisely what your preferences and priorities would be in this scenario.

Somehow, I assumed that this is exactly what you were about to recommend.

Now, however, my requirement is to tweak finances so that both The Economist can be subscribed to (mind you, some of my left wing friends wondered why I hadn't included the New Statesman as well) and coffee can be ordered.

Basically, it is an updated version of the old, "see cake, want cake, and endeavour to ensure that I can obtain cake and can actually get to eat it, too."

 

[Shrink]

Well, @Shrink, a little something in my mind predicted precisely what your preferences and priorities would be in this scenario.

Somehow, I assumed that this is exactly what you were about to recommend.

Now, however, my requirement is to tweak finances so that both The Economist can be subscribed to (mind you, some of my left wing friends wondered why I hadn't included the New Statesman as well) and coffee can be ordered.

Basically, it is an updated version of the old, "see cake, want cake, and endeavour to ensure that I can obtain cake and can actually get to eat it, too."

My goodness gracious...impossible to believe that I am so predictable. It must just be that good friend @Scepticalscribe, a woman possessing profound abilities and insights into the motivations of others sees beyond the obvious and superficial and can predict my behaviors only as a result of these remarkable skills.

OR

I'm as transparent as glass.

BTW...good solution to the problem...get BOTH!

 

[S.B.G]

Found on Twitter, this is apparently Italy's first espresso machine, circa 1910.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Found on Twitter, this is apparently Italy's first espresso machine, circa 1910.
View attachment 639957

Yes, beautiful, isn't it?

La Pavoni have made some beautiful machines - take a look at their website, and some of their manual machines (not that I intend to go down that road) are pure objets d'art.

 

[Shrink]

Found on Twitter, this is apparently Italy's first espresso machine, circa 1910.
View attachment 639957

OK...gotta have it!

Busted body notwithstanding...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

OK...gotta have it!

Busted body notwithstanding...

Sigh.

If memory serves, if I recall correctly, if the archived chambers of my mind remind me truly, I do seem to recall asking our friend and resident expert on all things espresso, namely Dr @Shrink - for his thoughts on a (manual) La Pavoni that I had quite lost my heart to while working in central Asia not long ago.

Now, I recall being advised that this thing (though exquisitely - nay, insanely - beautiful) was also manually operated.

And that - entirely appropriate advice - led me to switch my affections elsewhere.

(For the curious, or merely forgetful, La Marzocco is where my affections currently lie).

My sense is that an espresso machine from 1910 (yes, it is gorgeous, illegally so, and Italian design is without equal for that fabulous fusion of form and content in the crafting, creating and imagining of everyday products) might require more by way of physical effort than any of us are prepared - or able - to manage.

But, yes, how lovely to see the first iteration of what we now know to have become a timeless classic. And subsequent versions could only have improved some of the shortcomings of the first - earliest - machines.

 

[S.B.G]

With the advent of the Expobar to my arsenal of espresso production equipment and my honed skills, the consistency of the shots has been good and steady. I am amazed at how well and consistent it pulls shots, in combination with being as consistent with my preparation of said shots. With the Gaggia, and certainly the $80 De Longhi, I never had this level of consistency.

My favorite part of the extraction process is the first few seconds of the liquid coming down the portafilter spout with the various colors of foam, oils and coffee mixed together before turning blonde and fully in crema production. Then my next favorite part is looking though the clear glass and seeing almost 95% of the glass full of crema for a few more seconds before it settles at the top to form that beautiful caramel colored topping. Again, with the other two machines, I didn't see a lot of crema production if any most of the time.

Dare I say it? I may be inching closer and closer to a god shot.

I'm clearly sick in the head.

 

[mobilehaathi]

With the advent of the Expobar to my arsenal of espresso production equipment and my honed skills, the consistency of the shots has been good and steady. I am amazed at how well and consistent it pulls shots, in combination with being as consistent with my preparation of said shots. With the Gaggia, and certainly the $80 De Longhi, I never had this level of consistency.

My favorite part of the extraction process is the first few seconds of the liquid coming down the portafilter spout with the various colors of foam, oils and coffee mixed together before turning blonde and fully in crema production. Then my next favorite part is looking though the clear glass and seeing almost 95% of the glass full of crema for a few more seconds before it settles at the top to form that beautiful caramel colored topping. Again, with the other two machines, I didn't see a lot of crema production if any most of the time.

Dare I say it? I may be inching closer and closer to a god shot.

I'm clearly sick in the head.

Since I seen to follow your trail when it comes to espresso machines, I'm quite happy to hear that you're thrilled with this one. This one will take a while for me to justify though....

 

[S.B.G]

Since I seen to follow your trail when it comes to espresso machines, I'm quite happy to hear that you're thrilled with this one. This one will take a while for me to justify though....

I completely understand that. Its a lot of dough to make that next step in machines. I'm also careful to give the Gaggia its just due and not make it out t be a piece of crap - because its not. However at the same time, I'm learning that it truly is in a different class than the Expobar and the difference is noticeable. I don't want to make you feel bad in any way at all when I talk like this.

