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Typical morning, coffee and Wall Street Journal. Early morning quiet is good for recharging.

Early morning is good for re-charging, agreed, and wonderful for enjoying a piping hot mug of coffee.

In my experience, there is no more pleasant and palatable coffee in the day than the first exquisite mug (or cup) of coffee in the morning.
 
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Early morning is good for re-charging, agreed, and wonderful for enjoying a piping hot mug of coffee.

In my experience, there is no more pleasant and palatable coffee in the day than the first exquisite mug (or cup) of coffee in the morning.

I am with you. The very first sip feels like being in contact with the whole universe if for just a few seconds.
 
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I am with you. The very first sip feels like being in contact with the whole universe if for just a few seconds.

Nectar. Pure nectar.

And I am in complete agreement with you.

Especially if you are relaxed and not driven by deadlines or meetings, and can sit, relaxed, with the paper (is there anything more civilised than sitting with a morning coffee and an actual newspaper?)

This is what I really enjoy my Sunday morning coffee like no other; relaxed pottering, preparation, reading and sipping and savouring.
 
Nectar. Pure nectar.

Indeed.

Especially if you are relaxed and not driven by deadlines or meetings, and can sit, relaxed, with the paper (is there anything more civilised than sitting with a morning coffee and an actual newspaper?)

Oh my friend, how right you are! It's just the unique experience of calmly gaining knowledge of world affairs enhanced by the distinctive aroma and flavor of coffee. It's the true way to begin a day - I often meditate while the coffee is brewing - with one of the best, and simplest of the possible ways to do so. It is incredible how reading editorial and op-eds, even those I personally disagree with, while sipping some joe becomes a pleasant and informative session. I think that it goes in a similar way when we drink a glass of some good scotch - or any favorite alcohol, wine included - while we read a book at night, no matter how in disagreement we find ourselves in with the author. It's just one of those things that... beautify life.

This is what I really enjoy my Sunday morning coffee like no other; relaxed pottering, preparation, reading and sipping and savouring.

This is truly an splendid way to start a Sunday morning.

I know that you don't really like Starbucks, but last week was very very tiring for me, so I ended oversleeping on Sunday (which is can be a nice thing). While I was in the midst of my morning slumber, my wife decided to go to a nearby Starbucks to buy me a cup of coffee so that I could have some hot coffee as soon as I woke up. There is probably nothing better for me than waking up to my beautiful and loving wife, and a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee ready for me.
 
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Woke up and prepared a nice cup of coffee, French press.
Sipped it while reading the newspapers, but this time I switched from easy jazz music to the amazing piano of Ludovico Einaudi. Pleasant for the taste buds as it was for my ears.
 
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Woke up and prepared a nice cup of coffee, French press.
Sipped it while reading the newspapers, but this time I switched from easy jazz music to the amazing piano of Ludovico Einaudi. Pleasant for the taste buds as it was for my ears.

I love Ludovico Einaudi, but I find that he responds to a particular mood - he would not be everyday listening.

But, on the right morning, with the right coffee, he would be just perfect.
 
Coffee and WSJ, no music today. I only had time to read the WSJ.

No music?

Still, coffee and (physical) paper is almost as good as it gets.

Even now, when abroad, there are few more civilised experiences on the planet than sitting at a pavement café - the sort that serves good coffee - with a good quality newspaper, or periodical, and reading, sipping and watching the world go by.
 
Still, coffee and (physical) paper is almost as good as it gets.

True. Well, almost true... today the Wall Street Journal read more like a Lovecraftian tale.....

Even now, when abroad, there are few more civilised experiences on the planet than sitting at a pavement café - the sort that serves good coffee - with a good quality newspaper, or periodical, and reading, sipping and watching the world go by.

Absolutely true. I also love to read local papers whenever I can either understand the language or at least some words of it. IF I travel within the US, I try to always buy the local papers. When I travel abroad, I try to find a newspaper, if anything to look at the pictures. I always find something interesting within them.
 
