Which is why, while I was in-patient for six months, I politely declined offers of "coffee".
Nasty only begins to describe that stuff.
And when I returned home, I didn't drink coffee until I was able to make French press myself.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Espresso Enthusiasts
- Thread starter eric/
- WikiPost WikiPost
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
- Status
Which is why, while I was in-patient for six months, I politely declined offers of "coffee".
Nasty only begins to describe that stuff.
And when I returned home, I didn't drink coffee until I was able to make French press myself.
But the good, and the very good, need not be the enemy of the best and the Rapidly-Approaching-Perfection-Of-A-Godshot.
I agree with Sceptical's observations on countries and their tea and coffee cultures, and thus quality. I began drinking coffee when I was a young lad as well. Though if I had to put it in a number, it was around age six, which has me two years before Sceptical. It was a non issue with my parents at the time. I didn't drink a full cup; it was moderated. It was around 9 or 10 that I was introduced to wine. Mind you this wasn't the states, so the overall anxiousness of drinking under 21 wasn't a problem. Anyway, my parents were serious coffee drinkings then too, it was my siblings who preferred that "I" stuff and they've grown out of that. When one is faced with the "I" stuff, one should load it with cream and sugar so it's more dessert like and less foul, barbarous liquid.
When I was in grad school, I had more coffee knowledge then I did during my undergrad years and could make a very good cup. If I make coffee that's too bad to drink, I don't throw it out in the common sense. I throw it out in the garden. People often ask me why. It's simple, many plants love the acidic nature of coffee. They drive under those conditions. Bugs such as gnats and aphids hate the scent of coffee and go away.
Anyway, FP'd some peaberry this morning around 10 AM, had a cup and then FP'd some more. As I've said before, this summer has been very cool compared to previous summers. In fact, it's the coolest summer I recall experiencing in the US. I suspect an extremely cold and bitter winter lies ahead of us.
Fortunately, that means I have a reason to whip out the double walled stainless steel French press I got last year.
Edit: I forgot to say that I've been doing some reading and speaking with my local nursery, and they manage to grow seedlings in espresso pucks. I've been told they use a natural binder and coat the pucks in it prior to wetting them. They more or less hold their shape until they can be transplanted. I may have to look into that myself and find out what binder they use.
I've had some unfortunate events. From accidentally dropping them to see them shatter to seeing one of my nephews thinking it's a brownie and taking a bite, only to spit it out into the sink a moment later. Granted that second incident was rather hilarious for the adults in the kitchen.
When I was in grad school, I had more coffee knowledge then I did during my undergrad years and could make a very good cup. If I make coffee that's too bad to drink, I don't throw it out in the common sense. I throw it out in the garden. People often ask me why. It's simple, many plants love the acidic nature of coffee. They drive under those conditions. Bugs such as gnats and aphids hate the scent of coffee and go away.
Anyway, FP'd some peaberry this morning around 10 AM, had a cup and then FP'd some more. As I've said before, this summer has been very cool compared to previous summers. In fact, it's the coolest summer I recall experiencing in the US. I suspect an extremely cold and bitter winter lies ahead of us.
Fortunately, that means I have a reason to whip out the double walled stainless steel French press I got last year. Edit: I forgot to say that I've been doing some reading and speaking with my local nursery, and they manage to grow seedlings in espresso pucks. I've been told they use a natural binder and coat the pucks in it prior to wetting them. They more or less hold their shape until they can be transplanted. I may have to look into that myself and find out what binder they use.
I've had some unfortunate events. From accidentally dropping them to see them shatter to seeing one of my nephews thinking it's a brownie and taking a bite, only to spit it out into the sink a moment later. Granted that second incident was rather hilarious for the adults in the kitchen.
Last edited:
That's quite a good little tip. I can't wait to have a space to grow again!
I would assume it's a plant fiber they're using. Ground up and boiled chia seeds or psyllium husk powder. Neither will rot to my knowledge, and don't easily wash away. Popular seeling puck material is coconut hair and peat. They're both inert in terms of bacteria, IIRC.