 

[mobilehaathi]

I completely understand that. Its a lot of dough to make that next step in machines. I'm also careful to give the Gaggia its just due and not make it out t be a piece of crap - because its not. However at the same time, I'm learning that it truly is in a different class than the Expobar and the difference is noticeable. I don't want to make you feel bad in any way at all when I talk like this.

No hurt feelings at all; you're welcome to be the Guinea pig!

Well, in a few years I ought to be in a good position to step things up a bit. In the mean time I'm still very very happy with my baby class.

 

[S.B.G]

No hurt feelings at all; you're welcome to be the Guinea pig!

Well, in a few years I ought to be in a good position to step things up a bit. In the mean time I'm still very very happy with my baby class.

When the time comes I'll be just as excited for you as everyone has been for me.

 

[Shrink]

With the advent of the Expobar to my arsenal of espresso production equipment and my honed skills, the consistency of the shots has been good and steady. I am amazed at how well and consistent it pulls shots, in combination with being as consistent with my preparation of said shots. With the Gaggia, and certainly the $80 De Longhi, I never had this level of consistency.

My favorite part of the extraction process is the first few seconds of the liquid coming down the portafilter spout with the various colors of foam, oils and coffee mixed together before turning blonde and fully in crema production. Then my next favorite part is looking though the clear glass and seeing almost 95% of the glass full of crema for a few more seconds before it settles at the top to form that beautiful caramel colored topping. Again, with the other two machines, I didn't see a lot of crema production if any most of the time.

Dare I say it? I may be inching closer and closer to a god shot.

I'm clearly sick in the head.

Well, that's quite a vivid description. It left me quite breathless. One might even suggest it was… well… obscenely graphic.

Just a note on the last line of the post. As you all know I never function in a professional capacity when posting here as that would be both unwise and unethical. However, since I am among friends, and no one else is listening, I will reveal to you some Secret Shrink Stuff.

When my colleagues and I meet at our Secret Shrink Meetings, we often discuss our cases among ourselves. This, of course, includes very highly technical nomenclature known only to those of us Highly Trained Professionals. Over the past few minutes I have shared the post quoted above with several of my colleagues. A lively discussion ensued employing highly technical language.It was the general consensus that the author of the post is quite likely, quoting from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Edition V, Diagnostic Code 597.64, Subtype 5.9..."Sick In The Head."

As it would be unfortunate to pass this along to the author of the post as we never reveal diagnoses to the patient, so please just keep it among yourselves.



I'll go take my medication now...

 

[S.B.G]

I just placed an order from www.barringtoncoffee.com for their espresso sample pack. 3 12oz bags of whatever they're offering at the time. So it will be a surprise as to what I receive.

The Sweet Maria's order has shipped, but UPS says a Monday delivery. It always takes such a long time when I order coffee from California to get here. That's partly why I ordered from Barrington, they're just outside of Boston which is much closer to me.

 

[Shrink]

I just placed an order from www.barringtoncoffee.com for their espresso sample pack. 3 12oz bags of whatever they're offering at the time. So it will be a surprise as to what I receive.

The Sweet Maria's order has shipped, but UPS says a Monday delivery. It always takes such a long time when I order coffee from California to get here. That's partly why I ordered from Barrington, they're just outside of Boston which is much closer to me.

As the Barrington was the shop I found on my trip to Boston, I certainly hope that the bean grab bag that you ordered from them has some beans that you enjoy. The shop itself, which is in the heart of Boston's Back Bay, and on the oh-so-tony Newbury Street, is a lovely little shop with an excellent selection of coffees. You mentioned that it ships from somewhere just outside Boston so I'm assuming that that's their "warehouse" and perhaps where the roasting is done. Again, I certainly hope that the beans pleasing.

Today I decided to try doing a small adjustment in the brewing time on my various coffees. With the Intelligentsia El Diablo and Dessert OasisColombia Huila - Limited, Competition espresso beans, the increase from 7:00 minutes to 7:30 brew time created a richer brew. The same increase of time with the Atomic Cafe Diesel beans was unsuccessful as the brew was slightly bitter. So these latter beans our best at seven minutes flat.

 

[S.B.G]

You mentioned that it ships from somewhere just outside Boston so I'm assuming that that's their "warehouse" and perhaps where the roasting is done.

Yeah, the roastery is located outside of town. Click here for details and a set of wonderful photos of their operation.

 

[Shrink]

Yeah, the roastery is located outside of town. Click here for details and a set of wonderful photos of their operation.

Lee, Mass is in the Western part of the State. It is in the Berkshire mountains, and is a breathtakingly beautiful area. Tanglewood, home of the famous annual Tanglewood Music festival is nearby. It is an amazingly beautiful venue in which to listen to the music. And a wonderful place to have their roastery.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Sipping a mug of (Ethiopian) coffee.

