[Austin]

Well welcome back!

[Spyder]

Nice cup collection... where did you find most of them?

Regarding bright espresso... I find more artisan roasters are branching out into the fruity/floral/bright ranges of espresso. I have sampled quite a few over the last 4-5 months that were turn-offs for me. One had very strong notes of lemon peel. I had to toss what was left. Was appreciative of getting free samples to test, but out of 5 coffees from one particular roaster I would only keep 1 of them. AND this is a nationally recognized roaster, but I won't bother naming names.

[Spyder]

Nice machine... made by QuickMill right? Kind of reminds me of the Isomacs, which are also really nicely built home machines. Recently rebuilt an Isomac Relax for a local woman and was impressed with the quality of internal parts/plumbing. I just hope she uses the thing instead of putting it in her basement improperly stored/full of hard water for 2+ years like she did the last time... then she wondered why it wouldn't pump any water.

Your grinder looks to be a Macap stepless. How do you find it to be?

[bigmike787]

Nice work! I've thought about taking the Barista course out at Cuvee coffee near Austin. It's $275 for the class though, so I haven't wanted to pony up that money.

[Spyder]

To learn what exactly? Seems as if you already know what most barista courses will teach, unless you're wanting to get more into machine maintenance, latte art, etc.

A few years ago I was invited to a "Coffee College" at what would end up being our current roaster/supplier for all things coffee. It was free for me, but to be honest the only thing I improved upon knowledge-wise was bean origin, processing and roasting. Everything else I was good on from being self-taught at home. If more and more people have good equipment in front of them along with fresh coffee alot can be done with simple trial-and-error. I'm even thinking about offering a few simple courses in our van. Let the person ride along with me and watch how I interpret a person's ideal drink then bring that drink to life. Nothing is better than watching a customer take the first sip and saying "perfect." We do take alot of pride in being able to nail a drink the first time with most customers. Great product AND great customer service is our motto. Without both you're just another coffeeshop!

[Nostalgia]

Thanks everyone To answer your questions...

Originally Posted by Spyder

Nice cup collection... where did you find most of them?

Most are Ritzenhoff, which I bought at their USA store (which now appears to be closed). I love the artwork.

Originally Posted by Spyder

Nice machine... made by QuickMill right? Your grinder looks to be a Macap stepless. How do you find it to be?

Yes, a Quickmill Vetrano. It's built like a tank. I had it apart because the motor was making an odd noise, and the internals are very nice as well.

It's a Macap M4. I dearly love it I wrote a review on Epinions.

Originally Posted by bigmike787

Nice work! I've thought about taking the Barista course out at Cuvee coffee near Austin. It's $275 for the class though, so I haven't wanted to pony up that money.

That does seem excessive. If you're ever in NJ I'll teach you for $200 But really, just watch Youtube videos and make a lot of coffee. It's not all that hard.

Cheers!

-Joe

[thetalkinghead]

I'm sure it's already been said, but that's very cool. Someday I hope to have a skill, of some sort, that will let me blow peoples minds when they least expect it.

[Austin]

He just got his machine up and running after his move, I'm hoping he will give us a few more videos.