布小熊

Well, we don't have an espresso machine at home cos a good one cost a lot.
Most of the time we use either a stove top moka or a french press to brew at home. New addition is a Cuisinart burr grinder. I know that it's not one of nice proper burr grinder but for $30US, I am not going to complain. Since we don't need to grind beans to really fine for making espresso, it's acceptable.

For beans, we usually get them from JJ's and saltspring island (found that those we acutally bought in Saltspring Island was better than those from the pre-packed bags in supermarkets).

Recently just finished up one bag of esspresso roast from a roaster in Kelowna (Cherry Hill) that we bought at our Kelowna trip in the summer.

And now we are using some organic fair trade beans from North Thailand. I was kidding that it must be from the "golden triangle" cos it's so addictive. LOL

I don't drink decafe. I guess I am lucky that I can still sleep after drinking coffee at night.

For cafe, I still haven't and really want to try 49th Parallel. (except from restaurants who use their beans) Favourite drink at cafe is caffe macchiato. (NOT the Starbuck tall size syrupy drink!!)

btw Illy is pretty good. But I just want to try other good roasters as well. So I haven't bought any Illy beans for a long time.

布小熊

btw the Thailand beans are pretty cheap. I got it from costco.
I know some ppl prefer lighter and drip coffee and I like darker brew. It's just personal preference.

布小熊

Well, since I only make coffee on the weekends, convenience, isn't a big thing for me. I enjoy the process of making and drinking a cup of good coffee.
I guess I am old school

布小熊

nespresso!!!

Saeco is good too!!

However, in HK we know where to buy good bean, but not here ..  illy is good, but pricey.... those from starbuck or second cup .. are not bad, but not good...nor fre ...
Catpiano 發表於 2010-1-19 08:25 PM

There are good (well at least to me) beans here. Just need some trail and error to find one that you like. Freshness is one of the key.

布小熊

have you ever tried JJ's Gold Reserved Espresso beans??? every time I want to buy...it is already sold out...
yuusaku 發表於 2010-1-20 09:06 AM

I will try to get some next time when I need to get new ones.
This Thailand bag is so big... it will take me a while to finish....

布小熊

Peugeot grinder is always expensive....
even salt and pepper mills are pricier than regular brands.

布小熊

34# cola14


I think you are talking about crema, all decent espresso machine can produce crema to the espresso.  With the right temperature and right pressure.
Prelude 發表於 2010-2-11 02:49 PM

Can you suggest some model that is good for home use? (with moderate pricing)
An uncle/friend said that the one he has (an Italian brand which I forgot) is really great but it costed him over $1000 and it's huge. (size of a big microwave)

布小熊

Personally dislike starbucks coffee. Usually get beans from Cafe Umbria or JJ Beans. Illy gets a bit too expensive when you drink 2+ cups a day
cola14 發表於 2010-2-10 09:01 PM

I like them too! Where did u get Cafe Umbria beans in Vancouver? (I think the roaster is in Washington state)

布小熊

回復 42# fibbi

I think they create this Blonde Veranda Blend for people who like lighter roast. I guess this finally doesn't taste like burnt charcoal water.

I like dark roast and have been using a  cheap dark roast organic fair trade coffee from Tanzania (Level Ground brand). I am still using my stove top moka and french press at home few months ago... And I have a cuisinart burr grinder.

My current fav cafe is Elysian Cafe on Broadway (near Cambie). But a friend said their coffee is a bit too dark for her liking.

For health reason, I have been off caffeine drinks for a few months now. I tried decaf coffee once at a cafe and found it awful. Any suggestion for drinkable decaf out there?

When I can drink coffee again, I want to try the pour over (drip) at home.

布小熊

From what I've heard decaf coffee is not good for the body. Some process require chemicals to remove ...
stevoo 發表於 2012-6-16 08:17 AM

I guess so.
>_<~~ wonder how long this will last...