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Porridge, three butter fried eggs on top, crumbled feta, sambal sauce. Delicious. Bless the Malay for coming up with a flavorful pepper sauce.
 
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I’m thinking to start drinking espressos again and plan to replace my machine. Which machine are you using?
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When I travel abroad, I try to find a newspaper, if anything to look at the pictures. I always find something interesting within them.

That’s a good idea merely for safety reasons. (Perhaps that was your context? I’m reading the thread in descending order.) Tucking a local paper under your arm and a carrying a domestic beverage helps lessen the image you’re a clueless foreigner and a sitting duck target.
 
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Sambal sauce on porridge?

Wow. Yum.

Now, that is something I would not have considered as a culinary pairing.

Must advise against a traditional sambal sauce. Seek one without garlic in it or it may trigger heart burn in the morning, not to mention bad breath. Instead, it's much like a thick pepper sauce with seeds and good stuff. Bright flavors abound.

I’m thinking to start drinking espressos again and plan to replace my machine. Which machine are you using?
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That’s a good idea merely for safety reasons. (Perhaps that was your context? I’m reading the thread in descending order.) Tucking a local paper under your arm and a carrying a domestic beverage helps lessen the image you’re a clueless foreigner and a sitting duck target.

What's your budget?


Yep. Granted when I was overseas for work back then, a fair amount of us knew a language other than English. Still stick out due to driving a massive American SUV around. Usually I recommend people dress the part, too. Though this has its limitations. Like I said before. It's easy to spot Americans overseas due to how loud we can get or at least those who are natives and not naturalized. Clothing does matter. The British are easy to spot because they're almost always drunk in public past dusk.

Also helps if you're quick on your feet. In all my time I've only had to react once to someone overseas and that was on my own for pleasure when I was younger. I'm much a fan of the classic wrist lock with one hand, grab throat with the other and forcefully shove the person into a wall, taking care not to let their head slam against it too hard.

I was carrying a shopping bag with some friends I'd gone to Europe to explore with. Guy comes up and as he passes he tried to slip his hand inside to grab what he could to run away with. Probably had 10 years on me and more meat. But I also towered over him with my height.

I'm less forgiving when it comes to hurting someone nowadays. In my youth I did various martial arts, hand to hand, and some wrestling. Mostly at the insistence of my father. It did pay off, I suppose. It's much easier to simply shoot someone now.
 
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Not a dime more than the Bezzera Strega which if you’re looking for a birthday gift idea....
My birthday was a while back, but I don't need another machine. That's a very good budget, to be frank with you. I was expecting you to say something under $1,200. What particular features do you need or rather what do you want? Multiple ports? Multiple steam wands? Double boiler? Easy clean and maintenance?
 
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My birthday was a while back, but I don't need another machine. That's a very good budget, to be frank with you. I was expecting you to say something under $1,200. What particular features do you need or rather what do you want? Multiple ports? Multiple steam wands? Double boiler? Easy clean and maintenance?

I have (had) an Elektra but don’t like it much so it’s unused.

Reputable and safe, lever operated (so stable), uncomplicated, three colored shots with good crema, strong steam, large reservoir. Single boiler and wand is fine.
 
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I have (had) an Elektra but don’t like it much so it’s unused.

Reputable and safe, lever operated (so stable), uncomplicated, three colored shots with good crema, strong steam, large reservoir. Single boiler and wand is fine.
I'd look at Rocket dealers then. They're always a safe bet. ECM isn't bad either but it's hard to find an authorized dealer that caters to prosumer. It's also German or Dutch and not Italian made. In any case, I'd read reviews extensively and watch as many videos as you can on particular models. I'd avoid first or even 2nd gen models just because they have slight issues that don't show up until your deep into ownership or years down the line.

From a design standpoint, you'd probably love ECM's stuff because it's very beautiful and well crafted, but like I said, dealers are thin unless an authorized dealer can handle send back and repair for you.

If you were to find an extra $500 under a couch cushion, you'll open even more doors or aftermarket parts that improve on already excellent machines for that perfect shot.
 
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