Hi,

I am still a few weeks to months from returning to the Northwest. Months with no home made espresso or the good stuff from Stumptown, Vivace, Doma, or the rest. I've seen at least one HBer listed from Houston. Can anyone help me with my quest before I forget what good espresso shots taste like?

I tried a coffeehouse today here. The barista advised me that their usual four ounce shot would not fit in a ceramic cup. I persisted and she suggested she could pull one ounce shots. I was intrigued by the pod that she produced, having never drank pod espresso before, but was unable to do more than sip the resulting brew.

Thanks,

Chert

EDIT: I changed the title of this thread. (8.22.2011)

Yes, that would be nice to know. The SCAA Expo will be in Houston in 2011.

In short, none.

Houston is a coffee wasteland. Although, it is possible a new cafe opened that I don't know of because I quit looking a year ago.

If you want a mediocre shot try cafe Salento in Rice Village. Catalina Coffee on Washington Ave. seems promising but every shot I have had there is bitter and disappointing.

I want to say I have heard talk of a newer place that opened that is supposed to be good. If JonR10 or Shadowfax don't chime in on this thread I suggest you send them PMs and ask directly.

brad

gadflea wrote:Catalina Coffee on Washington Ave. seems promising but every shot I have had there is bitter and disappointing.

That's surprising -- I have heard good things about Catalina (never been). They've hosted some latte art throwdowns and use good equipment and beans.

I know. I thought Houston finally had a real cafe but that has definitely not been my experience.

gadflea wrote:I know. I thought Houston finally had a real cafe but that has definitely not been my experience.

All I can say is maybe you should try Catalina again.

It seems odd to me that you have only had poor coffee there, my experience has been just the opposite. At the worst they have been passable to good and at the best they have pulled me some very lovely shots. The last time Max made me a cappa it was quite good.

They recently aquired a Synesso multigroup machine and they're using a Mazzer Kony grinder. Honestly, the espresso a bit more to my liking when they used Hopson coffee. Now they roast their own and gthe last shot I had there was still quite nice, but the blend contains more Sumatra than is my preference.

Anyway - coffeegeek types are always welcomed at my house. You can usually get a decent espresso shot here, and a pretty fair cappuccino as well.

Jon,

When was the last time you visited Catalina? Seems like Max has changed his main blend a few more times since the early summer. IIRC he's up to Espresso 2.0, and I think he's offered a couple of others (which I haven't tried). Anyway, the only straight shots I've ever enjoyed at Catalina were pulled by Max himself. I've had shots pulled by a couple of other baristas and not cared for them very much. I tend to get a straight shot whenever Max is in, but I usually come in the late afternoons or on the weekends, so I sadly don't see him often. If he's not in, it's a coin-toss between a cappuccino and a macchiato for me. My test size for bad straight shots is very small, so I'd hold my judgment on that one. I'd give their short milk drinks a good rating, and my test size there is considerably larger, though still rather small--it's hard to motivate myself to go out for coffee in Houston when I can make it myself in my living room, especially since for me the preparation is a big part of the fun!

Even at their worst, Catalina is head and shoulders above probably 99% of shops in Texas. I'd like to hear more of Tyler's experience, and also call you out, man. There's a decent few home-baristas in Houston... you should hang out with us.

Flint, in addition to Jon's invite, you're welcome to come to my place. I live in an apartment near the Galleria at roughly San Felipe and I610, so chances are I'm close if you're in the downtown area (Jon's a much longer drive if that's where you are), and I also usually work from home so I tend to be available during the day. I'm PMing you with my info if you want to come hang out. I've got a small selection of Texas-roasted coffees on tap at the moment. You're welcome to make a habit of coming over during your stay, and naturally you're welcome to make your own. Probably as a couple of weeks pass I'll even have some West Coast coffee for you, if you like!

Once more HB comes through when I need some information. Thanks to JonR10 and Shadowfax. I will check out Catalina on Washington. The invitations to see another HBers setup and espresso making style are also welcome!

I happen to follow Max Gonzalez, the owner of Catalina, on Twitter (@CatalinaCoffee). Max tweeted this morning after his first day back from CoffeeFest in Seattle...


Latté art skills that put me to shame... A Christmas tree with a very heavy, upside down heart for a topper. I'd drink that (or preferably something a bit smaller ).

I'd humbly submit that anyone who thinks Houston is a coffee "wasteland" doesn't have a very good handle on what that means (that, or I'm misunderstanding, and all the places with only Starbucks and 'wholesome' 'mom and pop' shops purveying stale imported crap pulled on unflushed heat exchanger machines is something even worse, say, coffee 'hells'). In any case, Catalina's worth a trip to visit and judge for yourself!