New Verve-based cafe

Have not checked it out, but they have Slayer machine. That makes 4 Barrel, Siteglass, and now these dudes, all with Slayers.

I preffer Chris' home Andreja, which is what we are using for shots today. Hopefully the PIDs come in tomorrow. Of course, we can still steam on the big boy!

http://coffeeratings.com/review-view.php?ratingId=1167

Whim of the Barista

He doses, he polishes, he cranks the steam on and off, and he pours.

Instant

So we tried out the new starbucks instant coffee. Millions in
research, best chemists at work.. We thought we'd try it.
When it's first brewed you get the burnt starbs aroma.. Then it hit
me. At best it is just going to be f*ing starbucks.
Undrinkable.
Judy says, "Double undrinkable"!
Note: Judy is a good woman- she bought it for me so I wouldn't have to
show my face in a starbucks.

New cafe coming soon..

The Venice coffee scene seems to be evolving. I just saw this sign for
a new cafe opening on Main st serving 49 th parallel. I peeked in and
it looks like they have a synesso so iguess it is pretty serious.

One more reason to organize a southland coffee tour..
K

New Cafe: Red Berry

Phil, Rob, and I tried out Red Berry Coffee Bar in downtown San Jose. It opened in the old Broken Door location. They serve Barefoot, Ecco, and Ritual. Had a capp made with the Boss...very good! Although the cup size was a full six ounces, rather than a comp capp at 5 and change.

The shot of Ritual Snowcone was unimpressive - too thin.

Inspired by the Ranter

I enjoyed a 3-hour tour of coffee with Harris, Ron, and Atsuko last Sunday. Four Barrel, Coffee Bar, doughnut kiosk, and more until we ended up at PI tasting fine beers to take off the caffeine edge.

Bottom line, I came home inspired to make better coffee. I spoke with a man Harris dubs "the Ranter". He works the Doughnut kiosk espresso machine and used to be an espresso machine technician. He advised me to go 8 bars on brew pressure. Brewtus II is set at 11 bars -- Jamie don't know if this is the case with yours too. I also noticed the steam pressure seemed higher on many of the marzoccos we saw.

Come home, put the kids to bed, and cracked open el Brewtus. One days, two calls to technical support, one electrocution, a couple burns on my hands, and several oh sh*t there goes my Brewtus moments later...

Now I have a brew pressure of 7.75 bars and steam pressure up 20%. Can't really say if it was worth it yet. I'll have to give it some time and see if I sense a difference.

WAC Champs!

Dave celebrates the SJSU soccer league champs!