The garden is magnificent, the sun is shining through a hazy cloud cover, it is warm and full of the sights, sounds and scents of high summer, I am wearing a new deep blue denim shirt (I rarely wear denim, in fact, this is the first denim shirt I have ever bought, it is made from that lovely - quite heavy - but very good quality American cotton that I like) with blue khakis and Church's navy suede desert boots, and I am sipping a freshly made mug of coffee.

Elsewhere, there is chaos, not least politically. But, for now, I am not in the midst of it.

 

[S.B.G]

Good morning all. I've had my first cup from the Expobar and it was very nice. All that work and all that expense to make espresso and its consumed so quickly! However, it is well worth it for a delicious cup.

However, I want more. Go figure. So I am brewing a pot of French Press, the Intelligentsia Los Inmortales beans, of which is just about all gone. The funny thing here is that I told Siri, on the iPhone, to set a timer for 7 and a half minutes. It set the timer and had a message for me, one that I completely agree with.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Well, today is a day in front of the television for me. I always take some annual leave at this time of year to watch the Open. It's already been on since 6:30 this morning and is on until 21:00. In between the golf I've walked to my local shop for my newspapers (Times and Telegraph), had a coffee (from Nespresso machine) and a cup of tea. A tuna sandwich for lunch. This afternoon (along with the golf) I have a Tesco delivery and a new Tumble Dryer coming. More coffee and tea this afternoon and more reading. It's a hard life......

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Good morning all. I've had my first cup from the Expobar and it was very nice. All that work and all that expense to make espresso and its consumed so quickly! However, it is well worth it for a delicious cup.

However, I want more. Go figure. So I am brewing a pot of French Press, the Intelligentsia Los Inmortales beans, of which is just about all gone. The funny thing here is that I told Siri, on the iPhone, to set a timer for 7 and a half minutes. It set the timer and had a message for me, one that I completely agree with.

View attachment 640189

Yes, I couldn't agree more.

In fact, this is one of the paradoxes of the Espresso condition; all that preparation, thought, planning (to get everything ready simultaneously), equipment (grinder, tamper, machine, etc), beans, more thought, further planning, - and sheer hard work - just to get a superb shot in a tiny cup (that, granted, is usually a work of art) that is swallowed in seconds!
[doublepost=1468499477][/doublepost]My sense is that the Intelligentsia Los Inmortales will work well with the French Press method of preparation.

Meanwhile, the Siri message is rather funny.

 

[S.B.G]

My afternoon double shot using the Le Creuset espresso cup.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

My afternoon double shot using the Le Creuset espresso cup.
View attachment 640228

Now, I love the Le Creuset range (and really like that colour, as well).

And, rather than the glass cups that seem to be preferred by some of my esteemed companions on this very thread, (and yes, I do know that they serve to show off the wonderful espresso crema, and colour to best effect), personally, I tend to prefer lovely porcelain or ceramic or pottery mugs or cups.

By the way, @SandboxGeneral; Le Creuset also make rather lovely tiny espresso mugs; I have a few and they are really gorgeous. In fact, I have a few; and earlier, I had given a few (black ones) to an Italian colleague who became a good friend with whom I served abroad a few years ago - he had brought his espresso machine over and we used to drink espresso in his room.
[doublepost=1468517794][/doublepost]Oh, and I meant to add: I hope you enjoyed your afternoon double espresso!

 

[S.B.G]

By the way, @SandboxGeneral; Le Creuset also make rather lovely tiny espresso mugs;

That is precisely what that is; their tiny espresso mugs. If you recall I ordered a set of them, and saucers, about two weeks ago. It may look look like a larger cup only because there isn't anything else in the photo for scale.

I agree with you that I like my coffee in the porcelain over the glass, but at the same time, the glass is great for showing off the color and crema of the espresso.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

That is precisely what that is; their tiny espresso mugs. If you recall I ordered a set of them, and saucers, about two weeks ago. It may look look like a larger cup only because there isn't anything else in the photo for scale.

I agree with you that I like my coffee in the porcelain over the glass, but at the same time, the glass is great for showing off the color and crema of the espresso.

Ah, right, those are the small espresso cups (and they look absolutely gorgeous) and, of course, they came complete with their matching saucers.

Actually, the ones I bought were actually almost miniature mugs (solidly and squarely set on the table, or coaster, in other words, they had no saucer).

But, again, I hope you enjoyed your double espresso.

 

[S.B.G]

Ah, right, those are the small espresso cups (and they look absolutely gorgeous) and, of course, they came complete with their matching saucers.

Actually, the ones I bought were actually almost miniature mugs (solidly and squarely set on the table, or coaster, in other words, they had no saucer).

But, again, I hope you enjoyed your double espresso.

The espresso was enjoyed thoroughly.

Now, I'm sitting here, reviewing the posts in this thread from today, and am imagining you sitting there enjoying your Ethiopian coffee, wearing a denim shirt, khakis and desert boots. An interesting outfit, at least for what I think of are desert boots from my Marine Corps days. Once I searched the boots your mentioned I saw that they are nothing like I had first imagined! Rather, they appear to be quite stylish and not so rugged for use in actual desert climates.