So just yesterday I ordered my Quickmill Andreja from Chris' Coffee. I am really excited. This feels much more exciting than Christmas morning as a kid !!! I also ordered a slew of accessories from espresso parts (i.e. tamper, mat, pitcher, cleaning kit....). I also just got a gram scale in last week. Now I will just sit and wait for UPS to deliver. So, I have a couple sources for locally roasted beans, but wanted to try one of the recognized roasters for comparison. I was thinking about ordering some Black Cat from Intelligentsia. I know there are several great options, and wanted some experienced feed back. Or if anyone here in the DFW area has a great roaster, that might be an even better bit of advice.

Thanks
Josh

Start with Favorite Espresso Blends 2011.

Paradise Roasters Espresso classico gives me very good ristrettos on my Andreja and is
also very tolerant of higher temps (roasted city+, although I mostly have it homeroast a
bit beyond that). That is also quite handy while getting acquainted with this machine imo
(I tended to overshoot a bit initially until I got the flushing routine down pat, ofcourse ymmv).

P.S Congratulations on your choice btw, great machine. I am very satisfied with it.

RedBird Espresso blend from Jeff Pentel at redbirdcoffee.com Most forgiving blend I have run in to.

Kristi wrote:RedBird Espresso blend from Jeff Pentel at redbirdcoffee.com Most forgiving blend I have run in to.

Could not agree more, being a neophyte myself with a 3-month-old AP myself. Starting to make my way down the 2011 Espresso blends list, but RedBird was a real winner.

Kristi wrote:RedBird Espresso blend from Jeff Pentel at redbirdcoffee.com Most forgiving blend I have run in to.

+1 plus the 5# deal is the n00b best friend.
Too many n00b get great gear and attempt dialing with crap coffee

Thanks everyone for you help and recommendations. I ordered and received a pound of the Red Bird espresso and love it. I made my best espresso yet with it. I am still trying to dial in the grind and dose, but already really like the results. Again thanks. Josh.

PS. I am really loving my Andreja, even though my playtime has been very limited because of moving and trying to get the house ready.