We tried to get you some, man, we really did. It just never worked out.....so we went with chocolate instead. ;-)
What a lovely thought.
And now, much though I love the La Marzocca GS/3 - and I do - how is the La Marzocco Linea Mini (which has - I must admit - quite taken my fancy) performing for you..........
I received a coupon for $20 off a Keurig this morning while grocery shopping. I'm thinking about trading in the Expobar and getting one of these; afterall, it's $20 off.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Not only is it $20 off that fine producer of espresso, it is much more convenient (not to mention space saving) than that big, clunky, heavy, time wasting monster that you have now.
With that big clunker you have to measure out and weigh the beans, mess around with getting the right grind setting on your grinder, get the tamp pressure constant, time the extraction, and stand there like a big boob while the machine dispenses some coffee.
With that beautiful new, $20 off, Keurig machine you just pop in that wonderful little coffee thingy, push a button and, presto, you have your coffee. No muss, no fuss, no messing about.
It's a no-brainer… the choice is absolutely clear.
Dump that monstrous, messy, time consuming Expobar thing and go for the convenience of the Keurig.
(of course, it will take a little time to get used to the stale, foul tasting excuse for a coffee… but convenience is everything.)
Not only is it $20 off that fine producer of espresso, it is much more convenient (not to mention space saving) than that big, clunky, heavy, time wasting monster that you have now.
With that big clunker you have to measure out and weigh the beans, mess around with getting the right grind setting on your grinder, get the tamp pressure constant, time the extraction, and stand there like a big boob while the machine dispenses some coffee.
With that beautiful new, $20 off, Keurig machine you just pop in that wonderful little coffee thingy, push a button and, presto, you have your coffee. No muss, no fuss, no messing about.
It's a no-brainer… the choice is absolutely clear.
Dump that monstrous, messy, time consuming Expobar thing and go for the convenience of the Keurig.
(of course, it will take a little time to get used to the stale, foul tasting excuse for a coffee… but convenience is everything.)
There is clearly something eccentric and irrepressibly giddy in the air when both of you are conspiring to seem to slum it, in caffeine and coffee terms.
Mock the Expobar at your peril - that beautiful machine will deliver you from coffee prediction and offer sublime espresso for at least the next decade, if properly cared for.
Are you suggesting that @SandboxGeneral and I are, at times, well...foolish and silly!?
Now, you are undoubtedly correct about that man, @SandboxGeneral...but moi!?
Never...I'm always serious, solemn, and earnest.
Well, my colleague was trying to sing operatically at me (to me?) earlier today, between erupting into fits of giggles, so - these days at least - occasional bouts of giddy silliness seem to be de rigueur.
But - I will admit to some small surprise that this is taking place about coffee....
Today was ushered in by an espresso - offered spontaneously by the hotel staff - after breakfast (and very nice, it was, too), and we had another after lunch.
Now: A dilemma. Of sorts. For which I require advice, tendered by the denizens of this thread.
I am Elsewhere just now, but an Elsewhere with an interesting history. In an "Antiquariat" shop (store to our transatlantic cousins), my colleague and our local staff spotted some antique coffee grinders (their purchases included some wonderful old LPs). I was not with them, as I was busy writing a report at the time.
They had sought an antique pepper grinder (yes, there is a common train of thought running through here) for me, but, on their return, announced that they had found antique coffee grinders instead (you know the ones with those lovely little drawers ....)
After a very formal meeting, the following day, we repaired for a coffee (naturally enough) and then headed off to this "Antiquariat" store, whereupon I inspected the lovely wooden coffee grinders; granted, they had seen better days, but this is a large city with several antiquarian/antique shops, or stores.
Mind you, I did succumb and buy a small solid silver spoon.......an antique, over a century old, with the fascinating assay marks of a vanished culture and time. Perfect for the sugar bowl, methinks.
I seem to have this thing for antique silver spoons; my staff were wondering whether I would desire to purchase yet more antique spoons from the several forgotten but contradictory ages of this country's compelling and sanguinary history.
Now, my esteemed friends and mentors: If an antique coffee grinder from this strange and interesting land comes to my attention, what thoughts - if any - have you that you may wish to share with me on the matter?
Now: A dilemma. Of sorts. For which I require advice, tendered by the denizens of this thread.
I am Elsewhere just now, but an Elsewhere with an interesting history. In an "Antiquariat" shop (store to our transatlantic cousins), my colleague and our local staff spotted some antique coffee grinders (their purchases included some wonderful old LPs). I was not with them, as I was busy writing a report at the time.
They had sought an antique pepper grinder (yes, there is a common train of thought running through here) for me, but, on their return, announced that they had found antique coffee grinders instead (you know the ones with those lovely little drawers ....)
After a very formal meeting, the following day, we repaired for a coffee (naturally enough) and then headed off to this "Antiquariat" store, whereupon I inspected the lovely wooden coffee grinders; granted, they had seen better days, but this is a large city with several antiquarian/antique shops, or stores.
Mind you, I did succumb and buy a small solid silver spoon.......an antique, over a century old, with the fascinating assay marks of a vanished culture and time. Perfect for the sugar bowl, methinks.
I seem to have this thing for antique silver spoons; my staff were wondering whether I would desire to purchase yet more antique spoons from the several forgotten but contradictory ages of this country's compelling and sanguinary history.
Now, my esteemed friends and mentors: If an antique coffee grinder from this strange and interesting land comes to my attention, what thoughts - if any - have you that you may wish to share with me on the matter?
Last edited:
As an interesting and attractive decorative piece, it sounds like something to consider.
As a practical grinder for coffee, not so much. As old as it is, the grinding burrs are undoubtedly very dull and worn. And as far as being reasonably adjustable for varying the grind...I'm sure it's age disallows that.
So as an interesting antique it is worth considering. As a practical and usable grinder I think it's age disqualifies it for that service.
Hmmm.
Yes, I had wondered about that.
Agreed, I doubt that these I inspected could be used, but I have an odd feeling........that my staff will engage in some eager and enthusiastic research with a view to encouraging future purchases.
They are so thrilled when we buy anything, and happily stupefied at some of the stuff we do actually buy. (LPs by Chaliapin, for example, bought by my colleague....and my single silver spoon - with a price tag that struck me as perfectly reasonable but would possibly count as somewhat extravagant here was studied with an air of absorbed fascination. "Do you need more spoons?" is a question I expect to hear. And I think suggestions will be made as to the discovery of coffee grinders and pepper grinders....)
I was sent the wrong coffee.
That happened to me last Christmas when - immediately after the Christmas rush, probably on account of that same Christmas rush (I thought I had managed to get the order in before Christmas, but - precisely because it was Christmas, I missed the changed deadline by a few hours) - a company sent me the wrong beans.
Fortunately, I had kept the email containing the details of my order; anyway, they were very good about it, as they told me to keep the beans and sent me the correct ones (Ethiopian) within a matter of days.
Yes. I'm not sure where you ordered from, but in the US it's considered some kind of code violation to accept returned food unless it was expired and has to be destroyed immediately. After drinking light roasts, going to a quality dark one is awful.
The British Isles.
Well, as the coffee beans had been roasted a matter of a very few days before they sent me the (wrong) ones, there was no question of expiry issues.
However, they promptly sent me freshly roasted beans - this time the correct ones, - and we had a very pleasant email exchange while this was being arranged.
As I am not from the US - and have never encountered this particular product - the frisson of horror it seems to evoke does not provoke the same reaction in me.
However, in Europe, you will usually get 'best before' dates on almost everything that is sealed.
We have just completed yet another hotel move - and have now found ourselves back where we started in a sort of completion of some weird cosmic circle.
The meant that we needed our staff for an hour or two - with their cars and other skills - on a Sunday. Worse, the espresso machine had suffered a temporary cardiac arrest in the other hotel, so I have been without espresso today, a deficiency that shall soon be remedied.
Fellow educators having conferences at hotels or fellow educators having conferences on conferences at hotels?